Our Organization

Stewardship is the responsible, ethical, and strategic management of the trust, resources, and relationships entrusted to us by our members. AASCU is committed to:

• Serving our members first by understanding and responding to their evolving needs and challenges.
• Maximizing the impact of their investment through advocacy, leadership development, research, and community engagement.
• Upholding integrity, accountability, and transparency in all actions, ensuring that every decision aligns with our mission and values.
• Strengthening our position as a trusted partner, supporting our members in their roles as stewards of place.
• Protecting and promoting regional public universities through consistent, accessible, and compelling narratives that amplify our sector.

Stewardship is not just about managing resources—it’s about honoring the trust placed in us and leading with purpose, vision, and care.

Community is a network of relationships, dialogue, and shared purpose that unites our members, staff, and thought partners. It is cultivated through:

• Connection – Convening affinity groups, peer networks, and collaborative spaces that foster trust and mutual support.
• Belonging – Creating respectful environments where all voices—especially dissenting and diverse perspectives—are welcomed and valued.
• Collaboration – Encouraging shared problem-solving to advance common goals.
• Authenticity – Centering transparency and a culture where people feel safe, seen, and heard.

Community is not just a structure—it’s a shared experience of purpose, partnership, and progress.

Innovation is the bold and intentional act of imagining, experimenting, and implementing new ways to fulfill our mission and serve our members. It is fueled by:

• Curiosity and discovery – Asking “what if” and exploring the unknown with wonder and purpose.
• Courage and risk-taking – Challenging the status quo and embracing change with confidence and care.
• Collaboration across boundaries – Thinking beyond individual roles to co-create transformative solutions.
• Technology and data – Leveraging tools, automation, and analytics to improve experiences and outcomes.
• Adaptability and foresight – Anticipating future needs and acting with agility to stay ahead.

Innovation is not just about doing things differently—it’s about doing things better, together, for what’s next.

Opportunity is the creation of pathways for growth, access, and impact. It is rooted in:

• Fairness – Expanding access to resources, representation, and deserved outcomes for all.
• Growth and development – Supporting professional advancement, leadership capacity, and organizational evolution.
• Responsiveness – Meeting the diverse needs of members across regions, roles, and institutional contexts.
• Empowerment – Enabling individuals and institutions to navigate change and lead with purpose.
• Impact – Driving social and economic mobility, student success, and long-term transformation.

Opportunity is not just what we offer—it’s what we build, together, to shape a more just and sustainable future.

Service is our commitment to meeting the needs of our members and communities with excellence, empathy, and impact. It is guided by:

• Member-first mindset – Putting members at the center of every decision, program, and interaction.
• Responsiveness and availability – Being present, following up, and delivering timely, thoughtful support.
• Value and quality – Providing meaningful programming, resources, and experiences that empower and uplift.
• Purpose-driven action – Anchoring our work in a shared mission to serve the sector and strengthen resilience.
• Culture of helpfulness – Demonstrating agility in stepping up, mentoring across career stages, and encouraging the exchange of ideas.

Service is not just what we do—it’s how we show up, build trust, and create lasting value for those we serve.