Jodi Bailey

As Higher Education (HE) continues to prioritize student success, creating inclusive and supportive environments is more important than ever. At Temple University, Jodi Bailey, Vice President for Student Affairs, is leading the way in this crucial work. 

In today’s conversation, Jodi sat down with Interview Co-Host Max Webber to discuss her journey into Student Affairs, her dedication to fostering student success, and the innovative approaches she’s implementing to break down barriers and create pathways for students to thrive. 

Jodi’s Journey

Max: Let’s start with an introduction to your current role and institution…

I’m Jodi Bailey, and I’m the Vice President for Student Affairs at Temple University, a Research 1 public institution located in North Philadelphia. Temple was originally founded as a night school, hence our mascot, the Owl, symbolizing our dedication to providing education to individuals working during the day. Over the years, Temple has grown into a diverse community of over 30,000 students.

Max: I’d love to hear some more about what your journey into Student Affairs was like.

Both of my parents were public school teachers, and I grew up surrounded by education. Initially, I thought I might pursue a career in English or pre-law. However, my mother suggested I consider teaching, which didn’t resonate with me. My dad was an administrator, and I admired his role but didn’t think it was possible for me. Instead, I chose communications, which led to my involvement in student government at UMass Amherst. I worked with women in leadership and student leaders who mentored peers. Through these experiences, I was encouraged to continue my path into HE.

Max: What has kept you enthused in continuing to work with students over the years?

The students themselves are the primary reason I’ve stayed motivated. I’ve always been an operational thinker, looking at how we can create the smoothest path for students to succeed. As a student myself, I relied on various university services that had a profound impact on my experience. I’m passionate about paying that forward, ensuring students have the resources they need to thrive. Additionally, I’m fortunate to work alongside dedicated colleagues who share my commitment to student success. This work has shaped not only my professional life but also my family life and how I view social justice, diversity, and inclusion.

Max: You touched on smoothing the path for students. What are the key areas you’re focusing on in terms of engaging students outside of the classroom?

My role involves addressing both large-scale and one-on-one student issues, from mental health concerns to academic success and conduct matters. A big part of my job is reviewing policies and procedures to ensure they’re creating pathways rather than barriers for students. I work closely with our team to strategically design a student’s journey, from application to job attainment. A student’s path to success begins well before they enter the classroom, and our goal is to support them throughout that process.

Max: We talk a lot on The Interview about creating unified campuses. How do you promote unity across your campus? 

I think if I had the answer to that everybody would be knocking down my door! Promoting unity is complex, especially in today’s polarized climate. One key focus is providing space for students to express their views safely, while ensuring others feel safe as well. About 7 or 8 years ago, I worked with a colleague to reimagine student orientation, adopting the slogan “Hear My Voice.” This initiative encouraged students to write letters to their congressmembers about issues important to them, giving them an avenue to express their opinions constructively. We want to teach students the difference between sharing viewpoints and sharing hate. It's vital to respect differing opinions while ensuring that everyone feels safe and heard in our spaces.

Max: How do you educate students on navigating civil discourse?

We collaborate with Temple’s IDEAL office, which focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion, to facilitate small-group conversations. These conversations are more effective than large town halls because they create a space where students feel comfortable sharing and asking questions. I’ve worked with various student organizations, like the Muslim Student Association, for example, to build relationships and assist them with what they need for their members. 

Engaging in meaningful conversations before and after events, such as protests, is also crucial. It’s about showing respect for differing opinions while maintaining safety and civility. College is a place where people learn to express their opinions, and the views that are being expressed right now are about families, friends, and loved ones across the globe, so it's incredibly emotional. It's not just a noise violation or impeding a sidewalk, it's about people's lives. They need to know that somebody else understands that it matters.

Max: Another key theme we talk about a lot is the engagement challenge – how do you engage time-poor students on these important matters?

With 30,000 students, it’s nearly impossible to engage them all at once. We focus on engaging students in smaller communities – whether it’s through student government, talking with student-athletes, students living in housing, or religious organizations. Every group has its own needs, and understanding those nuances is critical. We also need to be mindful of how messages are delivered, especially in the age of social media, where things can be easily misunderstood or taken out of context. In-person engagement may not always be the best approach, so we adapt to where students are, both physically and digitally.

Max: Leveraging student voice is something we hear about a lot, is that something you look into?

Absolutely. I rarely move forward with an initiative without first gathering student feedback. I work closely with our student government, athletic programs, and residential students to understand their needs and desires. It’s essential to listen to students, as they’re the ones who best understand their own needs. Sometimes we can fulfill their requests, and sometimes we can’t, but we make sure to communicate transparently and explain why.

Max: I’d love to hear what is the most exciting initiative you’ve delivered or are working on for your students.

One of the most exciting initiatives we’re working on is the creation of One Stop Centers for students. These centers will bring together various services, from food and housing insecurity resources to counseling and wellness programs, into one location. Our goal is to streamline the process for students so they don’t have to tell their stories multiple times to different people. This initiative is part of our larger effort to address systemic barriers that impact student retention and graduation, and we’re partnering with organizations like our Hope Center to ensure its success.

Max: What is the best piece of advice you have received in your career so far?

The best advice I’ve received is to never assume you know all the answers. Sometimes, it’s more important to listen than to immediately offer a solution. There are many different “languages” spoken at a college, from academic departments to student affairs to alumni, and understanding these perspectives helps in making informed decisions. I always remind my staff that we’re here to support the academic mission and should interpret the needs and feedback from various groups before responding with solutions or suggestions.