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The NACAS South Region Welcomes You

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As the southern region of NACAS, composed of 12 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, we support the mission of our National Association by offering extended, accessible, and regionally-relevant value to our members through a suite of programs designed to foster professional development, facilitate a cherished network of colleagues, and cultivate collaboration. In NACAS South, you have a wonderful opportunity to nurture high-return relationships, enjoy intimate interactions, and develop your leadership skills. We’re excited to show the amazing experiences we have in store for you! 

Select an option below:
  • President's Welcome
  • Benefits
  • CX Conference
  • Volunteer
  • Business Partners
  • Board of Directors
  • Awards & Scholarships
  • Resources
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Exciting Year Ahead – A Message from Your NACAS South President

Dear NACAS South Members,

I am honored to step into the role of President for NACAS South and to serve such a passionate and dedicated group of professionals. Our region has a strong history of collaboration, innovation, and excellence in auxiliary services, and I am excited about what we can achieve together in the coming year.

As we look ahead, my focus will be on three key areas:

  • I want to ensure that NACAS South is an active and engaged resource for you. Expect more communication, updates, discussions, and opportunities to connect with fellow members, share best practices, and stay informed about the latest in our industry. Our State Directors are a great resource to connect on a local level in your area. With such a passionate and helpful group, I can’t help but be excited about things to come with our association.

  • Our region thrives when our members are involved. Whether you’re looking to build leadership experience, expand your network, or contribute your expertise, NACAS provides more ways for you to engage and make an impact. We hope that in the coming year, we’ll be able to create more opportunities for members to get involved, get connected, and grow together as auxiliary professionals.

  • NACAS South is here to support the success of your auxiliary services. We work to foster stronger connections between NACAS resources and your campus, ensuring you have the tools and support needed to drive meaningful change. Over time, we hope to collect more information and feedback on how NACAS South will help be a conduit to your success and help our members understand how to utilize all of the resources, education opportunities, and connections that NACAS provides to support our members.

I look forward to working with each of you and welcome your ideas, feedback, and involvement as we continue to elevate NACAS South. Thank you for your commitment to our region—let’s make this an outstanding year together!

Best regards,
Michael Murphy, M. Ed.
President, NACAS South
Director of Dining and Campus Services, Georgia Southern University

Membership Benefits

Delivering enviable education, exchanges, and experiences

NACAS taps into its robust network of subject matter experts to produce superior professional development programs that will train you on the latest practices, strategies, and models to positively transform campus experiences. From webinars and virtual roundtables to the NACAS Marketplace and the Lounge, you will always find the right resources to fit your needs.

Looking to connect on a more localized level? Your NACAS membership connects you to your region, which hosts networking and education on an annual basis.

Your group membership allows any employee of a member institution or business partner organization can access NACAS online benefits,  member rates, or free access to professional development opportunities.

Digital Benefits Guide 

Membership Video Tutorials

View Events

Taking Auxiliary Services to New Heights

The NACAS South CX conference provides the premier exchange of campus-centric ideas, solutions, and connections to your regional area. Designed and delivered by your own professional peers, this event gives you the best opportunity to isolate your needs and nurture your relationships. At South CX, you can easily seek out other campus service leaders that have similar interests, requirements, and visions for how to empower campus communities.

Save the Date for NACAS South CX 2026

The 2026 NACAS South CX  will take place April 12-15 in Charlotte, NC. Visit the South CX page to learn more! 

South CX Page

 

Volunteer

One of the most important factors in the success of our region is the participation and involvement of our membership. Without it, we couldn’t function. There are endless opportunities for involvement. Committee and volunteer opportunities include: Membership, Constitution & Bylaws, Nominations, and South CX Annual Conference & Expo.

Volunteer

Business Partners

NACAS is a professional trade association that supports the non-academic segment of higher education responsible for generating business through a diverse array of campus services that students need and value – such as food services, bookstores, housing, and transportation. NACAS South is comprised of a 12-state region of the U.S., from Texas to Florida and as far north as Kentucky, and also Puerto Rico.  Membership in NACAS South offers business partners numerous advantages to reach the higher education market, which generates more than $39 billion dollars annually from campus services. We’d love to share with you the many opportunities you have to build your brand on the many campuses located in NACAS South!

Business Partner Benefits

Awards & Scholarships

NACAS South is committed to helping members of the South Region take advantage of awards and scholarships. This is one way the region can give back and support the membership initiatives of the Association.

The award and scholarship nominations for 2025 have closed. 

NACAS South Board of Directors
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Michael Murphy, M.Ed.

