THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR:
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Tina Marie Coolidge, EdD
Associate Director, Goodwin Programs
President, Association for Continuing Higher Education
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The Summer season has arrived and for most institutions, it is a time to catch your breath, regroup, plan for the next academic year and take some well deserved time off. It is also a time to connect with family, read a book and from a professional perspective, take stock of what goals you want to set for yourself for the upcoming year. A great goal is to extend your professional network and get involved with an Association that aligns with your career. I can attest from personal experience that I would not be the leader I am today if I didn’t get involved with ACHE.
There are many ways you can get involved with ACHE. When people outreach me and ask how they can diversify their professional portfolio and query how to get involved with an Association, I always begin by asking them about their bandwidth and their goals. ACHE offers many opportunities to get involved in the regional or national level, as well as, with annual conference planning. I encourage you to take a moment and think about what you enjoy doing and outreach me, we can chat about how what you love to do aligns with ways to get engaged with ACHE. Don’t be shy, we are a welcoming, friendly group that is like family. I promise you won’t regret getting involved.
Before I remind you to register for the national conference, I’m asking you to check on the status of your institutional membership. If you find that you don’t have an institutional membership, please contact me, tinamarie@drexel.edu.
I thought it would be fun to share some fun facts about me that you may not know…
- I am the mother of three amazing children and my oldest daughter married a wonderful active duty marine in an intimate covid wedding last year and this past Memorial Day we had their big wedding. It was the best three days of my life.
- I’m a Jersey girl raised by a New Yorker who works in Philadelphia. There is no other place I want to be in the summer than on the beach with a book, toes in the sand and hearing the ocean roll over my feet.
- I am a huge Billy Joel fan. My first concert was when I was just 4 years old. It is something very special that my father, the New Yorker share.
- I changed careers from the legal field to higher education and aside from marrying my husband, it was one of the best decisions of my life. Higher education is my home and my calling.
- I have three vizslas: Drexel, Scarlet and Valentina. They are my other children and if you aren’t familiar with the breed, the book series, Clifford the Big Red Dog, was based on the author’s vizsla. They are the most sensitive and loving dogs I have ever had the privilege to love.
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Tina Marie, her daughters Taylor Marie (bride), Marissa and Great Niece, Vienna
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Tina Marie’s beloved Vizslas: Left to Right, Scarlet, Drexel and Valentina
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We are so honored, grateful and honored to have “5 Minutes with ACHE” sponsored by Preferred Business Partner, enrole, I encourage you to go to their website and read about the innovative services they provide and also visit them at the conference in October.
The early bird deadline to register for the conference has been extended to July 31, 2022. ACHE’s 2022 International Conference is on October 24-26, 2022, and is being held in New Orleans, LA. The Conference theme is, “Equity, Access & Belonging: Continuing Higher Education's Commitment Today, Tomorrow and into the Future”. I am so very excited to remind everyone to register for one of the two Certification Tracks being offered: Leadership Certification Track: The Value of Differences: From Transactional to Transformational Leadership or the DEIB Certification Track: Inclusive Leadership: The Competitive Edge in Diversity, Inclusion, & Belongingness. We encourage attendees to register and reserve their room early to ensure occupancy at the Conference hotel. To ensure your lodging is reserved at the preferred conference rate, attendees must make their reservation by 9.2.22. Again, I want to extend a special thank you to Preferred Business Partner, enrole for sponsoring “5 Minutes with ACHE. We encourage you to visit with enrole at the International Conference, but also to read more about the ways they can support you and your institution. I can’t wait to see you and to come together, again, at the 84th ACHE Conference.
Until then,
Laissez les bon temps rouler (Let the good times roll)!!!!
Soignez vous-autres!
Dr. Tina Marie Coolidge
President, Association for Continuing Higher Education
Goodwin College of Professional Studies, Drexel University
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The ACHE 2022 annual Conference is right around the corner!
Early Bird registration rates have been extended to July 31st.
Take advantage of the savings and register before prices increase on August 1st. Make sure you register early!
Login to ACHE account and click the button below to register!
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Early Bird Registration Rates
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Alex Read, ACHE Vice President & Conference Co-Chair
College of Continuing Education, Sacramento State
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Read all about Certification Tracks!
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
Upcoming Events
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ACHE BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:
Dr. Amy Johnson
Associate Vice Provost for Faculty and Director of the Center for Teaching Excellence
East Tennessee State University
Can you share how and why you became a member of ACHE?
That’s easy. Two words – Rick Osborn. When I began working at ETSU (18 years ago this month), Dr. Rick Osborn was very active in the Association and he encouraged all of his staff to be involved. I attended my first conference in October of 2004 in Newport, RI and I was mostly hooked. I learned so much at that conference that helped me better serve my students. One particular session with Carol Aslanian sticks in my head from that conference. The kind of overview she provided about the needs and preferences of adult learners really resonated with me and I left that conference with a community of folks who understood the kind of work I did and the kind of students I served.
