Seton Hall Named a 2026 Most Promising Place to Work in Student Affairs
Monday, February 16, 2026
Associate Dean Joshua Dornbos and Senior Student Success Advisors, Lisa Healey and Jackie Galler
Seton Hall University has been selected as one of the “2026 Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs,” a national recognition presented by ACPA – College Student Educators International in partnership with The EDU Ledger. The honor highlights institutions that demonstrate excellence in creating supportive, inclusive and growth-focused workplace environments for student affairs professionals.
Seton Hall earned the recognition following results from the 2025 national survey administered by ACPA and The EDU Ledger, which evaluates institutions on their commitment to creating supportive and equitable work environments. The University stood out in several key areas, including family friendliness, salary and benefits, and professional development opportunities.
The Career Center Team
“This recognition reflects the dedication of our Student Services professionals and the University’s commitment to cultivating a workplace where staff are supported, valued and empowered to serve our students,” said Monica Burnette, vice president of the Division of Student Services. “Our ability to create meaningful student experiences begins with investing in the talented professionals who guide and support our campus community every day.”
The Division of Student Services is dedicated to enhancing students’ holistic development by creating a dynamic, supportive environment grounded in Seton Hall’s Catholic tradition, professional best practices, and opportunities for academic, spiritual, and personal growth, with oversight in Academic Success, Campus Belonging and Community, Engagement and Operations, Public Safety and Security, and Student Wellness and Support.
Director Nicole Paternoster and Program coordinator Ted McCulloch of the Academic Resource Center
“Working in Student Affairs at Seton Hall means being part of a team that truly values people,” said Nicole La Capria, assistant director of Assessment and Special Projects. “There is a strong culture of support here — from leadership that invests in professional development to colleagues who genuinely care about one another and the students we serve.”
"This recognition speaks to the hard work put in by our student services colleagues with the support of Seton Hall Universities mission and the leadership of our vice president, Dr. Monica Burnette," said Winston Roberts, assistant vice president and dean of Student Engagement. "A home for the mind, heart, and spirit not only applies to our students but to our community as a whole. We are encouraged to invest in each other which allows for opportunities of growth and development."
In 2025, Seton Hall’s Division of Student Services launched their Divisional Professional Development Monthly Series, with this year’s theme focused on Trends in Higher Education, along with regular Deans & Directors and Emerging Mid-Level Professional Development meetings that support collaboration and shared learning in service of student success.
Seton Hall will be formally recognized during the ACPA26 Convention in Baltimore, Maryland, where representatives from the University will attend a national reception celebrating this year’s honorees.
The full list of recognized institutions will also be featured in an upcoming edition of The EDU Ledger
This recognition reinforces Seton Hall’s longstanding commitment to supporting both student success and the professionals who help make that success possible.
Categories: Education
