CAS Member Spotlight: The Southern Association for College Student Affairs (SACSA)

​The Southern Association for College Student Affairs (SACSA) is a premier generalist association that supports student affairs professionals and graduate students across the South. Founded in 1949, SACSA has a long history of fostering community, professional development, scholarship, and ethical practice, guided by its core values of inclusiveness, professionalism, and collegiality. What distinguishes SACSA is its close-knit, collaborative atmosphere where professionals at all levels can connect and engage in advancing both the scholarship and practice of student affairs.

SACSA’s mission is to advance opportunities for professional development, scholarship, research, and ethical practice, and to deepen the understanding of issues impacting students and the student affairs profession. These goals align closely with CAS’s commitment to promoting growth, development, and quality practices in higher education. Together, SACSA and CAS reinforce a shared dedication to supporting student success and strengthening the effectiveness of higher education professionals and programs.
Membership in CAS has provided SACSA with valuable tools and frameworks that enhance professional growth opportunities for its members. Through CAS, SACSA is able to offer resources for program development, assessment, and improvement, as well as access to experts and standards at its annual conference. This collaboration allows SACSA members to remain up to date on the latest best practices while delivering high-quality services to students across the South.
CAS standards serve as a blueprint for practitioners, giving SACSA members a reliable and forward-looking guide as the field evolves. One example of this collaboration’s impact is the annual CAS primer offered at the SACSA conference, a tradition that began with former CAS President Ralph Johnson. In addition, Dr. Johnson represented SACSA in the production of the CAS Esports Programs Standards, which provide institutions with a framework to build, assess, and strengthen esports initiatives in higher education. These standards and the accompanying Self-Assessment Guide are available now through the CAS Store:

• Esports Programs Standards
  
• Esports Programs Self-Assessment Guide
  

SACSA also continues to foster engagement with CAS by encouraging professionals to attend its annual conference, where CAS resources and conversations are shared broadly. Looking ahead, SACSA will celebrate a milestone at the 2025 SACSA Conference with NASPA Region III, held November 1–3 in Louisville, KY. Themed “Shining Bright: 75 Years of Brilliance, Reflection and Strength,” the gathering will commemorate SACSA’s history while looking toward an innovative and collaborative future.
Through its partnership with CAS, SACSA strives to create a sense of belonging and provide tools and connections that support professionals at every stage of their careers. Whether new to the field or seasoned in leadership, SACSA members benefit from the shared commitment to advancing student affairs and fostering environments where students thrive.