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.
As a newer member to NASPA but not the Student Affairs field, it has been professionally refreshing to dig into the wealth of resources available through this association. Having access to so many publications, unique learning opportunities, events, as well as the ability to connect with peers and mentors is invaluable. I look forward to continuing to be a part of this community!
Jaime Takahashi
Peer Learning Coordinator University of Lethbridge -- Region V
My initial membership with NASPA dates back to 2007, however, more recently I have found my home with volunteer experiences in Region IV-E, with the AVP Steering Committee, and as a Faculty member and now Institute Director of the NASPA Institute for New AVPs. My involvement has given me many tools to enhance my experiences as a professional while also having the opportunity to give back to a field that I love dearly.
Taléa R. Drummer-Ferrell, Ph.D.
Associate Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students Kent State University -- NASPA Region IV-E
I've been a NASPA member since 2011 and have been volunteering in different capacities throughout my time in NASPA. Since 2019, I've been serving as one of Region I's Foundation Ambassadors and have enjoyed educating members about the opportunities available to them through the Foundation as well as raising money to hit our goals each year. I have made invaluable friendships and professional connections through NASPA and am thankful I decided to get involved over a decade ago.
Laura Flynn
Foundation Board Member
Director of Orientation and First Year Experience Brandeis University -- Region I
My engagement with NASPA since the outset of my career in 2018 has proven to be pivotal in my professional development. NASPA has seamlessly provided an invaluable platform for continuous learning and networking, particularly within the context of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Through this association, I have had the privilege of connecting with DEI peers from across the country, gaining profound insights and knowledge from their experiences and practices. The collaborative efforts within NASPA have significantly enhanced my ability to contribute to the creation of inclusive spaces for students, making it an indispensable asset in my ongoing journey of professional growth.
Kayla Gill, MSW
Senior Program Advisor University of Kentucky -- NASPA Region III
As someone beginning my career in Student Affairs, I have found NASPA to be a valuable resource. Specifically, NASPA's Early Career Development Institute has provided access to peers and mentors that have expanded my knowledge of the field and the sense of community I have within Student Affairs. I look forward to taking advantage of more NASPA opportunities in the future!
Elizabeth Parkman
Associate Director of Student Engagement University of Portland -- NASPA Region V