What is the greatest leadership lesson you’ve learned from your experience with ACHE?
My definition of leadership has three tenants. First, a leader has to work very hard in service of something for which you have deep passion. Secondly, a leader needs to recruit others to helping serve that cause or goal, and finally, a leader has to thank those who enlist to help reach those goals or serve those passions.
ACHE taught me all of those things. The Association helped me grow in my passion to serve adult students. It taught me that serving those students is an effort that transcends the students I’m working with today in my own institution; serving adult students well means advocating for them beyond my institution and serving an organization who collectively can do more to advance all institutions in order to help adult learners succeed. And ACHE has also taught me about gratitude; for my work, my colleagues, and the Association.
How has being a part of ACHE enhanced your professional competencies and/or your career progression?
In a single phrase, I would say, ACHE helps me keep my eyes open. The organization really helps me learn about trends and challenges in the field of continuing education. It helps me learn about the expertise of others in the Association. And it has helped me learn about myself. Through my extensive volunteer work, I’ve learned more about where my strengths lie and where I should let others take the lead.
What is something unique or special about your experience with ACHE that you would like to share with others?
I often tell people that ACHE made me wealthier. This claim comes from a conversation I had with Michelle Shinn who was Executive Vice President of the Association when the organization held its annual conference in 2007. We were at the hotel bar in Roanoke, VA when I mentioned I was not contributing to my 401k. All of the folks seated at the table were insistent that I remedy that financial decision as soon as possible. And what is notable about that experience is that two weeks after that conference, Michelle followed up by emailing to ask if I had started my monthly contribution. That was nearly 15 years ago and I’ve been contributing since November following that meeting. Because of that deep care, I really am a little richer. I think this story really demonstrates what is special about ACHE. Michelle cared enough to follow-up with me and she is one of so many people in the association who demonstrate how much she cares for her colleagues. When I say ACHE is a family, I think of people like Michelle who have demonstrated so much support for one another. And it is because of that love and support that I am truly wealthier. I’m rich in friendship because of ACHE.
Is there anything else you would like to share with readers about your experience with ACHE?
ACHE has given me opportunities to stretch and grow like no other professional development experience in my life and career. There is no aspect of my life – personal or professional – that has not been influenced by ACHE and I don’t know of any other organizations that offer such wonderful opportunities to not only serve, grow, and learn, but also provide warmth, joy, and genuine care.
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REGIONAL MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:
Jeni Maple
Great Plains Region
Can you share how and why did you become a member of ACHE?
I was first introduced to ACHE by my former boss and mentor Dr. Robin Plumb. She invited me to co-present with her at the 2014 annual conference in Las Vegas, and I was so impressed with the diversity of expertise and opportunities, as well as the camaraderie and welcoming attitude I experienced with everyone I met, that I have been involved ever since.
Tell us the story. What got you engaged with ACHE? Why do you stay engaged with ACHE?
My experience at the 2014 annual conference motivated me to become more involved in the organization, both regionally and with the national conferences. The leadership and other professional development opportunities provided by ACHE have been invaluable to me in more ways than I can describe, but the primary reason I have remained engaged in this organization is the people. ACHE is comprised of the most welcoming, inclusive, and supportive group of professionals I have ever worked with – always willing and available to share expertise or brainstorm ideas. I love my ACHE family!
What is the greatest leadership lesson you’ve learned from your experience with ACHE?
ACHE has given me so many opportunities to learn and grow as a leader, from committee involvement and conference planning teams to regional leadership, and I think the greatest lesson I have observed is the power of leading by example. Through ACHE, I have been so lucky to work with excellent servant leaders who continue to mentor and inspire me.
How has being a part of ACHE enhanced your professional competencies and/or your career progression?
The leadership knowledge and experience I have gained through ACHE programming and involvement has had a dramatic impact on my career progression, giving me the skills and confidence to pursue leadership roles at my institution, including Chair of our Staff Senate as well as my current position as Director of Online & Distance Advising.
What is something unique or special about your ACHE Region that you would like to share with others?
In addition to eight U.S. states, the Great Plains region also includes three Canadian provinces: Manitoba, Western Ontario, and Saskatchewan.
Is there anything else you would like to share with readers about your experience with ACHE?
I am grateful for all the ways ACHE has contributed to my professional and personal growth, and for all of my ACHE family who make this such a wonderful organization.
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REGIONAL BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:
Marilyn Read
South Region
Can you share how and why did you become a member of ACHE?
Delta State University was already a member of ACHE. My former dean volunteered my service on a South region planning committee. Once I met the planning committee and attendee my first conference, I knew I found my professional home in ACHE.
