Alex builds transformative partnerships with college and university leaders to advance institutional strategy and, ultimately, student success. He brings 15 years of campus-based leadership experience across public and private, two- and four-year institutions in four states. Alex remains actively engaged in applied research, most recently serving as a Fellow with the UC National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement. He holds a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from Michigan State University, an M.Ed. in College Student Affairs Administration from the University of Georgia, and a B.A. in Political Science from Emory University.
Understanding the Present, Looking to the Future
Alex stewards partnerships between Carnegie and prospective clients while maintaining authentic relationships with current clients. He seeks to understand partners’ present challenges while collaborating with them on an inspiring vision for their futures. Alex’s strengths include synthesizing multifaceted data points, identifying opportunities for improvement, and developing innovative solutions that advance institutional goals and values.
“I am proud to be part of a phenomenally talented team of professionals dedicated to helping colleges and universities advance student success outcomes, narrow equity gaps, and make a very real and sustainable difference.”
Dedicated to Higher Education’s Civic Purpose
Alex also influences the field as a scholar and adjunct instructor. Passionate about higher education’s civic mission, Alex recently served as a Fellow for the UC National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement. He is building on this research and advocacy as a Fellow through Harvard's Democratic Knowledge Project and in partnership with the Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation. He has presented on and facilitated workshops about civic engagement, leadership, and social responsibility at the state and national levels. When he’s not working, writing, speaking, or teaching, Alex is a proud girl Dad and enjoys spending time with his spouse, Dr. Kristen Carillo-Kappus, their dogs Bruno and Luna, and family and friends. He’s also an avid tennis player, joining the sport in 2021.
More About Alex
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Education & CertificationsEducation
- B.A. in Political Science with Chinese Language minor, Emory University
- M.Ed. in College Student Affairs Administration, University of Georgia
- Ph.D. in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education, Michigan State University
Additional Certifications
- Better Conversations Every Day, Center for Creative Leadership
- Inclusive Excellence Certificate, NC State Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity
- Institute for Informed & Equitable Voting, Center on Information & Research in Civic Learning & Engagement
- Mental Health First Aid Training, National Council for Mental Wellbeing
- Equity Coach Academy, North Carolina Community College System
- Intergroup Dialogue Training Seminar, University of Michigan
- Penn Summit on Responding to Racism on College and University Campuses
- True Colors International Certified Facilitator
- Orientation Professionals Institute, Association of Orientation, Transition, & Retention
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Previous Roles
- Senior Director for Student Success, NC State University
- Success Coach and Instructor, Central Carolina Community College
- Director of New Student and Family Programs, Central Michigan University
- Co-Founder of the Financial Wellness Collaborative, Central Michigan University
- Assistant Director for Student Leadership, Central Michigan University
- Deputy Advisor to the Dean of Students, University of Texas at Austin
- Resident Director for Academic Initiatives, University of Georgia
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Strengths & More
StrengthsFinder Profile
- Connectedness
- Learner
- Individualization
- Futuristic
- Ideation
REACH Style | Counselor
True Colors Profile | Blue/Gold
Myers-Briggs Profile | ENFJ
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Selected Scholarly Publications
Kappus, A. (2023). Defending democracy: What we can learn about civic identity from peer educators involved in nonpartisan political engagement. Special edition: Our democratic imperative: The role of higher education in developing students’ civic identities. Michigan Journal of Community Service Learning (MJCSL).
Lemon, J. & Kappus, A. (2023). Chapter 3: The Organizational Frames of Assessment: Coordinating Assessment at the Divisional and Departmental Levels. In Yousey-Elsner, K. (Ed.) Coordinating student affairs divisional assessment: A practical guide (Second Edition). Stylus Publishing
Hemer, K. & Kappus, A. (2022). Assessment of civic learning and democratic engagement. New Directions for Higher Education, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1002/he.20417
Kappus, A. (2021). Agents for democracy: Learning from peer-to-peer nonpartisan political engagement. Kansas State University’s Staley School of Leadership Studies. Retrieved from: https://blogs.k-state.edu/leadership/2021/03/16/agents-for-democracy-learning-from-peer-to-peer-nonpartisan-political-engagement/
Kappus, A. (2020). Central Michigan orientation goes online. In Campbell, E. (Ed.), e-Source for College Transitions. (18.1.) National Resource Center for the First Year Experience and Students in Transition.
Kappus, A. (2020). Welcoming new students to campus (virtually). Interfaith America. Retrieved from: ifyc.org/article/welcoming-new-students-campus-virtually
Kappus, A., Deaderick, S., Ruzicka, S., & Wilson, A. (2019). I’m a good person, I just stay out of politics: A case exploring racial identity, social class, and moral development. In Garvey, J., Harris, J., Means, D., Perez, R., Porter, C. (Eds.), Case studies for student development theory: Advancing social justice and inclusion in higher education. Routledge.
Kappus, A. & Parker, M. (2012). Academic partnerships with residential learning communities. In Soven, M., Lehr, D., Naynaha, S., & Olson, W. (Eds.), Linked courses for general education and integrative learning: a guide for faculty and administrators (115-125). Sterling, VA: Stylus Publishing.