AASCU Spouse/Partner Program
The Spouse/Partner Program recognizes the important role of presidential spouses/partners and provides leadership development, networking, and skill-building opportunities to those serving in these critical positions.
Learn more.
Leadership through a different lens.
The role and expectations of a presidential spouse or partner may vary by region, institution, and personal preference. But some factors are common, such as your desire to support your spouse or partner. The Spouse/Program is designed to inform and foster an understanding of what you’ll need to thrive in the university environment, the surrounding community, and in your personal life.
Who should participate?
- Presidential spouses/partners
How will you benefit?
- Networking opportunities
- Professional development
- A community of support from fellow spouses/partners
program highlights
A community of support.
The AASCU Spouse/Partner Program provides networking opportunities, professional development, and guidance, all tailored to the unique needs of presidential spouses and partners.
Program offerings include conferences, symposiums, webinars, and brown bag sessions. They are delivered in a confidential, supportive, and comfortable setting that enables presidential spouses and partners to discuss shared journeys, challenges and wins.
The AASCU Annual Conference includes programming designed specifically for spouses/partners. Presidential spouses/partners network with colleagues and learn how they are balancing the many and varied responsibilities of their roles.
Sessions may focus on:
- The Spouse/Partner Role in Fund and Friend-raising
- Ideas for Campus and Community Engagement
- Managing Expectations
- The Varying Roles of Spouses/Partners
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Topical Roundtables
- Navigating Legislative Matters
- Crisis Management
- Brand Management and Communication Tools
- Time Management/Creating and Maintaining Relationships
- Recognizing and Handling Challenges
Testimonials
“AASCU’s Spouse/Partner Program is truly unique and is an inspiring professional development space for presidential spouses. We work hard to provide a meaningful, supportive space for all of our dynamic spouses and partners to flourish. We do this through developing timely and relevant training and programming by subject matter experts. More importantly, we create spaces where caring connection and conversations can take place. These connections are so important and serve as a constant reminder that each of us are a part of a thoughtful community of leaders who are committed to enriching the lives of our students at our various institutions.”
Meet the program committee
Marilyn
Braithwaite-Hall
Presidential Spouse
University of the Virgin Islands
Rachel
Frick-Cardelle
Presidential Spouse
State University of New York College at Oneonta
Tressa
Kelly
Presidential Spouse
University of West Georgia
Mike
Matson
Presidential Spouse
San José State University (CA)
Michael
Mills
Presidential Spouse
State University of New York at Geneseo
Alison N.
Nooks
Presidential Spouse
Gordon State College (GA)
Karla
Oty
Presidential Spouse
Cameron University (OK)
Darlene
Repollet
Presidential Spouse
Kean University (NJ)
Leon
Roberts
Presidential Spouse
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Aundra
Shields
Presidential Spouse
Southern University and A&M College (LA)
Julie
Virjee
Presidential Spouse
California State University Fullerton
Upcoming events for Spouses and partners
Questions about the Spouse/Partner program? Let us know.
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