“Providing a Safe Space”

Today we are excited to introduce you to Sasha Watt-Pettaway, Director for Conflict Resolution and Accountability in Student Affairs at Life University (Life U).

Originally born in Jamaica and raised in New York from the age of 10, Watt-Pettaway grew up in a large family of nine siblings. Her professional journey began in residential life, where she quickly noticed a gap between the written principles of student conduct management and the way those principles were put into practice.

“The words said one thing, but when it came to action, it was something different,” she recalled. “I had a mentor who told me, ‘Why don’t you be the change you wish to see?’ That was the moment I had to decide – do I continue in residence life, or do I take a new path?”

She chose to meet the challenge head-on, applying for a position in student conduct – a move that proved transformative. In that role, she led her own department, worked on Title IX cases and gained valuable experience supporting international students.

“I got to really see through the lens of international students and figure out how to work not just with different departments, but across the world,” Watt-Pettaway shared.

In February, she joined Life U from Columbia University, making her first move out of New York since arriving in the United States. She was drawn to Life U’s size and dynamic energy, as well as its mission of Lasting Purpose.

“I wanted to collaborate and understand how all the pieces fit together,” she said. “When students see me, I want them to know all the feelings they have – anxious, scared, even feeling like their dignity is on the line – are OK.”

Her mission at Life U is to create a safe, welcoming environment where necessary, but difficult, conversations can happen and where all parties feel supported.

Although her undergraduate degree is in information technology and her original plan was to earn a master’s in computer science and electrical engineering, Watt-Pettaway pivoted toward higher education when she realized “joy” was missing from her original career plan. She went on to earn her master’s degree in higher education administration.

Now, she wants to be more than just the person students see when they are in trouble. She strives to be a resource for students, faculty and staff – addressing not only immediate issues, but also the deeper “why” behind them.

“Sometimes we can unpack those issues and figure out, while there is a violation, how do we still connect you to everything you need to stay balanced within the institution?” she explained. “I see people at some of their most vulnerable points, but I also get to connect them with the resources to help them succeed. Student conduct isn’t just about discipline; it’s also about retention and ensuring students can thrive.”

If you are looking for a safe space to speak, you will find Sasha Watt-Pettaway in the Learning Resources Building within Student Affairs.