June 28, 2027 – June 30, 2027
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.
Faculty
Alyssa Jo provides support to student clubs and organizations, advises the Board of Programmers, advises Student Congress class boards and provides support for all student programming. She received her Master of Science in Student Affairs and Higher Education from Missouri State University. Before Providence College, she served in residence life roles at Northeastern University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Rice University, Missouri State University, and at Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri. In her free time, she enjoys going to the gym, long walks with her dog Koda, knitting, crocheting, and coaching the PC Club Softball team.
Erica McGwire is a higher education professional with over 7 years of experience in student engagement, leadership development, and campus programming. Currently serving as the Assistant Director of Student Organizations and Involvement at The Ohio State University, she strives to provide experiences that empower students to develop as leaders both on campus and in their communities. Her background in advising spans across student government, sorority and fraternity life, and student organizations. Erica holds a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from Tiffin University and is a proud lifetime member and volunteer for Alpha Phi International Fraternity.
Dr. Danny Molock is a higher education administrator, educator, and student affairs professional with extensive experience in student engagement, leadership development, and campus life. He currently serves as the Director of Student Life & Development at Morgan State University, where he provides strategic leadership for student organizations, fraternity and sorority life, student government, campus programming, and leadership initiatives. With a passion for cultivating student leadership and creating transformative collegiate experiences, Dr. Molock specializes in developing engagement strategies that foster belonging, strengthen organizational effectiveness, and connect co-curricular involvement to student success. His approach emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and empowering students to shape their campus communities. Dr. Molock holds a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration, a Master of Social Work, and a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Morgan State University, as well as a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus. He also serves as an adjunct faculty member, bringing practical leadership experience into the classroom.
Dr. Jen Champion Rentschler is a student affairs leader, educator, and scholar with nearly 20 years of experience helping students find connection, purpose, and opportunities to thrive throughout their college experience. As Director of Student Involvement at Radford University, she leads initiatives that foster leadership development, civic engagement, student belonging, and co-curricular learning while overseeing student organizations, campus traditions, student center operations, and community partnerships. Throughout her career, she has been guided by a belief that meaningful student engagement transforms lives and strengthens institutions, and she is passionate about creating environments where students, staff, and communities can flourish together. Prior to her current role, Dr. Rentschler held leadership positions at Radford University, the University of Georgia, and Longwood University, with responsibilities spanning student engagement, residential education, leadership development, fraternity and sorority life, and experiential learning. She earned her Ph.D. in College Student Affairs Administration from the University of Georgia and has contributed to the profession through teaching, research, conference presentations, and service in national professional associations. Known for her collaborative leadership style, strategic perspective, and commitment to developing people, Dr. Rentschler works to build organizations where students and staff feel valued, supported, and empowered to make a meaningful impact on their campuses and communities.
Lauren VanNess serves as the Assistant Director for Student Organizations at Texas A&M University, where she supports more than 1,300 recognized student organizations through leadership development, organizational accountability, advisor engagement, and operations. With more than five years of progressive experience in student affairs, Lauren is passionate about creating systems and educational experiences that empower students, strengthen organizations and their communities, and foster meaningful campus engagement.
Dr. Benjamin Williams brings more than a decade of experience in student affairs, student engagement, and leadership development to the Student Organization Institute. Throughout his career, he has worked to create environments where student organizations thrive, student leaders develop meaningful skills, and advisors feel equipped to support their communities. His experience spans student organization advising, fraternity and sorority life, campus programming, risk management, leadership education, and organizational development. Having worked at institutions of varying sizes and missions, Ben brings a systems-level perspective to strengthening student engagement and building sustainable, student-centered practices. Currently, Ben serves as the Associate Dean of Students and Deputy Title IX Coordinator at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, where he provides leadership for Student Engagement and Development, including student organizations and activities, fraternity and sorority life, leadership development, and student center operations. He also advises the Student Government Association and leads efforts to strengthen student organization support, advisor development, and institutional approaches to risk management. Previously, Ben held student affairs leadership roles at Miami University, Georgia State University, and the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Travel and Lodging
The Student Organizations Institute will be at Ohio State University.
Lodging
The Blackwell is on the Ohio State campus. You may book online. If you need to add a room for Saturday or Sunday, please contact the hotel directly at 614.247.4000 or blackwellreservations@osu.edu.
The deadline to book a hotel room in the block is May 27.