Patterson-Stephens named ACPA president-elect

Shawna Patterson-Stephens, vice president for University Engagement and Student Affairs, has been elected the 88th president of ACPA – College Student Educators International.

Patterson-Stephens will serve as president-elect on the ACPA Leadership Council during the 2026-2027 term before assuming the role of president for a one-year term beginning in March 2027.

“It’s a great opportunity to provide leadership to an association that has supported me for so long,” said Patterson-Stephens, who has been active in ACPA in varying capacities since 2008.

Established in 1924, the American College Personnel Association strives to advance student affairs, engage students and provide professional development for individuals within student affairs.

With more than 6,500 ACPA members worldwide, Patterson-Stephens sees this as great opportunity to not only to gain a better understanding of what’s happening within other conferences and universities, but also to showcase CMU as a leader within the field of student affairs.

“I’m excited to be able to share our brand,” she said. “This is a fantastic opportunity to highlight all the ways that Student Affairs at CMU sets the standard in the field.”

A Central Michigan University alumna, Patterson-Stephens has been a vice president within the university since 2021, leading CMU’s Division of University Engagement and Student Affairs since May 2025.