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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  Medium

Lauren Antoni

Director • Culinary Services

Sonoma State University (CA - West)

Dr. LeVita Bassett Medium

Dr. LeVita Bassett

Operations Manager of Office of Auxiliary Enterprises

Howard University (MD - East)

Keonta Johnson

Keonta Johnson

Assistant Director of Auxiliary Services

Southeastern Louisiana University (LA - South)

Jeremy Leiferman-2 Medium

Jeremy Leiferman

Associate Vice Chancellor | Student Life

University of MN - Duluth (MN - Central)

Mariah McDaniel1 Medium

Mariah McDaniel

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

University of Georgia - Athens (GA - South)

Enrico Ovalles Medium

Enrico Ovalles

Associate Director, Academic Resources

California State University - Long Beach (CA - West)

Carolyn Spencer Medium

Carolyn Spencer

Assistant Dining Manager

SUNY - Geneseo College (NY - East)

Trey Terrio - Headshot Medium

Trey Terrio

Director of Auxiliary Services

California College of the Arts (CA - West)

David Young Medium

David Young

Director of Busch Student Center and Event Services

Saint Louis University (MO - Central)

Inaugural Cohort Mentors

L. Philomen Allen

L. Philomen Allen, CASP

Director of Business (Auxiliary) Services

Coppin State University (MD - East)

Robin Black

Robin Black

Auxiliary Services Program Director

University of Houston (TX - South)

Walter Coley

Walter Coley

Assistant Director of Auxiliary Service

Truckee Meadows Community College (NV - West)

Mona Liza Colon

Mona Liza Colon

Director of Auxiliary Services Campus Stores

Valencia College (FL - South)

ADarius Porter

A'Darius Porter

Director of Residence Life

Gannon University (PA - East)

Sandra Harrold-Foster

Sandra Harrold-Foster

Purchasing & Auxiliary Services Buyer

Oakland Community College (MI - Central)

Charlease Jordan

Charlease Jordan

Operations Spec of Campus Resources

Jackson State University (MS- South)

Shirin Skifstad

Shirin Skifstad

Administrative Manager

University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (WI - Central)

Allen Thomas

Allen Thomas

Interim Director of Auxiliary Services

Elizabeth City State University (NC - South)

Pinky Varghese

Pinky Varghese, CASP

Director of Dining

Davidson College (NC - South)

2026-27 Cohort Mentors

Martha Davidson

Martha Davidson, CASP

Director of Finance

Duke University

Keonta Johnson

Keonta Johnson

Assistant Director of Auxiliary Services

Southeastern Louisiana University

Jeremy Leiferman-4

Jeremy Leiferman, CASP

Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Life

University of Minnesota - Duluth

Alfredo Macias

Alfredo Macias

Director Residential Dining & Catering

California State University - Long Beach

Dana Mims

Dana Mims

Associate Vice President of Business Services

Bucknell University

Lowa Mwilambwe

Lowa Mwilambwe

Interim Vice Chancellor for Administration and Operations

University of Illinois - Champaign

Adam Nevill-1

Adam Nevill, CASP

Director of New Partnerships

Aramark Collegiate Hospitality

Tim Siemens

Tim Siemens, CASP

Manager of Conference and Accommodation Services

Red Deer Polytechnic

Tyrone Smiley

Tyrone Smiley

Executive Director, Auxiliary Services

Middle Georgia State University

Esmeralda Valdez

Esme Valdez, CASP

Assistant Vice President, University Services

University of Houston - Central

Jared Ceja Medium

Jared Ceja, CASP

Chief Executive Officer

Cal Poly Pomona Enterprises

Martha Davidson

Martha Davidson, CASP

Director of Finance

Duke University

Anita Hicks Medium

Anita Hicks, Ed.D

Director of Conferences

Oakland University

Alfredo Macias

Alfredo Macias

Director Residential Dining & Catering

California State University - Long Beach

Derrick Sawyer Medium

Derrick Sawyer

AVP Budgets, Business Services & Risk Manager

Community College of Philadelphia

LaNiece Tyree Medium

LaNiece Tyree, MPA, CASP

Assistant Vice President, Auxiliary Services

Howard University

Esmeralda Valdez

Esme Valdez, CASP

Assistant Vice President, University Services

University of Houston - Central

Gina Vanacore Medium

Gina Vanacore

Executive Director of Housing & Residence Life

University of North Texas

Kristy Vienne Medium

Kristy Vienne

Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration/CFO

Lone Star College

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