Call for NASPAA Executive Council and VP Nominations 2020-21

Call for NASPAA Executive Council and Vice President Nominations 2020-21

DEADLINE: Wednesday, July 15, 2020

In August 2020, the Nominating Committee of NASPAA (the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration) chaired by Palmira Rios, Immediate Past President, will be recommending a slate for

FIVE members of the Executive Council

and

Vice President/President Elect of the Council

The Nominating Committee welcomes recommendations for nominations from NASPAA member schools. Recommenders should note that Council positions require a significant commitment of time and effort on the part of the individual and support from his or her home institution. 

This is a time of great uncertainty, but also great purpose, for public service education globally. This cohort of the Council will play an exceptionally important role in guiding NASPAA through the global public health emergency, social justice activism, and into a changed world of public service. To that end, this is a special appeal to recommend individuals with vision and fearlessness to move NASPAA forward. Individuals from all regions of the world are encouraged to consider nominating peers and colleagues who can serve NASPAA in this capacity.

NASPAA’s progress in other areas also depends on the nomination of individuals with the skills and commitment to serve the organization. NASPAA wraps up its 50 th  Anniversary this October, and this cohort of the Council will have responsibility for thinking strategically about the next 50 years. During the tenure of these Council members, the Council will oversee NASPAA’s response to the coronavirus public health emergency and its aftermath, advance the Council’s signature project of the Institute on Innovative Teaching and Learning for Public Service, guide the implementation of revised accreditation standards, advance the organization’s global commitment to sustainable development, foster the development of the  Journal of Public Affairs Education , determine the next generation of annual student competitions, overhaul the Data Center to include new community-wide badges, develop projects to improve career opportunities for graduates, and devise means to serve our member programs in a challenging fiscal and policy environment.  The Committee is looking in particular for nominees possessing enthusiasm and dedication to public service and the leadership of public affairs education. 

The Nominating Committee seeks candidates for the Council who are well prepared to govern NASPAA as it "sets a global standard for excellence in public service education, leads the public affairs education sector, and strengthens governance and public problem solving." The Nominating Committee also places priority on the nominations of individuals with experience and skills in teaching and learning, grant-seeking, international public affairs education, inclusion, sustainable development, budgeting and finance, marketing, data and IT, human resources, nonprofit management, and journal publishing.

The Vice President will serve on the Council and Executive Committee for three years: one year as Vice President, then one year as President, and a final year as Immediate Past President. Past service to NASPAA, including the Executive Council is desirable.

Executive Council members serve a three-year term, which begins at the NASPAA Annual Conference. The Council meets twice a year, in March/April in the Washington DC area, and in the Fall at the Annual Conference. The next three conferences are in Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Washington DC.  At the Council's discretion, and as long as the public health emergency limits travel, it may meet via zoom/conference call.  Council members are expected to attend every meeting. The first meeting for incoming Council members will be October 2020.

The Nominating Committee seeks to put together a representative and a truly diverse slate for the membership's vote at NASPAA's annual business meeting-- in terms of types of programs represented, geographic location (especially reflecting NASPAA's mission of advancing education for governance globally), race and gender, and diversity broadly defined. (Please note: NASPAA actively seeks nominations from all NASPAA member schools, whether accredited or not). Please note that all Council members serve as individuals, not as representatives of their university, and are expected to consider the best interests of NASPAA and its member institutions in carrying out their duties. 

Individuals wishing to make recommendations to the Nominating Committee should send an email to the Committee's chair, Professor Palmira Rios ( palmira.rios@upr.edu ) and copied to NASPAA Executive Director, Laurel McFarland, at  mcfarland@naspaa.org  by Wednesday, July 15, 2020. 

The email should contain the suggested nominee's name, institutional affiliation and title, contact information (email and phone number), and verification that he or she is aware of the recommended nomination. The email should also include a brief (2-5 sentences) explanation of why the recommender believes this person would make a good NASPAA Council member or president elect. A short bio or CV is helpful but not required. Self nominations are permitted.

Questions about the work and responsibilities of Council members may be directed to Laurel McFarland ( mcfarland@naspaa.org ), and the current Council membership is posted here.