Moving on, Moving forward

I’m packing my suitcases to head to the ACPA Annual Convention in Las Vegas.  I’m a bit misty because when I return home after the convention, I will no longer be ACPA President.   While I am excited to be able to devote more time to my family and campus responsibilities, I will miss much about serving the profession and association that I love.

Fortunately, I have learned much in my Presidential year that will carry me forward.

I know how much people around the world – from California to China; to Canada and Jamaica – value ACPA and need what it has to offer them as professionals and their students.

I know that ACPA members value collaboration – at all levels – since opening ourselves up to partnerships with others helps us help our students.  Stand alone individualism does not work in today’s society; just look at Congress.

I know that our profession’s future is bright and that ACPA has the innovative ideas found no place else to equip student affairs and higher education leaders to advance their careers and success of their students.

Finally, I know that my contributions don’t need to stop just because I leave office.  I know I still have much to give, and will find ways to continue offer leadership to the profession.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve.  It has been one of the highest honors I know I will have throughout my career.

Keith Humphrey

ACPA President, 2012-2013

Now, I get it

We’ve all sent an email to our Vice President and not received a response…sometimes for days…or weeks.  Count me in this category.  I would wonder….what did I say?  Is she mad at me?  Did I suggest something stupid?

Well, today was day five of me being a Vice President and if you are one of those 500+ folks that are waiting for a response from me…..well, sorry.  Read this first and you will get it.

I get it now.

In the 40 hours that made up my first week as a VP, 37 of them were spent in meetings.  And that doesn’t count the evening activities I attended to become acquainted with my new community.

Hardly leaves any time to eat a proper lunch or go to the bathroom, let alone reply to the steady stream of email that requires my attention.  And I have hardly been on facebook at all this week! 

In the time that I was not at meetings or activities, I was catching up with my kids so that they don’t resent me when they are 18, washing dishes, making school lunches and taking care of the dogs.  Regular people things. 

So, I apologize if I have not returned your email this week.  I don’t hate you, you didn’t say something stupid.  I was just really busy.

 Dr. Keith Humphrey

ACPA President, 2012-2013

A Career in Boxes

I’m sitting here looking at bare walls and empty bookcases.

Fifteen years worth of student affairs “stuff” is now packed and ready to go as I transition to a new position.    It only took the moving company an hour to pack up what it took me a decade and a half to amass.

I always knew this day would come, but at the same time never thought it would be here.  I am one of those folks who have been fortunate enough to have a great run at a greater university.  I have met amazing people, worked with great colleagues and built relationships with students who have become alumni and friends. 

It’s exciting to go, but I can’t help but have a very heavy heart today. 

I will miss the people that invested in me.  The colleagues who challenged me to be better, the supervisors who guided me, and those who laughed with me in difficult times.  I will even miss the people who I had disagreements with…and there are a few.

Leaving is not so much about stepping away, but taking all that I have learned and carrying it forward.    It is about carrying the spirit of these people that have meant, and still will mean so much to me, with me as I move on.

I have tried to make sure they know how wonderful I think they are and how proud I have been to be their colleague over the years. 

No matter where you are in your career on your campus, I encourage you to make sure your colleagues and students know how valuable they are to you.  We are in the people business, and these are our people.  And they deserve to know.

Still looking at those walls and bookcases, but now I see much, much more.

 Dr. Keith Humphrey

ACPA President, 2012-2013