Date
March 16, 2026
March
16
MSU Multicultural Center, Rooms A&B
Spring 2026 Raines Colloquium
Leading and Caring for People in a Constantly Changing Higher Education Landscape
Register here
In today’s dynamic higher education landscape, student affairs leaders and faculty are at the forefront of navigating complex challenges—from shifting student and staff needs, community expectations, evolving institutional priorities and cultural change. This moment calls us to lead with bold action, collective engagement, and the courage to hold firmly to our values as we lead toward more just, inclusive and equitable learning, living, and working environments in higher education.
Patricia (Patty) A. Perillo will explore how leadership rooted in relationship, empathy, adaptability, learning and collaboration can effectively support both students and colleagues through continuous change. By emphasizing care-driven and inclusive practices and communication, and shared equity leadership, practical strategies for building community-centered environments will be provided. Real-world examples will highlight how student affairs professionals can partner to create a culture of belonging and purpose. Participants will leave with actionable insights on how to lead with compassion and care, while maintaining effectiveness and adaptability in the face of significant uncertainty and transition.
Patty Perillo is a nationally recognized leader in student affairs with over 30 years of experience fostering learning, inclusion, and community on college campuses. As Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of Maryland, she provides leadership for 16 departments and leads a team of more than 4,000 staff and students. She has also served in leadership roles at Virginia Tech, Davidson College, SUNY, UMBC, and the University of Delaware. A past president of ACPA–College Student Educators International, Perillo is deeply committed to holistic education and collaborative leadership that help students and communities thrive.
Patricia (Patty) A. Perillo will explore how leadership rooted in relationship, empathy, adaptability, learning and collaboration can effectively support both students and colleagues through continuous change. By emphasizing care-driven and inclusive practices and communication, and shared equity leadership, practical strategies for building community-centered environments will be provided. Real-world examples will highlight how student affairs professionals can partner to create a culture of belonging and purpose. Participants will leave with actionable insights on how to lead with compassion and care, while maintaining effectiveness and adaptability in the face of significant uncertainty and transition.
Speaker:
Patricia (Patty) A. Perillo, Ph.D. (she/her/hers), Vice President for Student Affairs, University of MarylandPatty Perillo is a nationally recognized leader in student affairs with over 30 years of experience fostering learning, inclusion, and community on college campuses. As Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of Maryland, she provides leadership for 16 departments and leads a team of more than 4,000 staff and students. She has also served in leadership roles at Virginia Tech, Davidson College, SUNY, UMBC, and the University of Delaware. A past president of ACPA–College Student Educators International, Perillo is deeply committed to holistic education and collaborative leadership that help students and communities thrive.
Time
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Location
MSU Multicultural Center, Rooms A&B