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

Minnesota - Returning Home by Dr. Tom Jackson, Jr., ACPA Vice President 2008-09

It has been amazing. I graduated from Southwest Minnesota State University in 1985 and returned for the first time in 2007. Then less than a year later I returned to speak. Then one more great chance to return to Minnesota - the Minnesota College Personnel Association conference. Three times in one year after nearly 23 years absent. What a fantastic state and even more wonderful people.

While in Minnesota I was reminded of how caring and open the people were in that state. I also observed how progressive Minneapolis was as a major city and how strong the MCPA, as an organization, really is today.

The MCPA conference had representatives from all levels within the profession - faculty, newer professionals, middles, and seniors. The conference had nearly 60% of its attendees also ACPA members! The members were also engaging, interested in ACPA, and fun.

Watch and Learn by Dr. Tom Jackson, Jr., ACPA Vice President 2008-09

Greetings! I was happy to read the comments from my colleague and friend Gerome Stephens and would echo the amazing experience I had at the recent ACPA Summer Leadership Meeting (SLM). While he commented on the affective components of the trip I will comment on some of my logistical observations and reflections. First an introduction – I am Michael D. Anthony, and currently serve as Interim Director of the University of Louisville's new Cultural Center. I too am assisting Dr. Jackson in his "tri-presidency" with ACPA (VP, President, Past-President), and am honored to do so. I am happy to share my thoughts, insights, ah-ha's and learnings through this experience in hopes that the most we can all learn from this journey. I am also a PhD student here at U of L, part-time of course, and unlike Gerome have been quite involved with ACPA throughout my four years in the field. I currently serve as Past-President of the Kentucky state division of ACPA, known as CPAK.

SLM brought together nearly 100 passionate student affairs faculty and practitioners, most of whom are volunteers, to discuss the work of ACPA. This is no simple task, and Dr. Patty Perillo and her team at Davidson College in Davidson, NC should be proud to have pulled off a very successful event. The Association's Governing Board and International Office staff put in a full day on Wednesday July 9th, modeling the hard work they expect of the rest of the assembly leadership. On Thursday the rest of the team arrived and immediately got to work. There was a good balance of work and play throughout the weekend, which I appreciated very much. The work of the leadership continued through Saturday and closed with another half day of work for the Governing Board and International Staff on Sunday July 13th. The most powerful take-away from this meeting of the leadership of our Association was that collaboration and talking across "silos" is critical. Of course most of us already know that, but to see it in action is a beautiful thing. As I sit here at yet another conference/meeting - this time on the West Coast, reflecting on my experiences a few weeks ago, I'm re-energized by the example I saw at Davidson. I am also hopeful of the future of our profession with organizations like ACPA working hard to support and educate our faculty and practitioners.

I titled this post watch and learn because I did a lot of that at the SLM. As a rising professional anxious to contribute to the work we're doing at every opportunity; it was an exercise in patience and humility to sit back and just listen, watch and learn. I was intentional about challenging my need to be heard and my need to contribute verbally. By doing something different, and stepping out of my place of comfort, I positioned myself to learn in a very unique way; to observe and take in all of the information, concepts and ideas; and then to process this experience in ways I could not have imagined. I am happy to be a part of Dr. Jackson's team, and know that he invites all who read this to be a part of the business of improving our profession. The door is open, and the invitation is made. Until next time...