Published on: November 24, 2025
A NABITA and ATIXA Testimonial by Bill Dial, Ph.D., PHR, SHRM-CP, Associate Vice President, Human Resources, New Mexico State University
Transformative trainings are rare, but that’s exactly how I felt when I discovered NABITA and ATIXA. With over 20 years of experience in human resources, including senior leadership roles as Chief Human Resources Officer and Vice President, NABITA and ATIXA offer exactly what is needed.
Throughout my career, I’ve attended countless professional development trainings. Some were insightful, others forgettable. But an early NABITA training led by Brett A. Sokolow, J.D., W. Scott Lewis, J.D., and Saundra K. Schuster, J.D., M.S. was a game-changer.
Despite being one of NABITA’s first in-person trainings, it stood apart. The experience transformed my approach to work and set a gold standard for HR and behavioral interventions that continues to inform and improve my work. For any HR professional seeking to make a meaningful impact, NABITA and/or ATIXA may be your turning point.
Why NABITA Stands Out
During my tenure with the Colorado Community College System, we were revising our Title IX policies and procedures. To ensure the highest standards, we partnered with ATIXA and NABITA, and we leaned on them heavily. Our materials were built on their guidance, which was thorough, vetted, and grounded in practical experience.
I recall when Scott Lewis relocated to Colorado and worked closely with us. His involvement wasn’t superficial. He invested time and immeasurable hours advising and supporting me. During this time, I also completed comprehensive training through ATIXA, including Title IX coordinator and investigator programs, as well as all NABITA offerings. I progressed through every level available, and with each experience, I became more knowledgeable and confident in applying what I had learned.
While some may question the cost of high-quality training, I assure them that it is worth every penny. Over just a few days, you’re gaining the combined expertise of many lawyers and consultants. It isn’t “death by PowerPoint.” The presenters have slides, but the real value is how they drill down into the key points, making them clear, understandable, and actionable. After these trainings, I felt confident enough to navigate even the most intricate legal and procedural issues with ease.
Beyond Training, A Professional Community
NABITA and ATIXA offer more than training and certification. It’s a true community: a space where ideas are exchanged, expertise is sharpened, and professionals grow together. It’s where metal sharpens metal, and the listserv alone makes us all stronger. Pair that with the free resources, templates, and tools, and it’s incredibly helpful, particularly when you’re trying to implement best practices across a large system.
What stands out to me is how valued I’ve always felt as a member. When Brett Sokolow took 30 minutes out of his schedule for a free consultation, no strings attached, that gesture meant a great deal to me. It left a lasting impression.
That moment made it clear to me that NABITA and ATIXA exist to give back. They genuinely care about supporting practitioners like me, and that’s what sets them apart.
How NABITA Transformed My Approach to Work
My work in HR was historically centered on Title VII. There was a time when I couldn’t have told you the difference between Title IX and any other compliance acronym. That changed in 2011 with the release of the Dear Colleague Letter, which marked my first introduction to Title IX. Around the same time, I attended NABITA’s training, which fundamentally changed my perspective related to campus safety and behavioral intervention. Still finding my footing in the Title IX field, that moment changed my entire philosophy on how I lead and manage HR departments.
NABITA introduced frameworks, a commitment to safety, and team-based interventions that became part of my operating DNA. That shift helped me and my teams grow, bringing clarity to the work we do, especially in areas such as behavior intervention and threat assessment. We moved from reacting to intervening early, guided by well-grounded strategies that make a difference.
What’s even more remarkable is that in all the years I’ve engaged with NABITA and ATIXA, I’ve never seen a dip in the quality. The website, materials, service, and every aspect have remained consistently excellent. Sustaining such high standards over time speaks volumes.
Invest in Student Safety and Support
If you’re on the fence about joining NABITA or ATIXA or sending your team to their trainings, you will not regret it. NABITA and ATIXA set the gold standard with their depth of knowledge, quality of content, and generosity of their community. If you’re someone who cares about doing this work well, especially in the evolving landscape of safety and student support, there’s no better place to be.
Ready to grow your BIT or CARE team’s confidence and capacity? Become a NABITA or ATIXA member today.