Dr. Patty Witkowsky is an Associate Professor in the Department of Leadership, Research, and Foundations in the College of Education at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. She received her Ph.D. in Higher Education and Student Affairs Leadership with a minor in Applied Statistics and Research Methods from the University of Northern Colorado, her M.A. in College Student Personnel from the University of Maryland, and her B.A. in Sociology from Occidental College. Dr. Witkowsky teaches leadership, college student development theory, qualitative research methods, internationalization, and supervised practicum courses in the M.A. in Leadership with a concentration in Student Affairs in Higher Education program and in the Educational Leadership, Research, and Policy Ph.D. program. Dr. Witkowsky's research focuses on the experiences of graduate students in student affairs graduate preparation programs, student transitions, and the experiences of student affairs professionals. Dr. Witkowsky held administrative positions in higher education for 12 years prior to joining the faculty in areas such as new student orientation, student activities, student organizations, leadership programs, residence life and housing, career services, academic advising, and graduate student support. Dr. Witkowsky combines her academic and administrative experience in various service roles including as an Associate Editor of the Journal of College Orientation, Transition, and Retention through the Association for Orientation, Transition, and Retention. At UCCS, Dr. Witkowsky serves on the Student Success Assessment Team.

Ph.D., Higher Education and Student Affairs Leadership
University of Northern Colorado-2010

M.A., College Student Personnel
University of Maryland-2004

B.A., Sociology
Occidental College-2000

LEAD 5030 Vision, Values, and Leadership

LEAD 5700 Introduction to Research and Statistics

LEAD 6000 International Study of Higher Education

LEAD 7150 Methods of Qualitative Research

LEAD 7600 Doctoral Research Laboratory

Recent Refereed Publications

Witkowsky, P., & Bell, M. (2024). Experiences of resident advisors (RAs) facilitating social justice interactions in the residential curriculum model. ACUHO-I Journal, 50(3).

Mitchell, R., Fuselier, N., & Witkowsky, P. (2024). Socializing non-rural leaders for rural community college success. Journal of Education Human Resources, 42(1), 26-44. https://doi.org/10.3138/jehr-2023-0050

Clayton, G., Faria, A. B., & Witkowsky, P. (2023). Concurrent enrollment outcomes by course location. Community College Journal of Research and Practice. https://doi.org/10.1080/10668926.2023.2283597

Witkowsky, P., & Fuselier, N. (2023). Influence of undergraduate student affairs coursework on graduate school transition and professional socialization. Student Affairs on Campus Journal, 6(1), 2-17. https://doi.org/10.54155/saoc.v6i1.14

Witkowsky, P., & Fuselier, N. (2023). Influence of undergraduate student affairs coursework on undergraduate engagement. College Student Affairs Journal, 41(1), 90-104. https://doi.org/10.1353/csj.2023.0006

Witkowsky, P., & Agbonlahor, O. (2023). Demographic and career trends of expatriate student affairs professionals. International Education Studies, 16(1), 69-77. https://doi.org/10.5539/ies.v16n1p69Recent Book and Monograph Chapters

Witkowsky, P., & Gibbes, C. (2021). Preparing faculty for internationalization: Opportunities through teaching, research, and service. In N. Smith-Isabell, P. Witkowsky, & M. Cuyjet (Eds.), Faculty perspectives on internationalization strategies in higher education. New Directions for Higher Education, 2020(192), 73-84. https://doi.org/10.1002/he.20393

Bingham, A., & Witkowsky, P. (2021). Deductive and inductive approaches. In C. Vanover, P. Mihas, & J. Saldaña (Eds.), Analyzing and interpreting qualitative data: After the interview (pp.133-148). Sage.

Witkowsky, P., Ferguson, N., Knotts, L., & Shaker, M. (2021). Lost in translation: Perspective and skills developed by student affairs professionals abroad. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice. https://doi.org/10.1080/19496591.2021.1939039

Witkowsky, P. & Ferguson, N. (2021). Experiences of post-traditional students in age-diverse student affairs preparation programs. Journal of Adult and Continuing Education. https://doi.org/10.1177/14779714211006716

Alanis, J., Witkowsky, P., & Tapia-Fuselier, N. (2021). Undocumented students’ perceptions of institutional support. Journal of College Access, 6(2), 146-159.

