Getting to Know Tom - Q&A by ACPA by Dr. Tom Jackson, Jr., ACPA Vice President 2008-09

Last week I had the opportunity to work with Stanton Cheah in the ACPA International Office. Our task this time was to begin my transition from ACPA Vice President to ACPA President. Part of that process includes doing our annual Question & Answer discussion, which gets published on the ACPA web page. Well, it is done.

Stanton asked me several questions and my short version responses are published online at www.myacpa.org/au/governance/jackson.cfm . As your time permits, please take a moment and read my responses. I would welcome your feedback -- email me what you think at tom.jackson@louisville.edu.

Now, in case you are wondering what was edited out simply read my next post. In the next post I will reveal several "Presidential Initiatives" that we will embark upon over the next few years as we progress toward becoming a global association. I will speak on some of these during my brief remarks following the the gavel passing at the Tuesday ACPA business meeting.

Technology and Twitter by Dr. Tom Jackson, Jr., ACPA Vice President 2008-09

I was talking to a dear colleague yesterday who suggested that I be very deliberate about technology as the incoming ACPA President. Shortly after that phone conversation I approached the best techno guy I know - Tim Moore. Tim is always reading something about the latest "something." About 18 months ago he wanted me to look into Twitter, and like all busy people, I didn't think much more about it until yesterday when Tim and I were talking.

Tim suggested I should consider using Twitter to regularly connect to people/members that might be interested in following what I may be thinking, doing, dealing with, or updating. I agreed. So I have activated my account (acpaprez). I have also linked it to this blog. One of these days we will set it up so when I update THIS blog it will also notify those following me on Twitter.

It is weird. Doing stuff like this one has to ask themselves, why? Why would anyone want to follow me and read my random thoughts? Heck, why would I even feel the need to post these thoughts. It is really a bit too "egotistical" for me. Still, I am doing it very reluctantly in large part to demonstrate and embrace these technologies. It also may connect me to the very diverse ACPA membership in a very new way. I am hopeful that members will follow this blog and follow my tweets and feel comfortable sharing with me their thoughts on our profession and association.

Tim tells me that Twitter is addicting. I am not sure about that -- I am not the addiction type. Truth is I text message my closest buddies often. I cannot imagine Twitter becoming our way to stay in touch. That is a scary thought.

I am so excited. I have my first follower on Twitter. It is Tim Moore. Look for more of our efforts to utilize technology. Take care.

It must be lived forward... by Dr. Tom Jackson, Jr., ACPA Vice President 2008-09

As we recover from the holiday and move into this New Year it is natural to look back at the past year. Working with ACPA in 2008 was a favorable and constructive experience. Attending the 2008 Summer Leadership Meeting in July was the first of many meaningful and engaging experiences with ACPA this year. ACPA is undoubtedly moving forward and leading student affairs in an exciting direction. The updated (July 2007) ACPA Document on Professional Competencies is an ideal example of this work and organizational direction. This is truly where our field is heading. Through continued meetings, conversation, and decisions ACPA continues to strive to be this leader in Student Affairs and is achieving. It is my honor to be working with the organization.

We look forward to the upcoming 85th annual ACPA Convention in Meto DC this coming March 28- April 1. It will be an amazing experience a time for our profession to show all that it has to offer. Before the convention ACPA’s 11th Mid Managers Institute will be taking place in Louisville this January 11-14. This signature program continues to grow and offer professional development to those interested in staying up-to-date on campus issues and trends.

Working with Dr. Jackson in the coming year, I expect to see continued success of the organization. With the sustainability of the organization always in mind, it is exciting to look back at a successful year and to the prospects of the future. Returning to Paty’s presentation from the Summer Leadership Meeting, the beliefs and drive of the organization make ACPA what it is. I believe in the development our students and of our profession. Because of this I look forward to 2009 and all it has to bring the organization.

I saw The Curious Case of Benjamin Button during the holiday break and was taken by the message of the movie. There were many great quotes and interesting situations presented. I am reminded of a quote from the Benjamin (Brad Pitt's character), “Life can only be understood looking backward. It must be lived forward.” As we look back on the past year and see our progress let us continue to move forward both personally and as an organization.

Gerome Stephens,
ACPA Doctoral Intern to Dr. Tom Jackson