Executive Committee
Michelle Biggs Assistant Dean, Student Affairs, Marshall University |
WVASPA President As our current WVASPA president, Michelle distinctly remembers all of her mentors and all of the opportunities that allowed her to find success at Marshall University. Those moments, and her desire to help others, are what led her to continue working in Higher Education. As our current president, Michelle would like everyone to know what a wonderful professional development and resource community WVASPA is. Anyone who works in Higher Education and supports students is a member and she encourages you to get involved. When she’s not working, Michelle enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family. She also has three cats, Dobby, Sadie, and Mabel. If you ever dine with Michelle, expect to eat some pizza or cookies, those are her favorite foods. All pizza and cookies all the time! |
Candace Layne Director of the Counseling Center, Marshall University |
President Elect and Annual Conference Chair
With a career working for a community college, a private university, and a public university, Candace not only knows the importance of Student Life, but she also realizes the importance of mental health. After teaching Psychology for a brief moment, Candace returned to the Higher Education space focusing on mental health. She’s active in the West Virginia Collegiate Initiative to Advance Healthy Campus Communities, the American Counseling Association and the Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors. In her spare time, Candace enjoys eating BBQ, spaghetti, pizza, Soul Food, fried fish, and mac and cheese. |
Dan Sepion Associate dean of students, wvu institute of technology |
Dan says there's nothing like working with students, and witnessing their growth and development during their time on campus. Although Dan is new to West Virginia, he credits the expansion of his professional network to his relocation and to joining WVASPA. When he's not working, you'll find Dan traveling, enjoying the outdoors, or attending theatre or music events. You may even run into him at a Thai restaurant, since Thai is his favorite food. Join us in welcoming Dan when you see him! |
Andrew Lewis Vice President and Chief Student Services Officer, Wheeling University |
Treasurer
Andrew’s passion runs deep when it comes to Higher Education. He first worked as a resident assistant at West Liberty and with the help of his boss at the time, fellow WVASPA board member Marcella Snyder, he began working in housing and never looked back! With over 16 years of involvement with WVASPA, Andrew says it’s his favorite organization and conference to attend. In his spare time, you’ll find Andrew spending time with his husband, family and friends. He also enjoys their three dogs, Bella, Hunter, and Ozzy. |
Joanne Hunt Director of Marketing and Communications, WVU Online |
Communications and Web Page Editor
Joanne has been involved with WVASPA for the past three years and will tell you that there’s nothing like working in Higher Education. She began working for WVU in 2013 as the sales and marketing advisor for The Daily Athenaeum, WVU’s student newspaper. Just being in an environment that promotes innovation, growth, and engaging opportunities for students and employees is tremendously exciting and invigorating. In Joanne’s spare time she enjoys watching her boys play in both soccer and band. She also loves making jewelry and traveling to off the beaten path places. |
Members at large
Spencer Poling Accessibility Coordinator, Bridge Valley Community and Technical College |
Check back for later for more information on Spencer.
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Stephanie Shaffer Coordinator of Treatment and Outreach, Be HERD Mental Wellness and Performance, Marshall University |
Member at Large
Stephanie has witnessed first-hand the student benefits from mental health support and advocacy. She enjoys working with college students and especially working with student athletes. When it comes to some down time, Stephanie enjoys campfires, hiking, target shooting and reading, although she’s not opposed to binge watching shows on Netflix! She also has some rescue animals that are a huge part of her family. Kona is her 11-year-old Shepard/Beagle mix. Kash, is her 4-yar-old Pit Bull, and Stormy is her 10-month-old kitten. Stephanie’s favorite foods are both things we can all relate to, Mac N Cheese and Pizza! |
Marcella Snyder Executive Director of Housing and Student Life, West Liberty University |
Member at Large
Marcella will tell you that she has a mocha addiction. During the pandemic she was filling her refrigerator with Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino’s! Her love for Student Life started when she was a GA working move-in day. Move in day, mocha addition, you see how this all started. Over twenty years later, Marcella is still loving her job. Of course, things have changed, but she credits online resources, organization membership resources, and networking with colleagues, for keeping her informed and energized. When she needs an escape, you can find Marcella hiking, camping, or taking a long drive with the top off in her Jeep Wrangler! |
Nikki Barr Assistant Director of the Counseling Center, Marshall University |
Member at Large
If you ever need help with naming your pets, Nikki Barr and her daughter Kingsley have you covered. They have two dogs, Pogo Snow Toes and Punxatauney Phillip, and two cats, Pajama Juice and Poop Lydia! That’s definitely a conversation starter when you see Nikki. Nikki attended Marshall to obtain both her undergraduate and graduate degrees. She thoroughly enjoyed her time on campus and welcomed the chance to return to work in the counseling center. She enjoys WVASPA because it keeps everyone who shares the same Student Life passion in a community that offers support and guidance. When Nikki isn’t working, she and Kingsley love to swim, hike, play Animal Crossing and watch Lizzie McGuire movies. |