Witkowsky, P., Starkey, K., Clayton, G., Garnar, M., & Andersen, A. (2020). Promises and realities: Academic advisors’ perspectives of dual enrollment credit. NACADA Journal, 40(2), 63-73. https://doi.org/10.12930/NACADA-19-24

Witkowsky, P. (2020). “Expect the unexpected:” Experiences of U.S.-trained student affairs professionals working abroad. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice, 57(2), 212-227.

Witkowsky, P., Garnar, M., Starkey, K., Clayton, G., & Andersen, A. (2020). Approaches to advising incoming college students with dual enrollment credit. Accepted to the Journal of College Orientation and Transition.

Witkowsky, P., & Clayton, G. (2019). What makes dual enrollment work? High school counselor perspectives. Community College Journal of Research and Practice. https://doi.org/10.1080/10668926.2019.1610676

Witkowsky, P., Obregon, V., Bruner, B., & Alanis, J. (2018). Connecting familismo and higher education: Influence of Spanish language parent and family member orientation programs on Latinx family involvement and sense of belonging. Journal of Hispanic Higher Education. https://doi.org/10.1177/1538192718810429

Witkowsky, P., & Mendez, S. (2018). Influence of a short-term study abroad experience on professional competencies and career aspirations of graduate students in student affairs. Journal of College Student Development, 59(6), 769-775. doi: 10.1353/csd.2018.0073

Recent Book and Monograph Chapters

Witkowsky, P. (2024). Supporting international students through transition. In D. Roberts & R. Ammigan (Eds.), Supporting International Students in US Higher Education: A Theory-Based Approach (pp. 69-84). Palgrave Macmillan.

Morris, P., Witkowsky, P., & BrckaLorenz, A. (2024). Military students/veterans. In V. Roberts & J. Patterson (Eds.), Differentiated Academic Advising Strategies for Students Beyond the Margins (pp. 49-62). Rowman & Littlefield.

Witkowsky, P., Figueroa, J., Guan, K., & Zheng, Y. (2023). Welcome to the United States: Promising practices for orientation programs that support international student mental well-being. In G. Nyunt, K. Koo, P. Witkowsky, & M. Andino (Eds.), International Student Identities and Mental Well-Being: Beyond the Single Story (pp. 142-159). STAR Scholars.

Witkowsky, P., & Gibbes, C. (2021). Preparing faculty for internationalization: Opportunities through teaching, research, and service. In N. Smith-Isabell, P. Witkowsky, & M. Cuyjet (Eds.), Faculty perspectives on internationalization strategies in higher education. New Directions for Higher Education, 2020(192), 73-84. https://doi.org/10.1002/he.20393

Bingham, A., & Witkowsky, P. (2021). Deductive and inductive approaches. In C. Vanover, P. Mihas, & J. Saldaña (Eds.), Analyzing and interpreting qualitative data: After the interview (pp.133-148). Sage.

Editorship of Books and Monographs:

Nyunt, G., Koo, K., Witkowsky, P., & Andino, M. (Eds.) (2023). International Student Identities and Mental Well-Being: Beyond the Single Story. STAR Scholars.

Smith-Isabell, N., Witkowsky, P., & Cuyjet, M. (Eds.) (2021). Faculty perspectives on internationalization strategies in higher education. New Directions in Higher Education, 2020(192). https://doi.org/10.1002/he.20386

Recent Refereed Presentation

Witkowsky, P., Bodine Al-Sharif, M., Bardill Moscaritolo, L. (2025). Inspiring global student affairs research. Presentation at the 2025 NASPA Convention, New Orleans, LA.

Dean, S., Witkowsky, P., Contreras, J., & Kephart, M. (2024). Structures, strategies, and skills for effective math intervention in higher education: A case study. Presentation at the 2024 Northern Rocky Mountain Educational Research Association conference, Stateline, NV.

Witkowsky, P. (2024). Creating organizational systems to demonstrate evidence for promotion. Presentation at the 2024 Northern Rocky Mountain Educational Research Association conference, Stateline, NV.

Bell, M., & Witkowsky, P. (2023). Lived experience of RAs in social justice residential curriculum. Presentation at the 2023 NASPA Conferences on Student Success in Higher Education, Kansas City, Missouri.

Witkowsky, P., Wooten, C., & LaRoy, K. (2023). Influence of short-term study abroad on student affairs educators’ global perspectives of higher education. Presentation at the 2023 Internationalization Summit, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado.

