Magda J. Castineyra is the Dean of The Honors College at Miami Dade College, leading a prestigious honors program that serves high-achieving, diverse students.
With over 20 years of experience at MDC, Castineyra has been a driving force in expanding access to honors education. She previously directed the Honors College Dual Language Program for nine years and also served as Interim Dean before her permanent appointment.
Castineyra holds an Ed.M. in Administration, Planning and Social Policy from Harvard University. Under her guidance, the Honors College has thrived as a model of academic excellence and innovative programming.
Dr. Jennifer A. Lindholm, Ph.D. is Assistant Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and Director of Honors Programs at UCLA. She also serves as UCLA’s Centennial Director for Philanthropy Education.
An accomplished scholar in higher education, Dr. Lindholm’s research has focused on college student development and the faculty experience. She previously served as Associate Director of UCLA’s Higher Education Research Institute, where she led national studies on student and faculty outcomes.
Dr. Lindholm earned her Ph.D. in Higher Education and Organizational Change from UCLA and holds multiple other degrees, including an M.S. and M.A., reflecting her interdisciplinary expertise. She is widely recognized for her contributions to enhancing undergraduate education and fostering student success through honors and enrichment programs.
Dr. Carmen Goldsmith, Ph.D. is the Assistant Vice President for Career Services at the University of South Florida, heading the university’s Center for Career & Professional Development. She has over 25 years of experience in higher education administration, having worked in areas ranging from multicultural affairs and admissions to career development.
Dr. Goldsmith leads a team that prepares students for the workforce through career coaching, employer partnerships, and experiential learning opportunities. She holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction (Higher Education Administration) from USF, as well as an M.P.A. from Florida State University.
Dr. Goldsmith’s breadth of experience and strategic leadership have been pivotal in enhancing student career readiness and in navigating current trends in the job market.
Donna Milakovic, M.B.A. is the Director of Strategic Initiatives at the University of South Florida’s Center for Career and Professional Development. In this role, she develops and implements innovative programs to improve student career readiness and experiential learning university-wide.
Milakovic’s career journey spans the private and nonprofit sectors: she has a background in journalism, served as a chamber of commerce president, and managed technology grant initiatives before entering higher education. She earned her M.B.A. from Utah Valley University and a B.A. in English from Brigham Young University.
A certified Gallup Strengths Coach, Milakovic leverages her diverse experience to build partnerships and creative strategies that help students connect their education with real-world opportunities.
Dr. Brian Kurisky is the Executive Director of the Collaborative Center for Community Engagement at Rutgers University - New Brunswick. In this position, he works with students, faculty, staff, and community partners to engage the Rutgers and New Brunswick/Piscataway communities in engagement both in and out of class.
With a background in advising, High Impact Practices, ePortfolios, and engagement, Dr. Kurisky brings over 15 years of experience in aiding students in successfully navigating college and preparing for life after college.
Brian holds a PhD from Old Dominion University in Higher Education Leadership and his dissertation focused on educational programs of Fraternity alumni advisors to help guide undergraduate members in being successful.
Dr. Darrien Davenport is the Associate Vice President and Dean of Students at Temple University’s Division of Student Affairs in Philadelphia, PA. In this senior leadership role, he oversees student support services, campus engagement initiatives, and holistic well-being programs, drawing on his extensive experience in higher education administration and student advocacy.
With over 2,000 LinkedIn followers and an active voice in higher-ed discussions, Dr. Davenport brings a data-informed perspective to student affairs, including topics like artificial intelligence and civic engagement. His insights and leadership make him a valuable asset in shaping strategic student success priorities at the advisory level.
Dr. Stacey Malaret is the Director of the LEAD Scholars Academy at the University of Central Florida, where she leads innovative leadership development programs for undergraduate students. A UCF alumna with over 20 years in student affairs, she uses frameworks like the Social Change Model to foster ethical, community-minded leaders.
She also teaches leadership courses and mentors students across campus. Recognized for her dedication to student development, Dr. Malaret was honored with NASPA’s Outstanding Service Award for her contributions to leadership education.
Dr. Patty Moran is Assistant Dean in the Undergraduate College at the University of Texas at Austin, where she leads the First-Year Experience and Signature Courses programs. Her work supports new students through initiatives like First-Year Interest Groups, Reading Round-Up, and the nationally recognized Signature Course program, helping ease the transition into college academics and campus life.
With a strong commitment to equity and student success, Dr. Moran has also co-led efforts to better support students with disabilities through faculty training and inclusive practices. Her leadership continues to shape engaging, student-centered learning environments that foster connection, growth, and academic resilience.