Leadership Exchange - Summer 2010

FROM THE PRESIDENT

As many of us approach the end of the fiscal year, we are slowly emerging from a national recession that had a significant economic impact on America’s colleges and universities. Cost-cutting measures during the last year have included staff reductions, budget cutbacks, enforced furlough days, elimination of programs, freezes on travel and professional development, and enrollment reductions—all with deeply troubling implications on our continuing ability to provide a high-quality education for our students.

Within this context, we are especially proud to report that NASPA is riding out the economic storm with strong financial and programmatic integrity. NASPA services, publications, and professional development have not wavered. The association’s budget remains fiscally sound, staff remains motivated, and investment in the future continues. The foresight and professionalism of the NASPA staff, led by Executive Director Gwen Dungy, and diligent oversight and careful planning by the national board of directors have shepherded NASPA through the recession. The board remains committed to providing regular updates of “best practices” that demonstrate the integration of research and trends and by offering networking and support services to help members advance their careers.

➤ A Home for NASPA. The ability to purchase, rather than lease, office space has been the purview of only the strongest professional associations. In April, NASPA purchased the 10th floor of a new building on K Street, in Washington, D.C., just blocks from Union Station and the Capitol. This transaction represents a strategic long-term investment decision that supports member confidence in NASPA and our commitment to the profession.

➤ NASPA/ACPA Consolidation. The Task Force on the Future of Student Affairs, appointed jointly by ACPA-College Student Educators International and NASPA, issued its final report on the profession in March before the 2010 NASPA Annual Conference. The report presents an analysis of societal changes affecting higher education, including social and economic justice, sustainability, globalization, growing demand, expanding technologies, economic fluctuations, and gaps in attainment and achievement. (See related story, p.1 0.)

The most significant task force recommendation, which has garnered the greatest attention since the publication of the interim report in July 2009, is that ACPA and NASPA should unify as one consolidated umbrella association for the profession. Since the interim report was issued, an ongoing dialogue has been conducted with blogs, a discussion forum on both associations’ websites, e-mail exchanges, a Facebook page, tweets, and discussions at regional conferences and the NASPA Annual Conference. As this issue of Leadership Exchange goes to press, the work of the eight subcommittees convened to study aspects of both associations is concluding. We appreciate the work of the members of the NASPA Board of Directors, who were charged to explore what might be added, what might be missed, and what might be done differently with a new umbrella association.

Regardless of the final decision on consolidation, we have learned much that will benefit both professional associations. We look forward to the continuing deliberations of the NASPA Board of Directors and the ACPA Board of Governors, who will meet jointly for the first time in Las Vegas in July.

In the meantime, let us know how NASPA, your association, can be even more effective in meeting your professional development needs. Please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Dear Colleagues:

Publisher NASPA–Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education

Executive Editor Gwendolyn Jordan Dungy

Managing Editor Nancy E. Grund

Contributing Editors Melissa Dahne Kevin Kruger Kaaryn Sanon

Designer Sese-Paul Design

Advertising Manager Fred Comparato

Editorial Board James E. Scott Academy James Conneely, Chair Linda Clement Kathleen Collins Patrick Day Berenecea Johnson Eanes Shannon Ellis Kenneth Elmore Bill Flanagan Barbara Jones Harry Le Grande Brian Haynes Deneece Huftalin Kent Kelso Todd Olson Karen Pennington Daniel Pugh Larry Roper Wm. Gregory Sawyer Mike Segawa Renee Barnett Terry Charlotte Tullos Lori Varlotta Sue Weitz

Leadership Exchange is published four times a year for senior student affairs officers in higher education. Letters to the editor are welcome. For subscription information and advertising opportunities, please contact the NASPA office.

Leadership Exchange NASPA 1875 Connecticut Avenue, NW Suite 418 Washington, DC 20009-5728 Fax 202.797.1157 E-mail le@naspa.org

Sincerely,

Copyright © 2010 by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), Inc. Printed and bound in the United States of America. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means without written permission from the publisher.

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