Witkowsky, P., & Bell, M. (2023). Lived experience of RAs in social justice residential curriculum. Presentation at the 2023 NASPA Convention, Boston, Massachusetts.

Witkowsky, P. (2023). How to develop a comprehensive recruitment plan for student affairs preparation programs. Presentation at the 2023 NASPA Convention, Boston, Massachusetts.

Wilson, A., Cresswell-Yeager, T., Alanis, J., & Witkowsky, P. (2023). SA pro to SA prof: Considerations for managing the transition. Presentation at the 2023 NASPA Convention, Boston, Massachusetts.

Nyunt, G., Koo, K., Witkowsky, P., & Andino, M. (2023). International student identities and mental well-being: Examining the intersectionalities. Presentation at the 2023 ACPA Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Witkowsky, P., & Bell, M. (2022). The experiences of resident advisors (RAs) facilitating social justice interactions in the residential curriculum model. Presentation at the 2022 Global Summit on Student Affairs and Services, Cork, Ireland.

Witkowsky, P., & Mitchell, R. (2022). Human resource challenges at rural community colleges in the U.S. Presentation at the 2022 Global Summit on Student Affairs and Services, Cork, Ireland.

Witkowsky, P., Tapia-Fuselier, N., & Scobba, H. (2022). Influence of undergraduate student affairs coursework on undergraduate engagement. Presentation at the 2022 NASPA: Student Affairs Professionals in Higher Education Convention, Baltimore, Maryland.

Tapia-Fuselier, N., Witkowsky, P., & Scobba, H. (2022). Influence of undergraduate student affairs coursework on graduate school transition and professional socialization. Paper presented at the 2022 NASPA: Student Affairs Professionals in Higher Education Convention, Baltimore, Maryland.

Witkowsky, P. (2021). Designing assignments to achieve multiple learning outcomes. Presentation at the U.S. Air Force Academy Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Witkowsky, P., & Ferguson, N. (2021). Navigating generational difference in student affairs preparation programs. Program presented at the 2021 NASPA-IV West Virtual Conference.

Witkowsky, P., & Ferguson, N. (2021). Perspective and skills developed by student affairs educators abroad. Program presented at the 2021 NASPA-IV West Virtual Conference.

Witkowsky, P. (2020). Strategic professional development for student affairs educators. Program presented for the California Community College Student Affairs Association Professional Development Webinar Series.

Witkowsky, P., Starkey, K., Garnar, M., & Clayton, G. (2019). Academic advisors’ perspectives of dual enrollment credit. Program presented at the 2019 National Symposium on Student Retention, New Orleans, LA.

Witkowsky, P., Starkey, K., Garnar, M., & Clayton, G. (2019). Approaches to advising incoming students with dual enrollment credit. Program presented at the 2019 National Symposium on Student Retention, New Orleans, LA.

Witkowsky, P. (2019). Expect the unexpected: Experiences of U.S.-trained student affairs professionals working abroad. Program presented at the 2019 NASPA: Student Affairs Professionals in Higher Education International Symposium, Los Angeles, California.

Witkowsky, P. (2019). Approaches to preparing student affairs professionals for global career opportunities. Program presented at the 2019 NASPA: Student Affairs Professionals in Higher Education Convention, Los Angeles, California.

Clayton, G., & Witkowsky, P. (2018). Differences in concurrent enrollment GPA outcomes based on course format. Paper presented at the 2018 Conference of First Year Experience Students in Transition, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Witkowsky, P., & Mendez, S. (2018). Influence of short-term study abroad on student affairs graduate students. Program presented at the 2018 annual ACPA Convention, Houston, Texas.

Bayer, B., & Witkowsky, P. (2018). Implementing a divisional assessment plan without additional resources. Program presented at the 2018 annual ACPA Convention, Houston, Texas.

Nassar, M., et al. (2018). Navigating through assumptions: Faculty transition and social responsibility. Program presented at the 2018 annual ACPA Convention, Houston, Texas.

Witkowsky, P., Obregon, V., Bruner, B., & Alanis, J. (2018). Influence of bilingual parent and family orientation programs on families. Program presented at the 2018 annual ACPA Convention, Houston, Texas.

Witkowsky, P., & Clayton, G. (2017). What makes concurrent enrollment work? The impact and role of high school counselors. Program presented at the 2017 Colorado Council on High School and College Relations conference, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Witkowsky, P. A., Obregon, V., Bruner, B., & Alanis, J. (2017). Influence of bilingual parent and family member orientation programs on sense of belonging and parental involvement in higher education. Poster presented at the Learner Conference, Honolulu, Hawaii.

