ELMP Faculty and Doctoral Students Showcase Scholarship and Service at the 2026 ASHE Conference

Faculty and doctoral students from the Department of Education Leadership, Management and Policy (ELMP) in the College of Human Development, Culture and Media (CHDCM) presented their research and participated in scholarly and networking activities at the Association for the Study of Higher Education’s (ASHE) annual conference.

One of the field’s premier events, ASHE 2026 brought together leading scholars, higher education professionals and emerging researchers from across the country and around the world to engage in discussions on critical issues affecting higher education. ELMP faculty and students participated in paper presentations, scholarly sessions and networking opportunities and were able to share their research, exchange ideas and contribute to ongoing conversations shaping the future of higher education. Drawing on the University's commitment to research and academic excellence, both ELMP faculty and doctoral students represented Seton Hall while gaining valuable professional and scholarly experience.

A faculty research paper titled “Rethinking Student Debt Burden: Evidence from Two Decades of College Graduates” was presented by Rong Chen, Ph.D., professor and chair of ELMP.

Among the student participants was Tim Awojobi, a doctoral student in ELMP noted the significance of engaging in a conference that brings together scholars from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. “Participating in ASHE 2026 as a volunteer and session chair provided an invaluable opportunity to engage with scholars, exchange innovative ideas, and foster meaningful collaborations that advance research, leadership, and excellence in higher education,” said Awojobi.

For doctoral student Alex Requena, presenting at the conference marked a major milestone in his academic journey. Requena co-presented his first academic paper with Santiago Castiello-Gutiérrez, Ph.D., ELMP program director, highlighting the collaborative nature of research and scholarship within the College.

“Presenting my first academic paper on internationalizing NCAA Soccer and its implications for Higher Ed at ASHE 2026 alongside Dr. Castiello marks an important milestone in my academic journey. It was a rewarding opportunity to share my research, learn from fellow scholars, exchange perspectives, and become part of a community committed to advancing higher education research and practice,” said Requena.

ELMP doctoral student Davaughn Hoots participated as both a facilitator and presenter, gaining experience in scholarly leadership while expanding his professional network.

“This conference has provided me with the opportunity to facilitate academic sessions and present my research proposal on using Generative AI to map institutional responses, a research area for my dissertation,” said Hoots.

After presenting her paper, Marsha Philemon, Ph.D., director of student success at the College, reiterated the importance of student engagement at professional events such as ASHE 2026.

“It was an honor to present a research paper I wrote during my doctoral program at the 51st ASHE Conference and share the stories of African American women who have served as presidents at predominantly white institutions. By celebrating their journeys, accomplishments, and lasting legacies, I hope this work inspires students and aspiring leaders to dream boldly, pursue leadership opportunities, and recognize their own potential to make a meaningful and lasting impact,” said Philemon.

According to Shadlyne St. Fleur, assistant dean of students and a doctoral student, being selected for the inaugural 2026 ASHE Public Scholarship Cohort was both an honor and a transformative professional experience.

“The opportunity to engage with a remarkable community of scholars while volunteering strengthened my commitment to advancing higher education through public scholarship, collaboration, and meaningful policy engagement,” said St. Fleur.

Beyond the formal conference sessions, students also had opportunities to meet and interact with scholars from other institutions. Chen brought doctoral students Requena, Hoots and Awojobi to the University of Michigan reception, where they met other scholars and colleagues in the field. The students met with Laura W. Perna, Ph.D., a former ASHE president and a member of the National Academy of Education. The conference provided opportunities to exchange ideas with other scholars, learn about research projects that are underway and make professional connections.

Chen’s rationale for introducing students to scholars was simple but life changing.

“Attending national conferences is about much more than presenting research. It's also a chance for students to meet scholars whose work they admire, exchange ideas, and build connections with others in the field, explained Chen. She noted that faculty “can help by introducing students to colleagues and encouraging them to take advantage of these opportunities.”

Chen added that the event was a proud moment for ELMP and Seton Hall. “It was exciting to see our students present their research, engage with scholars from across the country, and showcase their contributions and service to the field of higher education,” she said.

The students' participation reflects ELMP's commitment to preparing future higher education leaders and scholars through research engagement, professional development and mentorship opportunities. Conferences such as ASHE provide faculty and students with a platform to disseminate their work, receive feedback from experts in the field and build connections with colleagues whose research interests align with their own.

By presenting at ASHE 2026, these faculty and students not only advanced their own scholarly development but also strengthened Seton Hall University's presence within the national higher education research community. Their contributions underscore the innovative research and academic excellence emerging from CHDCM and its graduate programs.

Categories: Arts and Culture