Welcome from the President
As the 2025-2026 president of the North American Association of Summer Sessions I welcome you to our community of educators, administrators, and innovators in this incredible and unique space in higher education we call home for – Summer, Winter, and Special Sessions!
I am fortunate to have the opportunity to represent NAASS at this time and after 16 years of association membership and engagement. I first joined NAASS in 2010 and attended my first annual conference that year in Portland, Maine, for The ‘Maine’ Event. NAASS members welcomed me with open arms, and I have not missed an annual conference since.
I was elected the Northeast Regional Vice President for the 2013-2015 term which was followed by a Co-Chair position of an Affiliates Work Group, 2015-2016. I hosted the Northeast Regional Conference in 2017, was elected Member At-Large, 2016-2018, and then elected President Elect in 2024 after taking some time away from leadership roles. Throughout these many years of NAASS engagement, I have presented, co-presented, and been part of conference panels no fewer than a dozen times.
The camaraderie, collegiality, and sharing of ideas and initiatives in summer, winter, and special sessions has remained the constant foundation of NAASS, and I owe much of my career success to what I have gained from my NAASS engagement over the years. I have a long list of NAASS colleagues across the country who I can call at any time for advice and insight related to the challenges of our work. I know of few other groups of individuals with the breadth and depth of related knowledge and insight who are willing and able to share so openly. To all NAASS members, past, current, and future, I am eternally grateful.
Speaking of the future, we are currently planning for the 63rd annual conference, which will be held in Washington D.C., November 8 – 11, 2026. It will undoubtedly be an exceptional opportunity for learning, networking, and professional development. If you are relatively new to NAASS I encourage you to get involved and sign up for a committee. The little extra time and effort it will add to your calendar throughout the year will pay dividends down the road in your career as it has mine. For those who have more experience, I encourage you to connect with colleagues to develop and propose a session presentation and share your collective expertise. Do not neglect to bask in the glow of your successes by self-nominating for one of the many annual awards to highlight your achievements. I look forward to seeing you in D.C.!