Dear NAPAHE Members,

This year marks my tenth year as an administrative professional. Having worked in both the private sector and public higher education—two very different worlds—one thing remains constant: administrative professionals are the lifeblood of our organizations. Whether it's providing strategic support, coordinating schedules, planning events, or handling the myriad of “other duties as assigned,” we are vital, enabling our leaders to perform at their best so that the institution can function at its best.

Given the nature of our work, we dedicate so much time to helping others that we often overlook our own well-being. On this Administrative Professionals Day, I challenge you to explore what makes you better. Perhaps it's pursuing a new professional development opportunity, finding a new hobby outside of work, taking the vacation you’ve been putting off, or just spending more time with your family and friends that will help you enrich your life.  Remember, you deserve to be your best self, too.

Today, I celebrate all that makes you outstanding professionals and remarkable individuals.  Thank you for your contributions to your institutions and to NAPAHE.

Happy Administrative Professionals Day!

Brynne Pulver
Executive Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management
University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Chair, NAPAHE Communications Committee
NAPAHE Board Member

Join us for an exclusive virtual program hosted by NAPAHE during Administrative Professionals Week. This event is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating your invaluable contributions as an administrative professional in higher education.

Featuring Dr. Wesley Fugate, President of Wilson College, and moderated by Kai Swanson, Special Assistant to the President at Augustana College, this session will provide a unique perspective on the relationship held between a college or university President and their Executive Assistants. Discover how NAPAHE has supported professional growth and career trajectories, and gain insights into leadership and support at the highest levels.

Don't miss this opportunity to honor the hard work and dedication of administrative professionals in higher education, connect with peers across the nation, and gain valuable insights into the dynamics of executive leadership. This event is complimentary and open to current and prospective NAPAHE members.

April 16, 2025

Greetings NAPAHE Community,

Like many of you, I am closely monitoring the higher education landscape and understand the situations in which many of our members find themselves. Not only is it a busy time of year with commencement, events, and other year-end activities, you and your leaders are also likely navigating the challenges confronting our offices and institutions on a national level. NAPAHE stands with you.

Our promise to you is to continue providing the opportunity to connect with colleagues in confidential spaces to discuss the many challenges we face—whether routine or unexpected—and equipping you with the resources and connections you need to be successful in your roles and careers. During these times, we encourage you to continue participating in NAPAHE programming when you are able and reach out to fellow NAPAHE members in moments of need. We will have so much more to offer throughout the coming year.

In the meantime, included below are a few additional updates regarding some of the things we have been working on behind the scenes for our members.

🎉 Happy Administrative Professionals Month! 
As we celebrate Administrative Professionals Month, I personally invite you to attend our April 24th webinar, Behind the Curtain: Insights into the President-EA Relationship. We have already had a great response from colleagues across the country. You will not want to miss this webinar. Additional details are provided later in the newsletter.

Upcoming Membership Site Upgrade
We are thrilled to announce that NAPAHE will launch a brand new membership portal next month. The new members-only site will feature improved membership plan management capabilities, enhanced discussion boards, the ability to privately interact within smaller affinity-based and regional groups, community calendars with built-in event registrations, a user-friendly jobs board and career center, and much more, all under one platform for you to enjoy. More information, including instructions on accessing the new member site, will be emailed to all members soon. 

Association Strategic Planning
Last fall, I shared that NAPAHE's Board of Directors engaged with an external consultant, Essentiam, to conduct a business analysis. The work included a member survey, market analysis, and extensive workshops and conversations with board members. NAPAHE is continuing our work with Essentiam this summer to develop and finalize a multi-year strategic plan. We look forward to unveiling the plan to you by early 2026.

Preparing for NAPAHE's 2026 Annual Conference
Planning is now underway for NAPAHE's 39th Annual National Conference and Business Meeting, to be held March 11-13, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas. If you missed our announcement earlier this year, be sure to click here for more information. We are assembling a fantastic planning committee and will begin developing another exceptional program in the weeks and months to come. Registration for the 2026 conference will open in Fall 2025.

As always, thank you for your membership and engagement with NAPAHE. Please reach out with any questions.

Sincerely,

Stuart J. Schmidt
NAPAHE Executive Director