Hello ACHE Friends!

This summer is an excellent time to nominate your peers and colleagues for ACHE Awards.

There are many award categories to choose from including Individual Awards for Leadership, Meritorious Service, Emeritus and Rising Star.

Program Awards include Distinguished Program for Credit and Non-Credit, Creative Use of Technology, Older Adult Model and Outstanding Service to Underserved Populations.

There is also a Crystal Marketing Award and the Marlowe Froke Outstanding Publication Award.

Your colleagues deserve the recognition for the outstanding work they do every day. Please take the time to nominate them. Not only will you honor their work, they will be in the ACHE record books for this achievement. 

You can see all the awards and nomination process on the ACHE website. Submissions will be accepted until September 4.



Last year, all awards had a recipient. We anticipate that we will have a full slate of candidates in each category this year as well. 

Nominate your colleagues or yourself and join us for the Awards Ceremony at the 86th Annual Conference in Palm Springs, CA.

We are conducting a survey to gather your feedback on the regional structure of the association and how it can better serve your needs and interests. Your input is vital for us to improve our services, support, and opportunities for you and other members across the country.

The survey will take about 5 minutes to complete and is completely anonymous. Please answer the following questions honestly and constructively. We appreciate your participation and value your opinions.

Thank you for your time and commitment to ACHE!

We are excited to announce the availability of two scholarship opportunities for ACHE members:

Wayne L. Whelan Scholarship

• Award: $1,000
• Eligibility: Open to ACHE members who have held membership for at least one year and are currently engaged in graduate studies (full-time or part-time).

Alex Charters Research Grant

• Award: $1,500
• Eligibility: Open to ACHE members who have maintained a membership for at least one year immediately preceding application or doctoral students with sponsorship from an ACHE member institution.

We encourage all eligible members to take advantage of these opportunities to further their education and contribute to the field. Your dedication to continuous learning and professional development is what makes our community thrive. Submit by September 4, 2024!

Engage with top leaders and experts in their field during these invaluable ACHE pre-conference workshops to be held on Sunday, October 13th from 9-4p.m. Topics will vary from examining the eight pillars of wellness to the future of non-credit education to how we may advance enrollment through credit for prior learning policies. Across these workshops, you will walk away with tangible ways to apply practical strategies across all disciplines. There is an enriching topic for everyone to learn from through care and collaboration. And, of course, you will meet and network with new colleagues on the same lifelong learning quest as you. Be sure to register early to secure your spot in these workshops because they are sure to sell out! For more pre-conference workshop details, visit our conference website here.

The Emerging Leaders Institute proved to be an outstanding success. With eight engaged participants, the dynamic four-day professional development event received overwhelmingly positive feedback. Held from June 25 to June 28 at the University of La Verne in California, the institute was meticulously designed for professionals with 3-5 years of experience in continuing higher education, positioning them for future leadership roles. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the University of La Verne and all attendees for their enthusiastic participation and support.

Walt Pearson, our esteemed JCHE Co-Editor, delivered a presentation titled Five Easy Steps to Writing a Journal Article at the ASEM Conference in Dublin. The ASEM conference in Dublin, part of the ASEM Education and Research Hub for Lifelong Learning, focuses on enhancing university cooperation between Asia and Europe. The conference on education policy highlighted Singapore's lifelong learning success and explored funding and policy in SE Asia. Key insights from Reka Tózsa included the need for countries to invest more than the current 4% of GDP in education, extending beyond early learning to lifelong education. With hard skills becoming obsolete every five years, new educational models like micro-learning and recognition of prior learning are essential. While micro-credentials are promising, their economic value and competency signaling need evaluation. Digital solutions could either bridge or widen educational inequalities. Demographic shifts in developed countries might expand lifelong learning, often driven by economic rather than social goals. UNESCO reports that most universities have lifelong learning strategies, but enhanced vision and foresight are required. Universities must gather evidence to inform policy, though current frameworks may not suit educational needs, necessitating research with significant societal impact.

History of your ACHE involvement

I began my ACHE involvement in 2020 by attending the West Region conference. Shortly after, I joined the West Region Board. Encouraged by the welcoming community, I pursued further involvement and was elected to the national Board of Directors in 2023.

What excites you about serving as a Director at Large on the ACHE Board?



I am excited to give back to an organization that has greatly supported my professional growth. Collaborating with colleagues nationwide to further ACHE's mission and contributing to its strategic direction motivates me. I look forward to helping create opportunities for emerging leaders and enhancing the value ACHE offers.

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