Student Affairs Professional Preparation: A Scholar-Practitioner Guide to Contemporary Topics

This review examines a recent edited volume that offers a timely and comprehensive exploration of the Higher Education/Student Affairs (HESA) field. The book distinguishes itself through its dual emphasis on foundational knowledge and contemporary challenges, while weaving together faculty and practitioner perspectives—a structural choice that reflects the collaborative ethos of the field itself. Organized into three parts, the book addresses traditional curriculum areas, institutional type considerations, and emerging topics shaping HESA practice today. The review highlights how the authors thoughtfully engage Student Development Theory (SDT) as a framework not only for student growth, but also for the professional evolution of HESA educators and administrators. Topics such as counseling competencies, institutional diversity, and the marginalization of certain institutional types are given significant attention. Particularly notable are discussions on institutional politics, professional burnout, and the integration of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence into preparatory curricula. This text is especially valuable for graduate students and early-career professionals who seek a balanced perspective on where the field has been and where it is headed. However, the review also emphasizes the book’s relevance for seasoned practitioners, who may find renewed insight in its treatment of current issues. Ultimately, this volume challenges readers to consider how HESA programs can remain inclusive, adaptable, and future-oriented—making it an essential contribution to the professional literature and a compelling resource for those committed to shaping the future of higher education.