Ashley Spicer-Runnels, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, is the Assistant Vice Provost for Academic Affairs at Texas A&M University-San Antonio. In this role, she works closely with academic leaders and other administrators to create policies and procedures for academic success and degree completion. Previously she served as the Assistant Vice President for Student Success at A&M-San Antonio where she oversaw a unique combination of departments that collaborated to increase retention and strengthen student engagement. Dr. Spicer-Runnels completed a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies, a Masters in Business Administration, and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership. Her professional experience over the last 13 years has included working in the following functional areas: Leadership Development, Student Success Programs, Orientation and Transition Programs, Multicultural Affairs, Greek Life, Career Services, Student Conduct, and many others. Her research interests include retention and persistence, student integration and engagement, imposter syndrome, and multiracial students.
Teresa Simpson, Lamar University, currently serves as the Executive Director for The Office of Community Relations, Economic Development and Student Access while holding a faculty position as a Clinical Instructor for Educational Leadership at Lamar University. She has authored more than 10 scholarly publications and has presented more than 50 state, regional, national and international professional development and/or keynote presentations and sessions. She has served as co-chapter author of the book, “Engagement & Employability: Integrating Career Learning Through Cocurricular Experiences in Postsecondary Education” (NASPA Press, March 2017) as well as with the book, “Intercultural Responsiveness in the Second Language Learning Classroom” (IGI Publishing, 2017). Dr. Simpson earned her bachelor’s degree double majoring in History and Literature from the University of Houston - Clear Lake, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Supervision and a Doctor of Educational Leadership in Higher Education Administration from Lamar University. Teresa’s research agenda focuses on intercultural responsive leadership development in the areas of student affairs, student access and student success with a particular interest in the retention and success of first generation college students.