AASCU 2023 Annual Conference
Engage with colleagues and experts in exploring how to lead for democracy.
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
“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.”
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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