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Jared Tippets
Vice President for Student Affairs | Higher Education Consultant & Speaker | Author | Co-host of the ASCEND Podcast
Jared Tippets serves as the Vice President for Student Affairs at Southern Utah University (SUU), a position he has held since January 2015. In this role, he acts as the Chief Student Affairs Officer and Chief Retention Officer, overseeing a broad portfolio that includes various student services such as academic success, counseling, housing, and student involvement programs.12
Background and Education
Tippets holds a PhD in Higher Education Administration from the University of Kentucky and a Master's degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Missouri. He also earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Information Systems from Utah State University.1 His extensive experience in higher education includes roles at Purdue University and the University of Kentucky, where he focused on student success and leadership development.1
Professional Contributions
In addition to his administrative duties, Tippets is an author and consultant, known for his work on improving student retention rates. He co-hosts the ASCEND Podcast, which discusses strategies for enhancing student success in higher education. His book, "ASCEND to Higher Retention Rates," outlines key areas institutions should focus on to improve outcomes for students.12
Tippets emphasizes creating an inclusive campus environment where all students feel safe and supported. He is committed to fostering open dialogue among students about diverse perspectives, particularly through initiatives like "Pizza and Politics," which encourages discussions on controversial topics.23
Overall, Jared Tippets is recognized for his dedication to enhancing the college experience for students at SUU and beyond, focusing on engagement, support, and community building within higher education.
Highlights
Episode 22 of Season 2 of the ASCEND Podcast is now out! Tune in to hear Eric Kirby, J.D., Ph.D. and I talk about the importance of normalizing the sophomore slump with our students.
You can find this episode of the ASCEND Podcast on your preferred listening platform.
Apple - https://lnkd.in/g9FnskmZ Spotify - https://lnkd.in/gdx9WvWJ Website - https://lnkd.in/g_BF2ZSR
Or, if you prefer reading, you can find these tips and tricks in our book, "ASCEND to Higher Retention Rates: MORE Practical Strategies for Increasing Student Retention, Completion, and Student Success; Volume 2" - https://lnkd.in/g6pDtsQZ
At Southern Utah University we have created a variety of unique initiatives and programming specific to our second-year students. By specifically addressing the sophomore slump and its challenges, we try to demonstrate that we understand and care about the difficulties students may encounter during their second year. This validation can create a sense of belonging and support, reducing the likelihood of students feeling overwhelmed or isolated.
Recognizing that many sophomore students can struggle with direction and purpose in their second year, we created a plan by which sophomore students could receive a free career assessment to help them find clarity. We also created a ‘Welcome Back to Campus’ program just for second-year students, which included events, activities, and a dance. Additionally, we started a sophomore Facebook page for students to connect with new faces and reconnect with old friends. We provide an ice cream party with the President’s Cabinet at the beginning of their sophomore year and a ‘Halfway to Graduation’ BBQ at the end of their sophomore year. Moreover, we have a second-year student speak at our induction ceremony for first-year students and we created a leadership board for our second-year students to offer feedback and to provide guidance on programs and initiatives.
We have found that these types of events provide targeted support, build community, and help foster relationships with faculty and staff. Engaging students during their sophomore year can create a foundation for sustained involvement in the college community throughout their remaining years. This can lead to a stronger bond with the institution and an increased likelihood of completing their degree.
Tune into Episode 21 of Season 2 of the ASCEND Podcast to hear Eric Kirby, J.D., Ph.D. and I talk more about this initiative.
Apple - https://lnkd.in/g9FnskmZ Spotify - https://lnkd.in/gdx9WvWJ Website - https://lnkd.in/g_BF2ZSR
Or, if you prefer reading, you can find these tips and tricks in our book, "ASCEND to Higher Retention Rates: MORE Practical Strategies for Increasing Student Retention, Completion, and Student Success; Volume 2" - https://lnkd.in/g6pDtsQZ
