It’s been several years since I had the opportunity to attend the NACAC Conference. That, coupled with a year away from any type of airline
travel, had me so excited to arrive in Seattle for the return of an in-person NACAC conference. As a new Assembly Delegate, I was unsure of what to expect going into the conference this year. NACAC has recently undergone a lot of changes in its organizational structure, and it was evident coming into the conference that more change is on the horizon.
For the first time in NACAC’s 84-year history, all eligible voting members took part in the NACAC Annual Member Vote. If you’re a member of NACAC, I’m sure you remember receiving a countless number of emails encouraging you to learn more about the issues on the ballot and reminders to vote. I will be the first to admit that it was overwhelming to try and digest all of the information being presented. There was a lot to consume at one of the busiest times of the year, and it was likely easy to hit the delete button or forget about the emails altogether.
In case you missed it, or want a quick synopsis of the voting results, continue reading.
Voting occurred electronically from August 9th through September 15th. During that time, members cast their ballots for the next president-elect and two new board directors. They also voted on the passage of several proposed amendments to NACAC’s Bylaws. Part of the approval process requires that one-tenth (1/10) of all eligible voting members must submit a ballot to constitute a quorum. NACAC reported at the conference that 12% of voting members participated in this year’s vote. Results of the vote were released prior to our arrival in Seattle but the highlights were:
- Vern Granger is the new Chair-Elect of the Board. Vern is the Director of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of Connecticut. He’s a lifelong admissions professional that uses his experience as a first-generation student of color to shape his vision for addressing NACAC’s role in supporting members’ work with an increased emphasis on the diversity of students we all serve. Additionally, he envisions NACAC providing better preparation for all of us professionals that are working to support students through challenges that have come to light throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, whether it be through counseling or providing additional financial assistance.
- Tahirah Crawford is a new Board Director. Tahirah is the Director of College Placement at People’s Preparatory Charter School in New Jersey. She is extremely motivated to contribute back to an organization that has given so much to her in her own professional development. Our profession is continuously evolving, and the pandemic made it evident that we may be expected to shift on a dime. Knowing this, Tahirah is inspired to help NACAC stay true to its purpose, while remaining connected to the groundwork in which the membership engages. Doing so will help NACAC continue to provide top-tier support, guidance, and advocacy for our students and professionals through these changes.
- Edward Picket III is a new Board Director. Edward is College Counselor/Dean at Polytechnic School in California. His higher education experience has been diverse, seeing perspectives from working for a CBO, highly selective college, and K-12 independent school. While serving on the Board of Directors, his focus will be on policy work. He’s quoted as saying “...the day-to-day work is the ‘moment’, but the policy work is the ‘movement’.” He is looking for ways to make lasting change not only to NACAC but to our profession.
- All 18 of the proposed Bylaws amendments have passed. Highlights and a link to view all Bylaw changes are found on the NACAC website.