Education Insider Magazine proudly presents the Top 10 Directors of Student Services 2026, recognizing education leaders who strengthen student success through responsive support and strategic program leadership. These professionals oversee student services that align institutional priorities with learner needs while fostering inclusive and supportive educational environments. Their leadership helps institutions improve student engagement and respond to evolving expectations, enabling schools and colleges to enhance the overall student experience while supporting long-term academic achievement.

Top 10 Directors of Student Services - 2026

Top 10 Directors of Student Services - 2026

Sarah Miller

Director of Student Services, Keiser University

Sarah Miller is Director of Student Services at Keiser University. Her work focuses on student support and campus services. She studied at the University of Central Florida and holds a Florida elementary education certification.

Shelley Kranz

Senior Director of Student Services, Herzing University

Shelley Kranz is an experienced student services professional at Herzing University. Her background includes higher education administration and student support. She has also completed leadership development coursework through eCornell and participated in Herzing University's leadership development program.

Brandy Ingalsbe

Director Of Student Services, Charter College

Brandy Ingalsbe works in student success and coaching. Her professional training includes Adult Mental Health First Aid, which equips participants to recognize signs of mental health challenges and respond with appropriate support. Her background centers on helping students navigate educational challenges.

Dr. Phillip Shelley

Director of Student Services, BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Dr. Phillip Shelley is a student services professional whose work focuses on student attendance, behavior and engagement. His approach considers the factors underlying student behavior and the importance of addressing those factors when supporting students in school settings.

Craig Barrington

Director of Student Services, Universal Technical Institute

Craig Barrington, M.Ed., works in student services at Universal Technical Institute. His professional background includes education and instructional support. He holds occupational instructor and academic counseling certifications from the Community College of the Air Force.

Warren Oliver

Director of Student Services (College of Nursing), Florida State University

Warren Oliver, Ph.D., is Director of Career Development and Experiential Education at Florida State University's Herbert Wertheim College of Business. His background includes teaching English in Türkiye, international education and undergraduate research. His doctoral research examined student experiences during gap years.

Todd Clark

Senior Director, Student Services, Penn State Harrisburg

Todd Clark, Ph.D., is Senior Director of Student Services within Student Affairs at Penn State Harrisburg. His responsibilities span student engagement and campus services. He holds a doctorate in higher education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, a master's degree from Western Illinois University and a bachelor's degree from Virginia Tech.

Christopher Sumner

Director of Student Services, Lynchburg City Schools

Christopher Sumner, Ph.D., is Director of Student Services at Lynchburg City Schools in Virginia. His professional background includes education and school administration. He holds a doctorate from Virginia Commonwealth University and has both a Division Superintendent License and a Postgraduate Professional License from Virginia's Department of Education.

Peter Haeg

Director of Student Services, University of Minnesota

Peter Haeg is Director of Student Services at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy. He oversees student services for medical laboratory sciences, occupational therapy and pharmacy programs, with a focus on college policies, student life, student engagement and student governance.

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