It’s Easy Being Green: Sustainability Solutions Symposium
Presidents/chancellors and senior leaders will explore sustainability solutions from across campus.
Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement Meetings
Contact us.Over the past 11 years, AASCU and NASPA have partnered to host the annual Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement meeting, which brought together faculty, student affairs administrators, students, senior campus leaders, and community partners to advance institutions’ commitment to advancing democracy.
This standout event convened a diverse range of stakeholders to ensure that students who graduate from colleges and universities, both public and private, are prepared to be the informed, engaged citizens our communities and democracies need.
We are tremendously proud of the impact CLDE has made in this critical area. However, the 2024 conference was the final conference under the AASCU/NASPA partnership. In 2025, AASCU will be hosting the American Democracy Project Summit to continue this work.
Both AASCU and NASPA remain deeply committed to supporting civic learning and democratic engagement across the country and with professionals across campuses.
Although the meeting will not continue in its current form, AASCU and NASPA look forward to exploring other meaningful avenues to partner and collaborate to ensure that professionals committed to civic engagement work at their institutions can share best practices and learn from one another in new and innovative ways.
Both AASCU and NASPA value our shared history of work together in this space and look forward to collaborating in the future to ensure that higher education meets its obligation to prepare students who value and engage in the health of our democracy.
2014
Louisville, KY
June 5-7
2013
Denver, CO
June 2-4
2012
San Antonio, TX
June 7-9
2011
Orlando, FL
June 2-4
Want to know more about CLDE? Let us know.
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AASCU 2023 Annual Conference
Engage with colleagues and experts in exploring how to lead for democracy.
2023 Academic Affairs Summer Meeting
Celebrate and advance the work accomplished at regional comprehensive 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 for every student. 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 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, and now current AASCU president, 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. Former AASCU President Mildred García co-chaired the commission.
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 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.
Promising Practices
Read how regional public universities are amplifying postsecondary value by fostering greater access and affordability, supporting student success, and improving outcomes for every student.
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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American Democracy Project Steering Committee
Serving as advisers and thought partners, the ADP Steering Committee is comprised of talented and thoughtful individuals who are dedicated to the collective purpose of preparing the next generation of informed and engaged citizens.
Our members are leaders and advocates.
The role of the ADP Steering Committee is not only to provide guidance and expertise on the design and development of programs and practices that are integral, relational, organic, and generative, but also to champion these efforts and envision the thriving democracy we aspire to enact and support through our work. ADP Steering Committee meetings are also attended by ad hoc members, notably the current Civic Fellows and our recent ADP Civic Engagement Award winners.
Shannon
Calderone
Assistant Professor, Educational Leadership
Washington State University Tri-Cities
Byron
Craig
Assistant Professor, School of Communication
Illinois State University
David
Hoffman
Director, Center for Democracy and Civic Life
“University of Maryland, Baltimore County”
Dimetri
Horner
Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
Harris-Stowe State University (MO)
Romy
Hübler
Director of Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility
Towson University (MD)
Jyl
Josephson
Professor of Political Science, Women, and Gender Studies
Rutgers University Newark (NJ)
Cheryl Z.
Kerchis
Assistant Professor
Slippery Rock University (PA)
H. Gibbs
Knotts
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Coastal Carolina University (SC)
Julie
Lester
Associate Professor of Political Science and MPA Program Coordinator
Valdosta State University (GA)
Kara
Lindaman
Dean, College of Liberal Arts
Winona State University (MN)
Angela M.
McGowan-Kirsch
Associate Professor of Communication
State University of New York at Fredonia
Julie
Mowrer
Acting Director, Center for Community Engagement; Director, English Language Institute
University of Hawai’i at Hilo
Leah
Murray
Director, Olene S. Walker Institute of Politics & Public Service
Weber State University (UT)
Elizabeth
Parmelee
Associate Vice President of Undergraduate Studies
Metropolitan State University of Denver (CO)
Chapman
Rackaway
Professor and Chair, Political Science
Radford University (VA)
Ronald S.
Rochon
President
California State University Fullerton
Bidhan Chandra
Roy
Professor of English and Program Director
California State University, Los Angeles
Amy
Sayward
Professor of History
Middle Tennessee State University
Justin
Vaughn
Professor and Director of the Center for Applied Civic Leadership
Coastal Carolina University (SC)
“My institution’s robust civic learning and democratic engagement work has benefited immensely from opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to collaborate and learn with ADP colleagues.”
“My institution’s robust civic learning and democratic engagement work has benefited immensely from opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to collaborate and learn with ADP colleagues.”
“My institution’s robust civic learning and democratic engagement work has benefited immensely from opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to collaborate and learn with ADP colleagues.”
“My institution’s robust civic learning and democratic engagement work has benefited immensely from opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to collaborate and learn with ADP colleagues.”
“My institution’s robust civic learning and democratic engagement work has benefited immensely from opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to collaborate and learn with ADP colleagues.”
Learn more about the ADP steering committee.
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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
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 websiteLearn 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
Marcie
Wycoff-Horn
Dean, School of Education
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
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
Joseph
Bertolino
President
Stockton University (NJ)
Loren J.
Blanchard
President
University of Houston-Downtown (TX)
Kristin G.
Esterberg
Chancellor
University of Washington Bothell
Richard
Helldobler
President
William Paterson University (NJ)
Jann L.
Joseph
President
Georgia Gwinnett College
Corey A.
King
Chancellor
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Heidi R.
Macpherson
President
State University of New York at Brockport
Tomás D.
Morales
President
California State University, San Bernardino
Peter O.
Nwosu
President
State University of New York at Oswego
Patricia Pierce
Ramsey
President
City University of New York, Medgar Evers College
Suzanne
Smith
President
State University of New York College at Potsdam
Marion A.
Terenzio
President
State University of New York Cobleskill
Zulma R.
Toro
President
Central Connecticut State University
Alisa
White
President
Sam Houston State University (TX)
Learn more about the Committee on Student Success.
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