UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Taléa Drummer-Ferrell, associate vice president for Student Affairs at Penn State, has been appointed co-chair of the Engagement and Volunteers subcommittee for the 2026 NASPA Conference Leadership Committee.
Drummer-Ferrell will help shape the premier annual professional development event for student affairs professionals, which will take place in Kansas City, Missouri. Her involvement with the conference extends her service with NASPA (National Association of Student Personnel Administrators) through March 2026 and highlights her continued commitment to advancing the profession.
As Drummer-Ferrell looks ahead to her new role on the conference leadership team, she also is preparing to conclude her tenure as chair of NASPA’s AVP Steering Committee in early 2025. Since 2023, she has led the committee in its mission to support and develop associate vice presidents (AVPs) and similar roles across higher education, focusing on fostering innovation and promoting student-centered practices.
“Serving as chair of the AVP Steering Committee has been an incredible honor,” Drummer-Ferrell said. “This role has allowed me to collaborate with talented professionals across the country, build meaningful relationships, and create initiatives that enhance the work of AVPs in higher education.”
Drummer-Ferrell joined Penn State in August 2024 after serving as an associate vice president at Kent State University. Her portfolio includes oversight of key health and well-being units at Penn State, including Campus Recreation, University Health Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, Health Promotion and Wellness, and the Sokolov-Miller Family Financial and Life Skills Center
Drummer-Ferrell plans to bring the insights and experiences gained through her NASPA leadership to her work on campus.
“My time with NASPA has been invaluable, and I am excited to continue integrating those experiences into my efforts to support Penn State students, faculty and staff,” she said.