PRESIDENT

Director of Campus Services and Dining
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, GA

Contact Me

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Robin Parker

PRESIDENT - ELECT

Director, Marketing and Strategic Initiatives
Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond, LA

Contact Me

 

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Brian Browning, CASP, RENE

PAST PRESIDENT

Associate Vice Chancellor, Campus Operations & Real Estate, Division of Finance & Administration 
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN

Contact Me
Bryan Varin

Bryan Varin

VICE-PRESIDENT

Senior Director of Auxiliary Support Services
University of Georgia
Athens, GA

Contact Me

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Bernadette Chavira-Trull

SECRETARY

Director Supply Stores
University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL

Contact Me
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Jack Burgess

TREASURER

Financial Management Analyst
Duke University
Durham, NC

Contact Me
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Richard Owens

REGIONAL CONFERENCE COORDINATOR

Director Conference and Event Services UNT Division of Student Affairs 
University of North Texas 
Denton, TX

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Deborah Huebler, CASP

MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR

Executive Director, Auxiliary Services
University of Houston
Houston, TX

Contact Me

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Esmeralda Valdez, Ph.D., CASP

SOUTH REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

Executive Director, University Services
University of Houston
Houston, TX

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Term Ends: November 2025

Bill Cox

Bill Cox, CASP

SOUTH REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

Associate Director, Facilities Management
Texas A&M University
College Station, TX

Contact Me

Term Begins: November 2025

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Gregory Bryant

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

Vice President of Business Services
Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View, TX

Contact Me

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Jamal Featherstone, M.S.

COMMUNICATIONS /  TECHNOLOGY COORDINATOR

Director of Marketing & Communications for Campus Enterprises
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Greensboro, NC

Contact Me

NACAS South State Directors
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Nancy Santiago

FLORDIA

Director of Auxiliary Services
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL

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Neil McMillion

ALABAMA

Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Huntsville, AL

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Peter Groenendyk

NORTH CAROLINA

Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs for Campus Living
East Carolina University 
Greenville, NC

Contact Me

 

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Tracie Brown

OKLAHOMA

Assistant Vice President, Student Union Business Affairs
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK

Contact Me

 

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Michelle Safewright

TENNESSEE

Director of Housing
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN

Contact Me

 

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Connie Davis

LOUISIANA

Associate Vice President
Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond, LA

Contact Me

 

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Kamesha Hill

MISSISSIPPI

Director, Auxiliary Enterprises
Jackson State University
Jackson, MS

Contact Me

 

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Lee Myers MBA

TEXAS

Associate Vice President of Facilities
Florida Tech
Melbourne, FL

Contact Me

 

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Ashleigh Parr

SOUTH CAROLINA

Director of Campus Services
College of Charleston
Charleston, SC

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Stephanie Nakamura

GEORGIA

Executive Director
University of North Georgia 
Dahlonega, GA

Contact Me

 

Rosa De La Rosa

KENTUCKY

Technical Project Specialist
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY

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Regional Rising Star Award

This award focuses on a documented successful career of an up-and-coming individual or central management organization in the area of auxiliary services who is known for their innovative, meaningful contribution to the improvement of their profession and to the efficiency of their institution. 

Regional Mentor Award

This award recognizes a member in each region who has shown initiative in welcoming newcomers and promoting/encouraging involvement of members at the regional/national level.

Lifetime Achievement Award

This award is given annually to an individual who has excelled in the field of auxiliary services. The recipient should be a role model for aspiring auxiliary service professionals, and the recipient’s action must have benefitted both their institution and higher education. 

2025 Daniel Ray Townsend Sr. Scholarship

This scholarship offers funding for attendance at the annual NACAS South Conference for selected Auxiliary Professional. Applications are only accepted from employees of colleges or universities that are in the NACAS South region.

First-Time Conference Attendee Scholarship 

This scholarship offers funding for attendance at the annual NACAS South Conference for selected FIRST-TIME ATTENDEES. Applications are only accepted from employees of colleges or universities that are in the NACAS South region.

NACAS South Graduate Student & New Professionals Scholarship

This scholarship offers funding for two NACAS South members, a graduate student and a new professional, to be selected to attend the annual NACAS South Conference. Applications are only accepted from employees of colleges or universities that are in the NACAS South region.

CASP Scholarship

The CASP (Certified Auxiliary Services Professional) Candidate Program allows for three NACAS South members to be selected each year to take the CASP certification exam during one of two virtual sessions, with the testing paid for by NACAS South. Should the CASP Candidate pass the exam, NACAS South will cover the candidate's registration fees for the NACAS South conference during their year of candidacy (the candidacy year is fiscal year July 1, 2024 -­ June 30, 2025).

 

 

 

 

Outstanding Collaboration/Partnership Award

This award is presented to a unique, innovative or distinctive partnership that benefits the university/college, its respective community, and Business Partner(s), if applicable. This award will be presented to the best or most outstanding partnership or collaboration between:
  • Two or more universities/college
  • Departments or various units within a University or College
  • University departments and students
  • University and business partner or other relevant combination