ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – The National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Foundation Board has selected Shelia Higgs Burkhalter, vice president for student affairs at Winthrop University, as a Pillar of the Profession.
The non-profit organization regards the Pillars of the Profession recognition as one of its highest honors. The achievement pays tribute to a select group of people who have served as leaders, teachers, mentors and scholars in student affairs and higher education. The recognition involves raising funds to support the NASPA Foundation as it provide resources to develop the next generation of leaders in student affairs.
As a member of the Class of 2023, Burkhalter will be one of 18 pillars recognized at NASPA’s annual conference awards celebration on April 4 in Boston, Massachusetts.
She is grateful to the individuals who thought her worthy of this wonderful recognition. “It is humbling to be recognized as a NASPA Pillar for doing exactly what my student affairs mentors and sponsors have done—developing students, shaping professionals, and supporting careers," Burkhalter said. “As I mourn the recent death of one of my mentors, Dr. Theresa A. Powell, a 2003 NASPA Pillar, I am proud to carry on her legacy of student development, advocacy, and support.”
Colleagues have praised Burkhalter for her leadership and vision during her 28 years of higher education experience at both public and private institutions. Kinyata Adams Brown, associate dean for engagement, diversity and inclusive excellence at Winthrop, said Burkhalter has made important changes at Winthrop since her arrival in 2018.
“Under her leadership, student affairs staff members and colleagues have experienced a revitalized sense of purpose because of her ability to galvanize groups, her empathy for students, and her talent for developing others,” Brown said. “Staff members in the Division of Student Affairs and campus partners appreciate her transparent leadership, student centeredness, and collaborative approach.”
As a first-generation graduate, Burkhalter has been a champion for first-generation student success and helped guide efforts for Winthrop to receive a First-gen Forward designation from The Center for First-generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA and the Suder Foundation. Her constant advocacy for others, particularly first-generation and veteran students, has defined her career.
Affectionately known by students as “Shiggs,” Burkhalter is known as an accomplished speaker, facilitator, and executive and leadership transitions coach who believes in people, values and leading with heart. She has served on a variety of NASPA roles to help foster minority and female advancement and was presented the NASPA Region II Fred Turner Award for Outstanding Service to the association in 2015.
In 2017, Burkhalter co-wrote the book chapter “Taking the Job Search to the Next Level” in “Careers in Student Affairs: A Holistic Guide to Professional Development in Higher Education.” She recently completed a chapter for the book “Brave Women: Stories of Resilience” published by Hunter Street Press, which made its debut in October 2022 and has become an Amazon bestseller.
Burkhalter earned a Managerial M.B.A. from the University of Arkansas – Fayetteville, a master’s degree in student affairs administration from Indiana University-Bloomington and a bachelor’s degree in mass communication and political science from Southeast Missouri State University.
For more information, contact Burkhalter at burkhalters@winthrop.edu.
