ASCA Welcomes New Executive Director

• By: ASCA Staff
• On: 05/16/2023 13:32:29
• In: Miscellaneous
• Comments: 0

After an extensive national search, and on behalf of the 2023-2024 Board of Directors, I am pleased to announce the selection of Dr. Tess Barker as the Association for Student Conduct Administration's (ASCA) next Executive Director, effective June 6, 2023.

With an extensive background in both higher education/student affairs and association management, Tess brings a wealth of experience and leadership to ASCA. Her impressive background and accomplishments--including starting a Multicultural Center and obtaining grant funding for two years of operations; providing leadership on the campus response team during the Flint Water Crisis; and national recognition for her work as a scholar-practitioner in the area of higher education law, to name a few--demonstrate her ability to drive innovation and strategic growth, making her an invaluable asset to ASCA.

In her new role, Tess serves as the Chief Executive Officer of ASCA and is responsible for the overall management and operation of ASCA, including overseeing the Central Office team, collaborating with ASCA's instrumental volunteer leadership, and partnering with the Board of Directors to ensure effective implementation and advancement of ASCA's mission, vision, and values. With Tess' dynamic leadership style and ability to effectively collaborate and inspire teams, Tess will undoubtedly lead ASCA into a new era of success and intentional expansion.

Prior to joining ASCA, Tess served in various higher education leadership roles including the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Indiana University Kokomo, Chief of Staff to the Chancellor and the Title IX Coordinator at the University of Michigan-Flint. Additionally, Tess previously served as Executive Director for the Iowa Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Tess holds a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies from the University of Iowa, a juris doctorate from the University of Iowa College of Law, a masters in counseling and college student personnel from the University of Maryland-College Park and a bachelors in political science from the University of Minnesota.

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Tess! We look forward to the exciting journey ahead as ASCA continues to thrive under her leadership. Upon the start of her tenure in June, Tess can be reached at tess@theasca.org

I want to extend my sincerest gratitude and appreciation to the Executive Director Search Committee, who led a tremendously efficient, thoughtful, and collaborative search process.

• Martha Compton, Chair
• Dra. Reyna Anaya
• James Bond
• Patricia Cardoso-Erase
• Chase Stockton
• Dr. Diane Waryold

Finally, I would be remiss to not acknowledge the Association's profound appreciation for Dr. Karen D. Boyd for serving as ASCA's Interim Executive Director since last May. Her unwavering commitment and service to the ASCA was already unprecedented prior to her stepping into this role. During Karen's tenure, she embraced challenges and guided us through uncertain times to ensure a smooth continuation of operations. Thank you, Dr. Boyd for your willingness to step into this role. Further details will be shared in the coming weeks regarding a celebration of Dr. Boyd. 

Christina Parle
2023-2024 ASCA President