University

• 2024-2027 Member, Academic Leadership Team, College of Education
• 2024-2027 Chair, Department of Leadership, Research, and Foundations, College of Education
• 2024-2027 Member, Faculty Promotion & Evaluation Criteria Review (FPECR) Committee
• 2024-2027 Member, Graduate Executive Committee
• 2024-2027 Ad Hoc Member, Faculty Mentoring Committee
• 2024-2025 Member, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Search Committee
• 2024-2025 Faculty Coordinator, National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (NCFDD)
• 2024-2025 Member, Faculty Leadership Development Academy
• 2024- Present  Equity Advocate, College of Education
• 2024 Chair, Reappointment, Promotion, and Tenure Primary Unit Committee Department of Leadership, Research, and Foundations
• 2024  Member, Department of Teaching and Learning, Post-Tenure Review Committee
• 2024  Faculty Representative, Alternative Work Schedule Policy Committee
• 2022-2023 Chair, Curriculum Committee, College of Education

Professional

• 2012-Present  Associate Editor, Journal of College Orientation and Transitions, National Orientation Directors Association, Minneapolis, Minnesota
• 2022-Present  Editorial Review Board Member, Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice, NASPA: Student Affairs Professionals in Higher Education, Washington, DC
• 2021-Present  Member, Civility Council, Cañon City School District, Cañon City, Colorado
• 2024-Present  Reviewer, Journal of Global Education and Research, Tampa, Florida
• 2024-2025 Chair, Graduate Student Pre-Conference, NASPA Region IV-West, Colorado
• 2022-2023  Member at Large, Faculty Council, NASPA: Student Affairs Professionals in Higher Education, Washington, DC
• 2000-2022  Class Secretary, Occidental College Alumni Magazine, Los Angeles, California
• 2019-2021  Faculty Representative, NASPA Orientation, Transition, and Retention Knowledge Community

• Witkowsky, P., Morris, P., & Tapia-Fuselier, N. (2021). Enhancing Digital Leadership for Student Affairs and Higher Education Professionals, UCCS Cybersecurity Initiative, $6,900
• Witkowsky, P., & Bell, M. (2019). The Experiences of Resident Advisors (RAs) Facilitating Social Justice Interactions in the Residential Curriculum Model, ACUHO-I, $6,750
• Witkowsky, P., (2019). Experiences of Post-Traditional Students in Intergenerational Student Affairs Preparation Programs, NASPA IV-West, $500
• Witkowsky, P., (2019). College Access Service Learning in Student Affairs in Higher Education Undergraduate Coursework, UCCS Faculty Resource Center High Impact Practices, $3,000
• Witkowsky, P., & Clayton, G., (2017). Academic Advisor Perspectives and Educational Experiences of High Credit-Bearing Incoming First Year Students, NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising, $3,300
• Witkowsky, P., (2017). Experiences of U.S.-Trained Student Affairs Professionals Working in Higher Education Institutions Abroad, Global Intercultural Research Center (GLINT), University of Colorado Colorado Springs, $3,300
• Clayton, G., & Witkowsky, P., (2017). Student Trends and Advising Practices in Concurrent Enrollment in Colorado, Committee for Research and Creative Works, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, $7,450
• Witkowsky, P., (2016). Influence of Bilingual Parent and Family Member Orientation Programs on Sense of Belonging and Parental Involvement in Higher Education, Faculty Minority Affairs Committee, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, $200
• Witkowsky, P., Obregon, V., & Alanis, J., (2016). Influence of Bilingual Parent and Family Member Orientation Programs on Sense of Belonging and Parental Involvement in Higher Education, NODA: Association for Orientation, Transition, and Retention, $1,000
• Witkowsky, P., (2016). The Educational Experiences of Non-Traditionally-Aged Female Student Affairs Graduate Students, Faculty Assembly Women’s Committee, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, $500
• Recipient (2015), Online Course Development Grant, Faculty Resource Center, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, $2,000
• Witkowsky, P., (2015). Intercultural Development Inventory training, Faculty Minority Affairs Committee, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, $410
• Witkowsky, P., (2014). The Educational Experiences of Non-Traditionally-Aged Female Student Affairs Graduate Students, Faculty Assembly Women’s Committee, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, $500