AASCU on the Hill
Meet with your members of Congress and help shape policies that directly impact AASCU institutions.
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
upcoming and recent events for spouse/partners
Spouse/partner programming is designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities members face in this role. The Spouse/Partner Program offers programming content at the Annual Conference, webinars, and other sessions. Presenters and facilitators often come from the very talented spouse/partner membership, as well as from consultants with relevant expertise.
Testimonials
“I’m so grateful for the support and community I’ve found within the AASCU Spouse and Partner Program. It’s truly amazing to connect with other spouses and partners of university presidents who understand the unique challenges and rewards of this role. The organization has been invaluable in providing resources, networking opportunities, and a sense of belonging. I’ve especially enjoyed serving on the committee that plans programming for our annual conference. It’s been a great way to give back to the community and ensure that our events meet the needs of both new and current spouses.”
“As I enter my third year as a spouse to a university president, I would like to reflect on how I enjoy participating in AASCU’s Spouse/Partner program. I find the opportunity to gather in person or virtually with other spouses and partners of university presidents very helpful and meaningful. To be able to share ideas and experiences provides for me helpful tools for navigating the challenges and opportunities of being married to a university president. The group of people I have interacted with thus far have been supportive and eager to help. This unique group has been structured to allow spouses and partners to participate as much or as little as they would like without feeling pressured to do more. While for the most part we only have the opportunity to meet in person once or twice a year, we are never more than an email or call away from each other. Thank you AASCU for creating this network of folks.”
“The program recognizes the vital role played by spouses and partners in supporting university and college presidents and the many services these men and women selflessly provide to their institutions. By offering programming catered to the needs and interests of spouses and partners as well as a sympathetic and encouraging network of peers, the Program is meant for beginning as well as long time spouses and partners. The Program’s Planning Committee is composed of experienced spouses and partners who work throughout the year to develop conference sessions and activities that are designed to allow members to gather together as a community to collaboratively share their experiences and provide advice for spouses and partners dealing with the day-to-day issues and situations they will face in their roles.”
“I’m so grateful for the support and community I’ve found within the AASCU Spouse and Partner Program. It’s truly amazing to connect with other spouses and partners of university presidents who understand the unique challenges and rewards of this role. The organization has been invaluable in providing resources, networking opportunities, and a sense of belonging. I’ve especially enjoyed serving on the committee that plans programming for our annual conference. It’s been a great way to give back to the community and ensure that our events meet the needs of both new and current spouses.”
“As I enter my third year as a spouse to a university president, I would like to reflect on how I enjoy participating in AASCU’s Spouse/Partner program. I find the opportunity to gather in person or virtually with other spouses and partners of university presidents very helpful and meaningful. To be able to share ideas and experiences provides for me helpful tools for navigating the challenges and opportunities of being married to a university president. The group of people I have interacted with thus far have been supportive and eager to help. This unique group has been structured to allow spouses and partners to participate as much or as little as they would like without feeling pressured to do more. While for the most part we only have the opportunity to meet in person once or twice a year, we are never more than an email or call away from each other. Thank you AASCU for creating this network of folks.”
“The program recognizes the vital role played by spouses and partners in supporting university and college presidents and the many services these men and women selflessly provide to their institutions. By offering programming catered to the needs and interests of spouses and partners as well as a sympathetic and encouraging network of peers, the Program is meant for beginning as well as long time spouses and partners. The Program’s Planning Committee is composed of experienced spouses and partners who work throughout the year to develop conference sessions and activities that are designed to allow members to gather together as a community to collaboratively share their experiences and provide advice for spouses and partners dealing with the day-to-day issues and situations they will face in their roles.”
“I’m so grateful for the support and community I’ve found within the AASCU Spouse and Partner Program. It’s truly amazing to connect with other spouses and partners of university presidents who understand the unique challenges and rewards of this role. The organization has been invaluable in providing resources, networking opportunities, and a sense of belonging. I’ve especially enjoyed serving on the committee that plans programming for our annual conference. It’s been a great way to give back to the community and ensure that our events meet the needs of both new and current spouses.”
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
The strength of this program comes from the diversity of its membership, whose knowledge, expertise, and commitment serve as great resources. A critical resource we offer is the Spouse/Partner Member Directory (login required.)
