2026 Letter from the President

Welcome to the Association for Continuing Higher Education! It is my honor and privilege to serve as president of the Association for Continuing Higher Education during this pivotal moment in our field. ACHE is a supportive community that fosters growth and innovation—empowering the doers and drivers of higher education to shape the landscape for lifelong learners.

If you've been part of ACHE, you know the power of connecting with colleagues who truly understand the unique challenges and opportunities of serving contemporary students. If you're new to our community, I invite you to discover a professional family where you belong—where your expertise in degree completion, workforce development, online learning, military programs, and other student-centered services is valued and celebrated.

Navigating Uncharted Waters Together

This year's annual conference theme—"Navigating Uncharted Waters: Leadership & Transformation in Continuing Higher Education"—reflects the dynamic environment we all face. The learners we serve are evolving, technology is reshaping delivery, and the very definition of higher education is expanding. This is not a time for hesitation; it's a time for bold innovation and transformation.

I encourage you to lean into the uncertainty with curiosity and courage. Meet learners where they are today and anticipate where they'll be tomorrow. Test new ideas, challenge conventional approaches, and bring fresh thinking to your institutions. Through ACHE, you'll find the networks, resources, and professional development opportunities to support your journey as a change-maker in our field.

Get Involved, Grow Your Impact

Whether you're a seasoned leader or an emerging professional, ACHE offers pathways for meaningful engagement:

• Connect through our conferences, webinars, and social events—building relationships that extend far beyond single interactions
• Learn from thought leadership in the Journal of Continuing Higher Education and our expanding array of online programming
• Lead by serving on committees, presenting at conferences, or mentoring the next generation of professionals
• Grow through the Emerging Leaders Institute and year-round professional development

Every way you engage with ACHE—whether attending a webinar, joining a committee, or presenting at our annual conference—strengthens our collective ability to serve lifelong learners and advances our profession.

An Invitation

If you're already a member, I challenge you to deepen your involvement this year. If you're not yet part of ACHE, now is the time to join a community committed to innovation, excellence, and the success of every learner we serve.

Together, we are charting the course for the future of continuing higher education. I look forward to partnering with you—in person or virtually—as we navigate these uncharted waters.

With enthusiasm and gratitude,

Julie Shankle

2025-2026 President, Association for Continuing Higher Education

Engage with ACHE through:

Events

• Spring Conference by ACHE South – Savannah, GA, February 16 - 18
• 88th Annual Conference – Norfolk, VA, October 26 - 28
• Spring and Summer Webinar Series
• Feel the Love Social Events (virtual)
• Emerging Leaders Institute (hybrid)

Publications

• Journal of Continuing Higher Education
• “5 minutes with ACHE” Newsletter
• “The evolllution”, A Modern Campus Illumination Newsletter in partnership with ACHE 

Resources

• Jobs Board
• Webinar Library of over 30 webinars on a variety of relevant topics

Build Your Network and Collaborate with Peers

• Join ACHE Committees to develop and hone your skills
• Connect with business partners who can make your daily work efficient and impactful
• Find your community of professionals in the lifelong learning sector

Career Development

• Present at Conferences
• Test new ideas with ACHE that you can bring to your institution
• Volunteer to serve on committees that interest you to develop and hone your skills
• Run for office at the regional and national level

Recognize Outstanding Contributions to Continuing Higher Education

• Awards
• Grants
• Publication and presentation opportunities