SEAHO Report - Winter 2023 - 6

SEAHO NEWS
ELECTIONS 2023: MEET THE CANDIDATES
PRESIDENT-ELECT
DR. APRIL BARNES
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
I am so incredibly honored to be nominated for the SEAHO PresidentElect
position. I have such a sincere love for SEAHO. It is an extraordinary
association comprised of amazing people who care deeply. People who care
not only about our profession and making it better, but more importantly,
people who care about and for each other. Because of this, SEAHO creates
a compassionate community that embraces new membership and welcomes
them home as soon as they enter. I am grateful that I have been able to call
SEAHO my home for more than 15 years, and that I've been able to help
cultivate this community of care for our membership.
I recall feeling the supportive care of SEAHO during my first annual SEAHO
conference in 2006. I was a nervous and shy new professional, but stepped way outside my comfort zone
and asked a question to a room full of complete strangers. These strangers, who quickly became my family,
willingly shared their wisdom with me and encouraged me. I left Asheville feeling nurtured and supported,
with a handful of business cards and assurances to call anytime for anything. I immediately knew I wanted to
get involved and help others feel as welcomed and cared for as I did.
Throughout my varied service to SEAHO, I have been able to witness the commitment and dedication it
takes to ensure our association feels like home. There is a vibrant energy that permeates our organization and
drives the work that happens within. Most recently as the Director of Committees, I have been able to see
firsthand how excitement and zeal can help our association thrive. I have worked with over twenty committee
chairs whose enthusiasm for the work and helping our association grow was palpable. Together we put
in countless hours creating opportunities that would expand engagement. Sub-committees were created,
webinars and panels were presented, and participation numbers increased; the work moved forward.
As a member of the Executive Board, I have had the privilege of helping SEAHO continue to push ahead
and achieve the outcomes laid out in the current strategic plan. I have seen behind the curtain and gained an
even greater appreciation for the care it takes to make SEAHO successful. There are challenges that we face
and opportunities to help SEAHO continue to move forward and grow. Having a President who is passionate
about the organization and can lead these efforts to see it flourish and prosper is essential.
If elected, I would work to:
* Accomplish the goals established in the 2020-2025 strategic plan, giving regular updates to
membership.
* Improve continuity by creating scaffolded onboarding for the association leadership.
* Continue the improvement of communication through technology, website enhancement, and
accessibility.
* Create more opportunities for SEAHO engagement and involvement, particularly outside of the
SEAHO annual conference, paying close attention to the needs of small colleges and universities,
and minority-serving institutions.
* Care for the membership and implement a listening tour, engaging as many institutions in the region
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SEAHO Report - Winter 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of SEAHO Report - Winter 2023