Tell us the story of your leadership path from a member to serving on the Board of Directors for your region.
ACHE South has been a part of my life since 2008. After serving on the first planning committee, I began to volunteer for various subcommittees in the South region. I was approached with the prospect of joining the regional board as secretary. I remember stating to the South regional board that I am a worker, so please do not think I will sit on the sidelines in this region. They certainly held me to my word! I consider myself lucky to have served in regional positions from secretary to Chair (3 times) to the coveted past chair role.
What is the greatest leadership lesson you’ve learned from your experience with ACHE?
Servant leadership. If I expected others to work for our organization, I needed everyone to know I would work right beside them. ACHE has allowed me to grow into a better person and leader through my experiences on the regional board and on numerous national planning committees.
How has being a part of ACHE enhanced your professional competencies and career progression?
In ACHE, I found a group of people with the same goals and expectations for those we serve. Attending ACHE conferences, both regional and national, allowed me to develop friendships and a large network of supporters. In my higher ed career, I have relied many times on my network of supporters for advice about changes in the continuing education field and on obtaining personal and work goals. Many of these supporters are now considered treasured friends and family.
Is there anything else you would like to share with readers about your experience with ACHE?
Please take every opportunity to get involved in this organization, especially on the regional level. I could not imagine navigating the past few years without the support of ACHE. If you are in the South region, I want to share with you a quote from a dear friend “ACHE SOUTH ROCKS THE HOUSE”. So, please come join us!
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PAST PRESIDENT INSIGHTS:
Dr. Tish Szymurski
Can you share how and why did you become a member of ACHE?
People!
I was working at the University of Delaware (UD) at the time (1994) and invited to attend a national conference, where I met many soon-to-be friends and mentors. During the conference, I stopped by a Jerry Hickerson Coffeehouse one evening and sang along with colleagues like Paula (Peinovich) Sipple, Norma, Pam Murray, Dan Dowdy, Pat Lawler, and others of ACHE fame, and was asked to join a regional committee. I’m not so sure I knew what was ahead of me, but I was honored and excited to be a part. For me, the “why” was – and is – about the individuals who make ACHE such a special community. With the support and encouragement of Jim Broomall and Rich Fischer at UD, I became more involved at the regional then national levels, and the rest, as they say, is history!
What is the greatest leadership lesson you’ve learned from your experience with ACHE?
My experience in ACHE has afforded innumerable lessons in leadership, and in life. ACHE is an immersion in opportunity, knowledge, and collaboration. It is here that I worked in my region and then across the country. I engaged in important dialogue that shapes our field, and developed programs that met the needs of varied learners – and our membership. ACHE colleagues ignited joy in working together. If there is a lesson here, it is to – eagerly, fearlessly, curiously, and with open mind - jump in.
How has being a part of ACHE enhanced your professional competencies and/or your career progression?
The exposure to institutions and roles within the field of higher education is vast. I have been engaged with ACHE since 1994, and I still come across a college or university with which I am familiar - only because of an ACHE member. So many years later, I’ll pass a college sign during a vacation and think “I know that place!”
In many ways I have advanced because of this awareness. Exposure to institutions, faculty, staffs, programs, geography, and systems…all have broadened my knowledge and perspectives in ways that are transferrable – both in current positions and when considering new roles.
What is something unique or special about your experience with ACHE that you would like to share with others?
So much!
The ease in which you can “phone a friend,” and consistently be met with an openness and camaraderie always strike me. No matter the distance, the reasons, or the length of time away, everyone is always welcome – or welcomed back – without question or judgement. You pick up where you left off.
The opportunities - to have a voice, share an idea, be part of unique committee or team, learn something new -- are all so critical. Everyone is heard.
The memories, laughs and times spent with true friends are treasures. I often recall meaningful – and some insane - moments that forged great friendships, for which I am grateful.
Is there anything else you would like to share with readers about your experience with ACHE?
If you are a member – thank you!
If you are not yet a member, please join us!
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The Call for Nominations for the
2022 ACHE Awards is now open!
Award Nominations Closes
August 31, 2022
Join us in recognizing outstanding contributions to the advancement of
continuing higher education. Nominations for individual and program awards are now being accepted and will be awarded at the 84th Annual ACHE Conference
October 24-26, 2022 in New Orleans.
Individual Award Categories:
Leadership
Meritorious Service
Emeritus
Rising Star
Program Award Categories:
Distinguished Program – Credit and Non-Credit
Creative Use of Technology
Older Adult Model Program Award
Outstanding Services to Underserved Populations
Crystal Marketing Award
Nominations are due by Wednesday, August 31, 2022.
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Five Minutes with ACHE is sponsored by:
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Contact Us
2900 Delk Road Suite 700 PMB 321 | Marietta GA 30067
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