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.
NASPA has been an integral part of my professional journey since I attended my first national conference as an undergraduate in 1987. Through leadership roles on the National Board of Directors and as Regional Director for NASPA Region I, I have gained invaluable experience and formed lifelong connections with colleagues who share my passion for student affairs. Being involved with NASPA has provided me with mentorship, inspiration, and professional development. NASPA continues to be a vital resource for my growth as a student affairs professional.
Beth Moriarty, Ed.D.
Interim Associate Dean of Campus Life Emerson College -- Region I
On the advice of a mentor, I joined NASPA early in my career, not knowing what to expect. I quickly discovered a wealth of opportunities. Over the past 15 years, I've served on regional boards and conference committees, built meaningful relationships with colleagues nationwide, attended conferences and retreats relevant to my work, and stayed current with trends in the field. NASPA membership, and the incredible people within the organization, have been an invaluable gift throughout every stage of my career.
Sarah Kutten, Ed.D.
Assistant Vice President for Students and Belonging University of Oregon, Portland -- Region V
I cannot imagine my career in student affairs without my involvement in NASPA! I started by engaging in the Knowledge Communities, including serving as Co-Chair for the SAPAA and WISA KCs, as National Director of KCs and as a member of the NASPA Board of Directors. I regularly attended and presented at annual conferences and participated in the Alice Manicur Symposium, the NASPA New VPSA institute, and the Equity Leadership Academy. I am the faculty director for the upcoming 2025 NASPA Alice Manicur Symposium. NASPA is my professional home and family – where I go to be informed, inspired, challenged, connected, and supported. There is a place in NASPA for everyone. I heart NASPA!
Leanna Fenneberg, Ph.D.
Senior Vice President for Student Life Duquesne University -- Region II
I joined NASPA in 2002 when I started working in student affairs. This national association has offered many opportunities for mentorship and professional development over the years. I have taken on various volunteer roles at regional conferences, on the Region V board, and within Knowledge Communities. A notable highlight was serving as the Co-Chair of the CLDE Knowledge Community. This experience connected me with colleagues in the field and provided valuable resources during the challenging times of the pandemic and a national election.
Amy Koeckes
Senior Associate Director, Student Engagement Outreach University of Nevada, Reno -- Region V
