Top 10 Directors of Student Services - 2025

Patrick Gaffney, Director of Student Services at Clayton Valley Charter High School in California, brings a unique blend of experience as a special educator, social worker and counselor. A UCLA doctoral graduate, he’s driven by the mission of helping every student reach their full potential.

Nicholle Trapp is Director of Student Services at Valencia College’s Lake Nona Campus, leading enrollment, advising and student success initiatives in Orlando, Florida. With over 20 years of experience at Valencia, spanning advising and management roles, she is recognized for her expertise in developmental advising, corporate training and campus collaboration, all aimed at enhancing student outcomes.

Naché Atkins is a Miami-based higher education leader at Miami Dade College, serving as Director of Student Services for New World School of the Arts and former Director of Advisement and Career Services, with prior roles in advising and teaching and an MBA in Leadership from Morris Graduate School of Management.

Mercedes Tolbert, MA, is Director of Student Services at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy, supporting student success, engagement and advising across campuses. She leads student services operations, collaborates with academic and admissions teams and represents UTHSC Pharmacy in professional programming and events.​

Elizabeth Houlihan is the Director of Student Services at Keiser University, with 20 years of experience in career placement and professional development, supporting students in healthcare, legal, IT and business fields. She engages employers, mentors students and promotes campus programming, contributing to student success across Keiser’s campuses in South Florida.

Lin Murdock is Director of Student Services for School Social Work at the University of Washington, leading academic advising, practicum coordination and student support initiatives across cohorts in Seattle. With a background in field education and student affairs, Lin drives partnerships and programming that enhance equity, retention and professional readiness.​

Daniel Segura is Director of Student Services for Central Michigan University’s College of the Arts and Media, leading advising, enrollment and student success initiatives. He partners with faculty to expand equitable learning opportunities, oversees co-curricular engagement and champions inclusive practices that improve retention, persistence and graduation outcomes across diverse student populations.

Todd Clark is Senior Director of Student Services at Penn State Harrisburg, overseeing advising, counseling, disability services, student engagement and retention initiatives across the campus. Previously, he served as Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Guilford College, where he led record retention gains and oversaw major student life operations and facilities projects.

William Orta is Director of Student Services for UC Berkeley’s Mechanical Engineering department and currently Interim Director of Operations, leading advising, curriculum operations and student experience initiatives. Previously at UC Davis and University of Miami, he brings MBA training and 13+ years in higher education administration.​

Oscar Arroyo is Director of Student Services at The University of Texas at Austin’s UT High School, now titled Director of Educational Programs, leading advising, enrollment and innovative online secondary programs. With 16+ years in K–12 leadership, he specializes in CTE, Early College, P-TECH and equitable student support.