NASPA Supporting, Expanding, and Recruiting Volunteer Excellence (SERVE) Academy

The NASPA Supporting, Expanding, and Recruiting Volunteer Excellence (SERVE) Academy provides mid-to-senior level professionals with opportunities to enhance their NASPA leadership and volunteer experiences and contributes to the diversity of NASPA's board and leadership. Selected participants representing the diversity of the NASPA membership focus on executive development, mentorship, association management, and volunteer service. The SERVE experience also includes a semi-structured mentoring relationship with a past NASPA Board member.

Potential topics for SERVE participants include:
  • Association Governance and Non-profit Management
  • Association Finance, Strategic Partnerships, and Fundraising
  • Member Services, Member Engagement, and Component Relations
  • Professional Competencies, Content Development, and Online Learning
  • Research and Policy Initiatives and Activities
  • A leadership assessment 
  • Leading with and for your peers
The cohort who completes the NASPA SERVE Academy will be able to:
  • Gain deeper knowledge of association management and NASPA’s role in higher education
  • Expand network of colleagues to collaborate with in leadership and association experience
  • Explore ways to be involved more deeply in NASPA as a member
  • Define leadership for self and how to lead a set of peers
  • Identify individual plans for future volunteer leadership goals
Benefits of Participation
  • In-person orientation and overview 
  • Waived NASPA Annual Conference registration during the program
  • Mentorship with a past NASPA Board of Director Member
  • Individual opportunities to network with key professionals in the field
  • Recognition in the field as a member of this select group
Questions
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the program, contact Monica Nixon, vice president for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

More Information
NASPA staff explore the importance of SERVE on the Blog.
Hear from past Board Chair Lori White about the program's launch.

Member Spotlight

I have enjoyed being a NASPA member since 2012 because of the familial environment, connections, and dedication to supporting individuals and communities in our regions and beyond. NASPA is filled with members who value the field of student affairs and higher education to a point where folks continue to learn, grow, connect, and exhibit action toward creating equitable practices that impact our world. This and much more is why I continue to be a NASPA member and give back as a volunteer through reading program submissions, conference planning, or even volunteering as a regional state representative. NASPA is my professional home.

Clifton E. Shambry Jr.

Associate Director of Life Design for Diversity and Inclusion
Johns Hopkins University -- NASPA Region II

Since 1998, NASPA has provided me with the opportunity to get involved in an organization that is much bigger than myself. Serving on national, regional, and state board has created so many opportunities for me to grow professionally, connect with colleagues, and influence our profession. I am grateful for the association and the individuals who have served alongside me throughout my career.

Dr. Anthony DeSantis

Associate Vice President for Student Affairs
Saint Leo University -- NASPA Region III

My first NASPA experience was in 2006 during graduate school. Now in my third year, I serve as the Alaska membership representative. I have enjoyed being on the regional board in this capacity as I get to connect and learn from so many other professionals on the board. NASPA has given me some of the most memorable professional development experiences including the Annual Strategies Conferences and the NASPA Law & Policy Certificate program. I encourage all my colleagues to join NASPA with the hope they too will find connection, community, and belonging.

Cody Rogers

Director, Center for Student Engagement
University of Alaska Fairbanks -- NASPA Region V

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