Member Directory- Dr. Alison Nooks, spouse of former president Kirk Nooks, Gordon State College (GA)
- Mike Matson, spouse of president Cynthia Teniente-Matson, San Jose State University
- Rick Gonzalez, spouse of president Timothy Mottet, Colorado State University Pueblo
- Elizabeth Ross, spouse of former president George Ross, Central Michigan University
- Cyndie Shepard, spouse of former chancellor Bruce Shepard, Western Washington University
- Judy Ingle, spouse of former president Ronald Ingle (deceased) Coastal Carolina University (SC)
- Jo Hern Curris, spouse of former president Constantine W. (Deno) Curris, Murray State University (KY), University of Northern Iowa, Clemson University (SC), and American Association of State Colleges and University (AASCU)
- Bobbie Ostar, spouse of president emeritus, American Association of State Colleges and University (AASCU)
PLANNING AND OUTREACH CO-COORDINATORS
PLANNING COMMITTEE
Wesley
Brown
Presidential Spouse
Winston-Salem State University (NC)
Dustin
Hodge
Presidential Spouse
Fitchburg State University (MA)
Joy
Hoffman
Presidential Spouse
Bemidji State University (MN)
Donovan
Howard
Presidential Spouse/Partner
State University of New York at New Paltz
Tressa
Kelly
Presidential Spouse
Arkansas State University System
Michael
Mills
Presidential Spouse
State University of New York at Geneseo
Fran
Prezant
Presidential Spouse/Partner
State University of New York at Farmingdale
Leon
Roberts
Presidential Spouse
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Darin
Tandberg
Presidential Spouse
Adams State University (CO)
Questions about the Spouse/Partner program? Let us know.
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Presidential Postsecondary Value Commission Task Force
AASCU works to expand life-changing opportunities and close opportunity gaps. We know it is more important than ever to better understand and communicate the value of postsecondary education.
Learn more.Answering the call.
AASCU and our members play a vital role in reimagining a postsecondary education system centered on ensuring equitable value and reimagining our postsecondary system as an instrument to create a stronger and more just society together.
AASCU presidents answered the call to action issued by former AASCU Board Chair and President of the Arkansas State University System Chuck Welch to engage in a coordinated and organized effort to further the work of the 2021 Postsecondary Value Commission (PVC) report that proposed a new approach for measuring the value of education after high school. AASCU President Mildred García co-chaired the commission.
Following the call, AASCU formed the Presidential Postsecondary Value Commission Task Force. The task force is focused on the five key areas the PVC Commission outlined:
- Equalize access to increase postsecondary value
- Remove affordability as an impediment to postsecondary value
- Eliminate completion gaps and strengthen post-college outcomes to ensure postsecondary value
- Improve data to expose and address inequitable postsecondary value
- Promote social justice by providing equitable postsecondary value
Task Force Goals:
- Engage in a coordinated and organized effort to further the work of the Postsecondary Value Commission report to place a spotlight on AASCU institutions as a collective.
- Share the equity work outlined in the report that our institutions are already doing via promising practices that demonstrate value added through personal enrichment, preparation for successful careers, and contributions to society.
Share your promising practice.
To help AASCU institutions tell their story as it relates to the action agenda, we created an online portal for members to submit their promising practices.
Share practices.AASCU member campuses are taking charge for a better tomorrow. Read and share what your colleagues around the country are doing to make a difference.
Read stories.Meet the Presidential Postsecondary Value Commission Task Force
Heidi M.
Anderson
President
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Virginia (Ginny)
Arthur
President
Metro State University (MN)
José Luis
Cruz Rivera
President
Northern Arizona University
Kelly
Damphousse
President
Texas State University
Kristin G.
Esterberg
Chancellor
University of Washington Bothell
Mildred
García
Chancellor
California State University System
Robert
Glenn
President
University of Houston-Victoria (TX)
Sandra D.
Haynes
Chancellor
Washington State University Tri-Cities
Saúl
Jiménez-Sandoval
President
California State University, Fresno
Brad
Mortensen
President
Weber State University (UT)
Charles L.
Welch
President and CEO
AASCU
Alisa
White
President
Sam Houston State University (TX)
Questions about the Postsecondary Value Commission? Ask Us.
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AASCU 2022 Annual Conference
Engage with topical experts and colleagues in exploring how to be effective in the new leadership landscape.
Drawing Data-Driven Blueprints: Synthesizing Market and Student Trends to Build Stronger Online Programs
Study trends and share findings to support enrollment strategies and online learner engagement.
Committee on Sustainable Development
AASCU’s Committee on Sustainable Development is responsible for exploring educational and operational practices that raise awareness and promote implementation choices for AASCU and for member campuses.
Learn more.
The Sustainable Development Committee was established by the AASCU Board of Directors in July 2014. It is responsible for exploring educational and operational practices that raise awareness about sustainability and sustainable development, and for promoting implementation choices for the Association and its member campuses.
