A photo of five people standing behind two tables with yellow and black table cloths. The tables have stacks of T-shirts on them.
VCU’s Division of Student Affairs was honored for creating a dynamic and inclusive workplace while fostering work-life balance, professional growth and equity for their staff. (Division of Student Affairs)

Dec. 13, 2024

VCU Division of Student Affairs again recognized as a Most Promising Place to Work

The industry honor, which relies heavily on employee feedback, highlights career support and more.

Share this story

By Josh Skillman

For the second year in a row, Virginia Commonwealth University’s Division of Student Affairs has been named one of the Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, in collaboration with the ACPA-College Student Educators International. The honor is awarded to student affairs divisions that create dynamic and inclusive workplaces while fostering work-life balance, professional growth and equity for their staff.

“Receiving this national award is a testament to VCU and the Division of Student Affairs for fostering an environment where both our students and staff can thrive,” said Aaron J. Hart, Ed.D., vice president for student affairs. “It’s a reflection of the culture we’ve intentionally cultivated — one that prioritizes innovation, equity and the well-being of every individual.”

VCU is one of only six institutions among this year’s 22 winners to achieve this distinction for two consecutive years. The recognition is based on employee surveys evaluating areas such as family friendliness, salary, benefits and career support.

A photo of a yellow ring around a black circle. In the middle of the black circle is white test that reads \"Diverse\" \"MOST PROMISING 2025.\" In the yellow ring is black thext that reads \"PLACES TO WORK\" \"IN STUDENT AFFAIRS\"

“Earning this national recognition for a second consecutive year underscores the consistency of our efforts and the dedication of our team,” Hart noted. “It’s an honor that places us among a select group of institutions setting the standard for excellence in student affairs.”

Myriam Kadeba, Ph.D, director of the division’s Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, led the VCU team’s effort to secure the recognition again this year. In collaboration with Student Affairs colleagues Yiyun Jie, Ph.D., and Ijuanzee Isom, they directed the compilation of the division’s submission.

“Every individual who works in Student Affairs — whether IT analysts, nurse practitioners or HR coordinators — is here for the students,” Isom said. “They are at the center of everything we do, and that shared sense of purpose is evident in all our interactions with colleagues.”

The award will be formally presented in February at the ACPA annual convention in Long Beach, California. Click here for a full list of winners for 2025.

Marking more than 40 years of operation, Diverse: Issues In Higher Education is the nation’s only biweekly newsmagazine dedicated exclusively to diversity issues in higher education.