The work of the Board requires us to be forward thinking to consider what comes next for our profession and the Association. At our most recent board meeting in Indianapolis, we had a constant reminder of that future as my daughter joined us in her (un)official capacity as junior board member. She got to see the work that has been done over the past 5 years through the implementation of the Forward to 50 Strategic Plan and got an inside track on what comes next as we finalize this plan and consider our current priorities. Although her typing skills are lacking (maybe that’s a 7 month milestone), here is her official reflection on the Board meeting.
The Association has been hard at work over the past 5 years to better serve members and advance the profession. From the launch of AFA Learning, which provides 30+ on-demand educational sessions, to the new AFA submissions system that streamlines processes like nominations and the call for programs, the investment in our Association’s infrastructure maximizes staff time and enhances the professional development available to members.
The importance of community remains central and drove initiatives like our Community Collectives and Communities of Practice. The relationships built and nurtured in these spaces help provide members support both in their professional practice and personal growth. AFA also expanded our community through investments like the Senior Student Affairs Officer Convening, which brought more SSAOs to the AFA table and continued to elevate our profession on campuses.
As we look to the future, the board continues to prioritize professional development through targeted programs based on role and tenure in the field. That work requires an investment in how we collect information about our members so we can best meet the needs of our members and better retain the talent in our profession. We also have a firm commitment to supporting our community building efforts moving forward and continue to explore what support is needed to foster a strong sense of connection. Finally, we are refining the ways in which our members can demonstrate their skills and abilities through innovations in credentialing.
Each of you has a role to play in the execution of this future. Renew your membership so that you can continue to benefit from the professional development and community building built by the Association. Participate in our leadership elections by reviewing candidate videos and materials and voting for the individuals who are most prepared to strategically launch the next 50 years of the Association, and register for the AFA Annual Meeting where we will highlight all of the accomplishments of the Forward to 50 Strategic Plan as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of our association.
While we may not know what higher education looks like in 18 years when it is time to send this little one off to college, the strategic work of the Association will allow us to stay nimble and meet these unknown challenges, ensuring that there are skilled and knowledgeable professionals ready to support her when she arrives.