Simone Spencer, assistant director for Student Success and Engagement for the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Program in Academic Affairs at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), has been awarded a scholarship to attend the NASPA Annual Conference, March 7-11, 2026, in Kansas City, Mo.
NASPA is the leading professional association for student affairs practitioners in higher education, dedicated to advancing student success, learning and development. Its annual conference is one of the largest gatherings of student affairs professionals nationwide, offering immersive professional development, research-informed practice and networking opportunities that equip leaders to advance inclusive, student-centered initiatives on their campuses.
In her role with TRIO Student Support Services, Spencer supports the persistence, retention and graduation of students with disabilities, many of whom are also first-generation college students or from limited-income backgrounds. Her responsibilities include overseeing student success initiatives, developing engagement-focused programming, supervising staff and ensuring compliance with federally mandated TRIO objectives. Through advising, targeted outreach, and programming, Spencer helps create pathways that promote academic achievement and holistic student development.
Spencer is a dedicated higher education professional with a strong commitment to access, impartiality and student engagement. Known for her collaborative leadership style and her ability to build meaningful relationships with students and colleagues, her selection for this scholarship reflects both her contributions to student success at NCCU and her continued growth as an emerging leader in the student affairs profession.