The Committee is guided by three core commitments:
- Economic activity is understood to serve the common good, is self-renewing, and builds local assets and self-reliance.
- Education communicates that people are part of nature, that nature has limits, and that communities are responsible for protecting and building natural assets.
- Citizenship is seen as an opportunity for equitable distribution of resources and full participation in all activities, benefits, and decision-making of a society.
Richard
Bailey
President
Southern Oregon University
Kristin G.
Esterberg
Chancellor
University of Washington Bothell
Carol
Kim
Provost
State University of New York at Albany
Mike
McCormick, AIA
Vice President Facilities Management and Development
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Camille
McKayle
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
University of the Virgin Islands
Cynthia L.
Pemberton
President
Lewis-Clark State College (ID)
Radha
Pyati
Chancellor and Dean
Pennsylvania State University Berks Campus
Anastasia
Rodriguez
Vice President of Administration and Finance
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Will
Simpkins
Vice President for Student Affairs
Metropolitan State University of Denver (CO)
Sustainability Resources
Higher Ed Climate Action Plan.
This Is Planet Ed, an initiative of the Aspen Institute.
Visit websiteHEASC Resource Center
Visit websitePrimer
Sustainable Development Primer for Higher Education Presidents, Chancellors, Trustees and Senior Leaders
Download PDFLearn more about the Committee on Sustainable Development.
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Committee on Teacher Education
Advises AASCU on programs, projects, and federal and state public policy initiatives needed to improve teacher education, and the committee advises member presidents on ways to strengthen campus programs and enhance their credibility with policymakers and the public.
Learn more.The Committee on Teacher Education advises AASCU on programs, projects, and federal and state public policy initiatives needed to improve teacher education, and the committee advises member presidents on ways to strengthen campus programs and enhance their credibility with policymakers and the public.
The Committee, which includes representatives of the Teacher Education Council of State Colleges and Universities (TECSCU), is responsible for screening applications for the annual Christa McAuliffe Excellence in Teacher Education Award.
Ernest
Black
Systemwide Director, CalStateTEACH
California State University
Deborah
Bordelon
Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
University of Houston-Downtown (TX)
Laurie
Mullen
Dean, College of Education
Towson University (MD)
Nancy S.
Niemi
President
Framingham State University (MA)
Mark A.
Nook
President
University of Northern Iowa
Michael T.
Stephenson
Provost and Senior Vice President
Sam Houston State University (TX)
Learn more about the Committee on Teacher Education.
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Committee on Student Success
The Committee on Student Success assists AASCU in shaping the direction of its student success activities.
Learn more.The Committee on Student Success is charged with:
- Identifying programs and services that can assist member campuses in achieving greater levels of student success;
- Providing input and guidance as on AASCU student success strategy, including its grant funded initiatives such as the Student Success Equity Intensive.
Learn more about the Committee on Student Success.
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Committee on Research
AASCU members are engaged in research activities that define today’s engaged university. AASCU is committed to supporting applied research and service that advances economic development and quality of life in communities across the country.
Learn more.The Committee on Research is charged with the following:
- Providing guidance on AASCU’s research priorities to serve the sector of regional public universities.
- Informing AASCU’s advocacy for federal funding for agencies and programs that support university research.
- Providing input on how AASCU can support and promote the research mission of its members.
Maenette K. P.
Ah Benham
Chancellor
University of Hawaii at West Oahu
Aminta
Breaux
President
Bowie State University (MD)
Alberto J.
Cardelle
President
State University of New York at Oneonta
Fernando
Delgado
President
City University of New York Lehman College
Lynn
Mahoney
President
San Francisco State University (CA)
James T.
Minor
Chancellor
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Todd
Shields
Chancellor
Arkansas State University Jonesboro
Jim
Wohlpart
President
Central Washington University
Learn more about the Committee on Research
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Committee on Professional Development
The Committee on Professional Development serves as an advisory group to create meaningful communities of experience for member presidents and support AASCU leadership development programs focused on building leadership capacity.
Learn more.
Soraya M.
Coley
President
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Marion R.
Fedrick
Executive VP and Chief of Staff
Georgia State University
Andy
Feinstein
President
University of Northern Colorado
Bennie L.
Harris
Chancellor
University of South Carolina Upstate
Jann L.
Joseph
President
Georgia Gwinnett College
Lynn
Mahoney
President
San Francisco State University (CA)
Mel C.
Netzhammer
Chancellor
Washington State University Vancouver
Zulma R.
Toro
President
Central Connecticut State University
Aswani
Volety
Chancellor
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Alisa
White
President
Sam Houston State University (TX)
Learn more about the Committee on Professional Development.
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