Directorate Spotlight: James D. Breslin (Past Chair 2015-2016)

Dean of Student Success

Bellarmine University

 

2013-present, I served as chair 2014-2016

 

My time on the directorate board has lead to so many rich, meaningful experiences! I've been fortunate to make so many amazing connection with colleagues from around the world. These have resulted in new research projects, ways to connect students and colleagues with job opportunities, and friendships that have become so important to me. 

 

Moreover, my involvement with CASHE has provided with me exceptional opportunities to engage in the field at a new level. ACPA has been continued to be my professional home as I’ve moved into senior-level work and I have been actively involved in the association for several years. The association has provided me opportunities to leverage my CASHE experiences, including my time as chair, most recently in being elected to serve on the ACPA Governing Board as the Member at Large, Senior Level.

 

I fervently believe that ACPA occupies a critical nexus in our field. As an association, we strive to live our values. I increasingly see the association focusing on its core strengths, particularly on scholarship and professional development opportunities that help professionals foster student learning and development across the field.

 

Within this context, CASHE has a critical role to play. I have long admired our organization because we create a space for all professionals. As higher education continues to evolve, the kind of co-curricular academic support that our commission represents will need increase scholarship, theory, and research to support emerging practices.

 

I am a higher education professional, scholar, and consultant with research interests including student transitions from high school to college, peer-based support programming, college readiness and developmental education, legal issues in higher education, and student cultures on American college campuses.

 

I've traveled to 49 of 50 states in the US.

 

“Our lives are gifts to be spent loving others.”

Because it really encapsulates the approach I try to take to my life, both personally and professionally.