
Select an option below:
- About
- 2026-27 DIAL Cohort & Mentors
- Inaugural Cohort & Mentors
DIAL - Developing Impactful Auxiliary Leaders
- In today’s competitive landscape, institutions must attract leaders who bring a wide variety of professional and personal experiences to the table. To support this need, NACAS is excited to introduce the Developing Impactful Auxiliary Leadership Program (DIAL).
- DIAL will support individuals with viewpoints/perspectives historically insufficiently represented (including various groups, communities, cultures, experiences, and abilities) to advance in leadership positions within the auxiliary services & higher education profession.
- The DIAL program is a 2-year commitment with a cohort format that brings up to 10 individuals together for their leadership development journey. Selected participants will receive a scholarship from a competitive application process.
- There is no cost for DIAL scholars who are accepted into the program. DIAL is underwritten through generous donations provided by the NACAS Foundation and the following scholarship funds: Mereese Ladson Scholarship, David H. Lord Scholarship for Exemplary Community Service, and Hassmiller CASP Scholarship.
Applications reopen in 2027
Program Goals
- To advance the careers of DIAL scholars and to accelerate their institution’s success.
- To provide individuals with viewpoints/perspectives historically insufficiently represented in the auxiliary services community with access, support and opportunities for leadership.
- To provide the higher education industry with increased access to a variegated pool of talented leaders.
Who Can Apply
- DIAL candidates must be a professional that brings a perspective shaped by their experiences, culture, community, or abilities that can broaden the positive impact of NACAS/Higher Education and who are currently in the auxiliary services employed as a mid- to senior- level auxiliary services professional (must be an institutional professional, i.e. working on campus).
- Candidates must have demonstrated professional, volunteer, or community service leadership experience and fully commit to all DIAL scholarship benefits.
- NACAS membership is not required, but preference will be given to current NACAS members.
Benefits Provided to Scholars
- Quarterly virtual networking and leadership development programming with the cohort
- Mentorship from senior leaders in auxiliary services and higher education
- All fees covered for the CASP program registration, exam prep, and exam fees
- Two complimentary Conference Registrations, and travel and lodging to C3X for special programming & conference participation
- NACAS membership dues waived for one year for non-member institutions
2026-27 Cohort
Inaugural Cohort
Lauren Antoni
Director • Culinary Services
Sonoma State University (CA - West)
Dr. LeVita Bassett
Operations Manager of Office of Auxiliary Enterprises
Howard University (MD - East)
Keonta Johnson
Assistant Director of Auxiliary Services
Southeastern Louisiana University (LA - South)
Jeremy Leiferman
Associate Vice Chancellor | Student Life
University of MN - Duluth (MN - Central)
Mariah McDaniel
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
University of Georgia - Athens (GA - South)
Enrico Ovalles
Associate Director, Academic Resources
California State University - Long Beach (CA - West)
Carolyn Spencer
Assistant Dining Manager
SUNY - Geneseo College (NY - East)
Trey Terrio
Director of Auxiliary Services
California College of the Arts (CA - West)
David Young
Director of Busch Student Center and Event Services
Saint Louis University (MO - Central)
Inaugural Cohort Mentors
L. Philomen Allen, CASP
Director of Business (Auxiliary) Services
Coppin State University (MD - East)
Robin Black
Auxiliary Services Program Director
University of Houston (TX - South)
Walter Coley
Assistant Director of Auxiliary Service
Truckee Meadows Community College (NV - West)
Mona Liza Colon
Director of Auxiliary Services Campus Stores
Valencia College (FL - South)
A'Darius Porter
Director of Residence Life
Gannon University (PA - East)
Sandra Harrold-Foster
Purchasing & Auxiliary Services Buyer
Oakland Community College (MI - Central)
Charlease Jordan
Operations Spec of Campus Resources
Jackson State University (MS- South)
Shirin Skifstad
Administrative Manager
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (WI - Central)
Allen Thomas
Interim Director of Auxiliary Services
Elizabeth City State University (NC - South)
Pinky Varghese, CASP
Director of Dining
Davidson College (NC - South)
2026-27 Cohort Mentors
Martha Davidson, CASP
Director of Finance
Duke University
Keonta Johnson
Assistant Director of Auxiliary Services
Southeastern Louisiana University
Jeremy Leiferman, CASP
Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Life
University of Minnesota - Duluth
Alfredo Macias
Director Residential Dining & Catering
California State University - Long Beach
Dana Mims
Associate Vice President of Business Services
Bucknell University
Lowa Mwilambwe
Interim Vice Chancellor for Administration and Operations
University of Illinois - Champaign
Adam Nevill, CASP
Director of New Partnerships
Aramark Collegiate Hospitality
Tim Siemens, CASP
Manager of Conference and Accommodation Services
Red Deer Polytechnic
Tyrone Smiley
Executive Director, Auxiliary Services
Middle Georgia State University
Esme Valdez, CASP
Assistant Vice President, University Services
University of Houston - Central
Jared Ceja, CASP
Chief Executive Officer
Cal Poly Pomona Enterprises
Martha Davidson, CASP
Director of Finance
Duke University
Anita Hicks, Ed.D
Director of Conferences
Oakland University
Alfredo Macias
Director Residential Dining & Catering
California State University - Long Beach
Derrick Sawyer
AVP Budgets, Business Services & Risk Manager
Community College of Philadelphia
LaNiece Tyree, MPA, CASP
Assistant Vice President, Auxiliary Services
Howard University
Esme Valdez, CASP
Assistant Vice President, University Services
University of Houston - Central
Gina Vanacore
Executive Director of Housing & Residence Life
University of North Texas
Kristy Vienne
Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration/CFO
Lone Star College