NACCU LEAP!

NACCU LEAP!

Are you ready to make the LEAP to a significant leadership role in NACCU?

LEAP is a program designed to prepare leaders for major volunteer positions and ultimately as candidates for the NACCU Board of Directors or future national leadership roles. If you are contemplating running for the NACCU Board of Directors in the future, you are encouraged to apply to LEAP (Leadership and Effectiveness in Association Practices), an 8-month program to help participants gain an understanding of association governance, and how NACCU operates within the higher education association environment.

While participation in this board development program is not required for board candidacy, the knowledge gained in the program will enhance your perspective no matter what leadership path you choose.

How it works:

Each LEAP cohort will have a maximum of 10 participants and will be offered every year. Participants will benefit from an expanded network of colleagues and gain insight into advanced leadership practices. Cohort members will also be paired with a past NACCU Board member and interact with the current Board of Directors and NACCU Staff at the annual conference.

The 8-month program will conclude with an in-person component for a half-day prior to the start of the NACCU Annual Conference and eight monthly one-hour webinars to run September through April.

What you'll learn:

Topics may include:

• Nonprofit and Association Management
• Association Governance
• Partnerships and Decision Making
• Trends in Higher Education
• Characteristics of a Board Member
• The Role of the Board and Association Staff
• The Leader’s Mindset
• Associations and Change Management

Most of the training is intended to be high-level knowledge about associations and the differences between working on campus, serving on a committee for an association, and serving on a board. There will also be general knowledge imparted that could apply to any board on which you serve. NACCU-specific examples and information will be shared, but there is value beyond our association for anyone who wants to develop advanced strategic leadership skills.

There is no cost to participate in the LEAP program.  

Apply for LEAP now

Applications will be accepted through Monday, September 15, 2025.

"I wanted to understand the scope and the time commitment, but I got so much more. I now have an understanding of how our association works, who makes the decisions, how decisions are made, and more about the opportunities we have and the challenges we face, not only in the card office space, but also in higher education as a whole." Read more

 - Audra Forsberg
Director, OneCard/Parking Service Center & Contract Services
Wayne State University