Travis T. Apgar

A thriving university community requires more than just academic excellence – it depends on strong leadership, open communication, and a commitment to student well-being. As Vice President for Student Affairs at Case Western Reserve University, Travis Apgar has spent nearly three decades in Higher Education (HE), fostering environments where students can flourish both inside and outside the classroom.

In today’s conversation, Travis sat down with Max Webber, Co-Host of The Interview, to discuss his journey into Student Affairs, strategies for fostering campus unity, and the importance of holistic student development in an ever-changing political and social landscape.

Travis’ Journey

Max: Can we start with a quick introduction to yourself and your institution?

I’m Travis Apgar, Vice President for Student Affairs at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. I’ve worked in Student Affairs for about 27 years now, which is hard to believe – the time has really flown by! Throughout my career, I’ve worked at several institutions, all of which have been research-intensive and highly ranked. While much of our focus at Case Western is on STEM, we also have a strong foundation in the humanities and social sciences, ensuring our students receive a well-rounded education.

I joined Case Western last July, so I’m still in my first year here, but it’s been an exciting transition. I’m originally from Upstate New York, so while I wasn’t familiar with Cleveland before moving, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how much the city has to offer. It has the second-largest theater district in the country outside of Broadway, and being right on Lake Erie makes it feel like living next to a freshwater ocean – it’s immense!

Max: What inspired you to pursue a career in Higher Education?

It’s funny – most people don’t set out thinking, “I want to work in Student Affairs.” Like many others, I stumbled into it. Initially, I was studying to become a school psychologist, focusing on early education. To support myself through grad school, I took an assistantship in Residence Life. It came with an apartment and tuition reimbursement, which was a great deal at the time. But through that experience, I realized that working with college students was incredibly fulfilling. I enjoyed helping students navigate challenges, find their passions, and achieve their goals. That realization led me to pivot towards Student Affairs, and I haven’t looked back since.

Max: With the current political climate in the US being as charged as it is, how do you foster a sense of unity and belonging on campus?

Every university has its own culture, shaped by its size, student body, and academic focus. At Case Western, a key priority is frequent and transparent communication. Students, faculty, and staff need to know where the university stands – what our mission is, what commitments we’ve made, and how we plan to honor them. Transparency builds trust, and trust fosters unity.

Equally important are relationships. Those of us in Student Affairs, along with our faculty colleagues, have the most direct engagement with students. By building strong, trusting relationships, we can have open and honest conversations – both formally and informally – about the challenges facing our campus community. Communication isn’t just about policies or announcements; it’s about listening, engaging, and ensuring students feel heard.

Max: At Case Western, what strategies are you implementing to enhance student development beyond the classroom?

At Case Western,  academics and extracurricular experiences are deeply interconnected. Our goal is to expose students to the world beyond their studies. That starts with the Cleveland community, extends across the US, and reaches internationally through education abroad and meaningful research opportunities.

One of the things we take great pride in is experiential learning. About 99% of our students participate in some form of experiential learning, whether it’s service-based projects, internships, or research opportunities. These experiences help students develop a broader perspective and gain real-world skills that prepare them for life after graduation.

With students from all 50 states and over 90 countries, even just being on campus is an opportunity for cultural exchange. We want students to learn from each other, engage with diverse perspectives, and develop the critical thinking skills necessary to tackle global challenges.

Max: Mental health and constructive dialogue have become major priorities in HE. How is Case Western addressing these issues?

Twenty-five years ago, the dominant concerns in Student Affairs were substance abuse and behavioral issues. Today, the biggest challenge we face is student mental health. Supporting students’ well-being is fundamental to their success, so we are investing heavily in comprehensive mental health services. Fortunately, we’re located in an area with world-class medical institutions, including the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals. But beyond that, we also ensure students have access to high quality health care through our on-campus University Health and Counseling Services, which include counseling and after-hours mental health services, including telehealth options, which have been widely embraced by our students.

Another priority is fostering civil discourse. We live in an increasingly polarized world, and many students arrive on campus feeling pressured to take a firm stance on one side of an issue or another. To address this, our Provost has launched a civil dialogue initiative, designed to teach students how to engage in respectful, constructive conversations. The initiative includes a set of ten key skills, a series of critical discussions, and structured opportunities for students to practice engaging with differing viewpoints. The ability to communicate effectively across differences is not just an academic skill – it’s a life skill that will benefit students in any career path they pursue.

Max: With students juggling academics, jobs, and other commitments, how do you ensure engagement with these critical topics?

We take a multi-pronged approach. First, these conversations aren’t limited to Student Affairs; faculty incorporate them into classroom discussions, and research labs provide spaces for intellectual exchange. We also run dozens of programs across campus and in the community, ensuring that students can engage in ways that fit their schedules and interests.

Additionally, communication is key. We use multiple channels – social media, digital newsletters, and our daily electronic campus newspaper – to keep students informed and engaged. Even if a student doesn’t attend an event, they can still see the discussions happening and be influenced by the broader campus culture. Normalizing respectful dialogue through consistent messaging helps shift perspectives and foster a more engaged student body.

Max: What is the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career?

Two things come to mind. First, I once heard a university president say, “If you find yourself doing all the things that made you great in your previous role, then you’re probably not doing your current role well.” That stuck with me. Leadership requires growth – what made you successful in one role isn’t necessarily what will make you successful in another.

Second, and perhaps most importantly, don’t take criticism personally. Leaders will always be criticized – it comes with the territory. If you’re making meaningful change, not everyone will be happy. The key is to separate your personal and professional self, stay focused on your mission, and keep pushing forward.