July 20, 2026 – July 22, 2026
The Student Organization Institute (SOI) offers new and seasoned student organization advisors with opportunities to learn and network with their peers. SOI will provide a variety of engaging session formats where participants will explore best and promising practices; learn strategies for risk management, advisor development, and student leadership development; and discover valuable resources to make the work that you do easier. In addition, you will be challenged to work collaboratively with your peers as you experience simulations based on real-life scenarios and as you co-create programs and activities that can be implemented on your campus.
Tentative Schedule
Monday, July 20
- 1–5 p.m. – Registration
- 5–8 p.m. – Welcome Dinner & Networking
Tuesday, July 21
- Breakfast (included)
- Educational Content
- Lunch (included)
- Educational Content
- Dinner on Your Own
Wednesday, July 22
- Breakfast (included)
- Educational Content
- Lunch on Your Own
- Educational Content
- Break
- Closing Dinner/Activity (included)
2026 SOI Faculty
Kaylee Ayres is a dedicated student affairs professional with experience in event planning, student engagement, and community building. She has previously served as a graduate assistant for campus events and traditions at the University of Florida and as the coordinator for the Center for Student Involvement at the University of South Florida–Tampa. She is currently serving as the coordinator for commuter and off-campus housing at the University of South Florida–St. Petersburg. She is excited to serve as a 2026 SOI faculty member, bringing her experience, energy, and commitment to helping students maximize their potential!
Howdy! My name is Ben Griffith, and I currently serve as the assistant director of student organizations at Tulane University. Prior to working at Tulane, I received my M.S. in higher education administration, with an emphasis in student affairs, from Texas A&M University in 2021. In my role, I support the holistic student organization experience here on campus, from overseeing the event registration process, advisor training and development, and student leader support to helping students start new organizations. Additionally, I serve as the advisor to the Tidal Wave Homecoming Committee that plans all the homecoming events for students. Lastly, I supervise our Student Organization Center that provides resources and support services to all organizations on campus, including supervising several student employee teams that provide ongoing support to our student organizations on campus. Looking forward to connecting, learning, and growing together at SOI 2026!
Kyonna Henry is from Woodbridge, Virginia. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English education and a master’s degree in higher education administration, both from Old Dominion University. Kyonna works as the director of student life and engagement at University of South Florida–St. Petersburg. There, she provides strategic leadership and direction in the following areas: Commuter and Off-Campus Housing, Multicultural Affairs, Leadership and Student Organizations, The Crow’s Nest student newspaper, Harborside Activities Board, event response team, and the Mascot program. She leads a team of six.
In her community, she is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. since November 2006. She currently serves as the president for the ODU Black Alumni Chapter, but, most of all, she loves to prepare her eight-year-old daughter for a life well lived as a powerful and strong Black girl.
Her favorite quote to live by is from Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Cateatra Mallard is the director of student activities and Efferson Student Union at Florida A&M University. Cultivating years of experience in student life and involvement, she provides oversight to the daily operations of the student union, as well as registered student organizations, fraternity and sorority life, volunteerism and civic engagement, Campus Activities Board, Electoral Commission, and much more! She is currently a Ph.D. candidate in the urban higher education program at Jackson State University. She currently serves and has served in various leadership volunteer positions with the National Association for Campus Activities.
Kevin Merrill is the assistant director of the Memorial Union and student engagement at Iowa State University. A proud Iowa State University alumnus, Kevin earned his degree in advertising in 2005 and later completed a master’s in college student personnel at Western Illinois University in 2008. Kevin oversees the leadership and service programs, as well as student organization resources. By working closely with students to navigate policies, access resources, and build meaningful communities, he ensures that every student feels connected and valued, transforming a campus of 30,000 into a network of smaller, close-knit communities. Kevin’s career has spanned across student affairs, including work in student activities, admissions, residence life, and housing administration.
Mary brings more than a decade of experience in student engagement and leadership development to the Student Organization Institute. During her tenure as student organization and leadership coordinator at the University of Illinois–Springfield, she managed registration and training for over 65 student organizations, oversaw major campus traditions, and led initiatives to strengthen student onboarding and community building. She has advised both the activities board and the funding board at the university. Her expertise spans event planning, communication strategy, and platform management—ensuring students have the tools and support they need to thrive.
Currently, Mary serves as the high impact practices coordinator at University of Illinois–Springfield, where she continues to foster connection and belonging through living-learning communities, orientation, and new student welcome programs.
When she’s not planning programs or cheering on student success, Mary is coaching a middle school scholastic bowl team and living her best sports-mom life—spending nights and weekends on the sidelines rooting for her son.
Registration
Regular Registration
(through May 31)
- Professional Member: $650
- Professional Nonmember: $750
Late Registration
(June 1–26)
- Professional Member: $750
- Professional Nonmember: 850
Travel and Lodging
The Student Organizations Institute will be at the University of South Florida–St. Petersburg.
Lodging
Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront (0.3 miles to campus)
333 1st St SE, Saint Petersburg, Florida, 33701
Rate: $150/night
Parking: Valet only (attendees receive 20% discount)
Deadline: June 26
Airports
The closest airports are:
- St. Pete-Clearwater Airport (PIE)
- Tampa International Airport (TPA)