Message from ACPA President Jonathan A. McElderry

The message below was shared with the ACPA membership on April 11, 2025.

It is clear that higher education in the United States is currently facing challenging and complex times. Political interference in the mission and operations of higher education is only the most recent in a series of disruptions—including reduced public and state investment, enrollment declines, the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and ongoing attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion. These challenges have already had tremendous implications for students, professionals and scholars, and institutional leadership, as well as the organizations and associations who support them.

The higher education community has consistently proven that we are resilient and hopeful people. We need to continue to call on our belief in education as a transformative power for individuals and communities as we face new and emerging threats to our purpose. We have done it before, and we can and will do it again…together as ACPA and with colleagues and partners across higher education.

Associations are in a unique and precarious position. ACPA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We are required to advance our mission and values in ways that reflect nonpartisan perspectives across an ideological spectrum. Our efforts are designed to inform and educate members (and in some cases the public and policymakers) about key issues affecting higher education or college students, without promoting any political party or agenda. Based on research and expertise developed through practice and scholarship, we provide guidance and considerations but are not situated to offer advice or counsel on legal matters.

Our advocacy is strongest when we unite with colleague associations, particularly in the Washington Higher Education Secretariat organized through the American Council on Education, to amplify the perspectives of our members – both institutions and individuals – on issues of greatest concern to our field. Our recent participation with over 65 higher education organizations in responding to the February 2025 Dear Colleague Letter released by the U.S. Department of Education serves as an example. This is an important time for ACPA to align with our association colleagues in advocating for the field in ways that are consistent with our mission, values, and vision, which includes our work related to racial justice and decolonization. We will continue to share these advocacy efforts in our weekly eCommunity newsletter.

In addition to our policy advocacy, ACPA volunteer and staff leaders are continuously engaged in responding to current and changing contexts in a variety of ways:

  • Our leadership structure includes the Public Policy & Governmental Affairs Task Force, charged with scanning and evaluating the political landscape, and developing strategies to address the concerns, issues, and challenges to members related to political and legislative activities. The Task Force intends to offer frequent public policy update webinars and virtual member gatherings throughout 2025, similar to the recent webinar offered to all members on Wednesday, 9 April.
  • ACPA Entity Groups provide meaningful opportunities to connect around shared interests, identities, functional areas, geographic regions, and career levels. From webinars to conferences, their events address timely topics impacting members across higher education. Upcoming activities are featured in the “Upcoming Events” section of the weekly eCommunity newsletter. April and May 2025 offer a variety of special community events, giving you many ways to engage with ACPA Entity Groups this spring.
  • As we come across resources that may support you in your work or in serving students, we will continue to share them through multiple channels—including the ACPA website, social media, Association emails, and the weekly eCommunity newsletter. Below are a few resources we hope you’ve already found helpful or will find valuable as you navigate current and future challenges.

Student Affairs Now (March 27, 2025 episode): Current Campus Context: Federal Student Aid, Institutional Autonomy & Associations’ Push Back – A podcast recording addressing the impacts of attempts by the Trump Administration to fundamentally change colleges and universities.

In times of great challenge for higher education, the associations that serve and support our field also feel the impact. That’s why your continued connection to our profession and to one another matters more than ever. In moments like these, we find strength in community: through compassion, shared purpose, and meaningful connections.

ACPA is here for you. We genuinely want to understand what you need and how we can help you during uncertain times. We depend on the dedication of our current and future members to help us sustain our mission—to advocate, to educate, and to provide the resources that keep our work moving forward. If you are able, we ask that you prioritize your membership renewals, engagement in ACPA involvement and entity communities, and participation in association webinars, institutes, and conventions. If you’re facing barriers to engagement, we welcome your feedback and hope to find creative ways to stay connected. Please email us at info@acpa.nche.edu or contact a member of the ACPA Leadership Council or International Office . Together, we will continue to build the future of higher education with care, courage, and community at the center.

Thank you for all you are doing to support your students, colleagues, institutional leaders, and campus community.