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National Association of Presidential Assistants in Higher Education

About NAPAHE

Your Home for Professionals Supporting Higher Education Leaders

Supporting a college or university leader isn’t just a job: it’s a calling. It demands discretion, agility, and a deep understanding of complex institutional dynamics. At NAPAHE, we get it because we’ve lived it.

The National Association for Presidential Assistants in Higher Education (NAPAHE) is the premier professional community for individuals who support senior leaders in higher education. Here, you’ll find connection, growth, and inspiration.

On this page:

Who We Serve
Membership Benefits
Our History

Board of Directors

Why NAPAHE Matters

Leading from behind the scenes can be isolating. There’s no universal playbook for supporting higher education’s top executives, and there are few places to turn for trusted advice. That’s why NAPAHE exists.

Membership Information

Who We Serve

NAPAHE offers programming, networking, and professional development opportunities that address the broad range of roles fulfilled by our members in service to those who support higher education's senior leaders. Select your affinity group below for more details.

Office of the President/Chancellor/CEO

As a trusted partner to the president or chancellor, your role requires discretion, agility, and strategic insight. NAPAHE connects you with peers who understand the unique pressures and opportunities of working at the highest level of institutional leadership. Through professional development, networking, and shared best practices, NAPAHE helps you stay ahead of the curve and amplify your impact. You’re not alone in this work: NAPAHE is your professional home.

Titles may include: Executive Assistant to the President/Chancellor, Senior Executive Assistant, Presidential Aide or Liaison, Director of Presidential Operations, Special Assistant to the President
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Chiefs of Staff

Chiefs of staff operate at the intersection of strategy, operations, and leadership. NAPAHE offers a national network of professionals who understand the complexity of your role and the importance of leading from behind. Whether you're navigating institutional change, managing executive priorities, or building cross-campus alignment, NAPAHE provides the tools, insights, and community to help you lead with confidence and clarity.

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Office of the Provost/CAO

Supporting the academic heart of the institution requires a deep understanding of academic affairs, governance, and faculty relations. NAPAHE offers a space where assistants to provosts can share strategies, troubleshoot challenges, and grow professionally. You’ll gain access to a network of colleagues who understand the nuances of your role and are committed to excellence in academic leadership support.

Titles may include: Executive Assistant to the Provost, Senior Administrative Coordinator for Academic Affairs, Special Assistant to the Provost, Director of Academic Operations
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Office of the Vice President

Whether you support advancement, student affairs, finance, or another division, your role is essential to the success of institutional leadership. NAPAHE connects you with a diverse community of professionals who share your commitment to operational excellence and strategic support. Through tailored resources and peer learning, NAPAHE helps you navigate the complexities of your division and grow in your career.

Titles may include: Executive Assistant to the Vice President, Administrative Assistant, Senior Staff Assistant, Administrative Manager, Director of Operations, Special Projects Coordinator
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Office of the Dean

You are the linchpin of your college or school, balancing academic priorities with administrative demands. NAPAHE provides a supportive network where assistants to deans can exchange ideas, solve problems, and build leadership capacity. With access to professional development and a community that understands your world, NAPAHE helps you thrive in your role and contribute meaningfully to your academic unit’s success.

Titles may include: Executive Assistant to the Dean, College Administrative Officer, Senior Coordinator for the Dean's Office, Academic Program Administrator
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Board Professionals & Secretaries

Your work ensures the integrity of governance and the effectiveness of board operations. NAPAHE offers a unique space for board professionals and university secretaries to connect, share governance best practices, and stay informed on evolving trends in higher education leadership. You’ll find a community that values your expertise and supports your critical role in institutional stewardship.

Titles may include: Secretary to the Board of Trustees, University Secretary, Director of Board Operations, Governance and Compliance Officer, Executive Liaison to the Board
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Assistants to Other Senior Leaders

No matter the title or office, if you support a senior leader, your work is vital to the institution’s success. NAPAHE recognizes the diversity of these roles and offers a welcoming, inclusive community where you can grow professionally, share experiences, and find support. You’ll gain tools and connections that help you navigate leadership dynamics and elevate your contributions.

Titles may include: Executive Assistant, Senior Administrative Specialist, Director of Executive Support, Special Assistant, Office Manager for Executive Leadership
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NAPAHE By the Numbers:

  • 1,000+ Individual Members
  • 450+ Colleges & Universities
  • 38 Years Supporting Higher Education
  • 97% Member Satisfaction
  • 50+ Annual Virtual Programs
  • Annual In-Person Conference
  • Countless reasons to join!

    Ready to start reaping all the benefits of a NAPAHE membership?

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    What You'll Gain as a Member

    As a NAPAHE member, you don’t just get access: you gain an edge. Our benefits are tailored to the unique needs of professionals who stand beside leadership every day.

    • A Trusted Network – Connect with peers who understand the nuances of your role.

    • Confidential Community Forums – Ask candid questions and share insights in a secure, members-only space.

    • Exclusive Learning Opportunities – Stay ahead with targeted webinars and leadership-focused workshops.

    • Signature Annual Conference – Join 400+ colleagues for professional development, networking, and inspiration.

    • On-Demand Resources – Access curated tools, templates, and best practices designed for higher ed support roles.

    • Career Growth & Mentorship – Explore leadership pathways and learn from seasoned professionals.

    Professional Development

    Stay ahead with:

    • Free webinars on trending topics
    • Monthly roundtable conversations
    • Volunteer leadership opportunities
    • Peer mentoring programs

    Annual National Conference

    Each spring, NAPAHE hosts its flagship event, bringing together professionals from across the country and beyond. Our members receive a $50 discount to attend. Event highlights include:

    • Interactive workshops on strategic planning, event management, and executive communications
    • Keynotes from university presidents, trustees, and industry experts
    • Networking with peers from diverse institutions
    • Sessions on crisis management, career advancement, and more

    Exclusive Member Resources

    Our online library includes speechwriting templates, salary benchmarking data, job descriptions and org charts, legislative updates, archives of conference materials, and more.

    Networking Opportunities

    Find your people — those who “get it.” Build relationships that extend beyond your campus and deepen your professional impact.

    Need more information?

    Contact Us

    Ready to Join Your Professional Community?

    Don’t navigate the complexities of higher education leadership support alone. Whether you support a president, provost, dean, or other senior leader, NAPAHE offers the resources, relationships, and recognition you deserve.

    Become a Member Today

    History of NAPAHE

    The idea for gathering a few presidential assistants started with one PA, Pamela Transue, from the University of Washington, who began her outreach in 1987 to 24 other presidential assistants all around the country to find out if they had anything in common. Two years later, after several phone calls and conversations, the momentum began to build. Everyone she talked to was delighted to discover others who had many of the same satisfactions and difficulties with their positions as assistants to presidents or chancellors.

    In the course of those conversations, considerable enthusiasm was expressed for the notion that they gather, perhaps in connection with a meeting of a national higher education association. A steering committee of five was formed—known as the “Gang of Five” who laid the foundation for the Association’s first annual meeting.

    The Presidential Assistants in Higher Education (PAHE) first met in 1988 to discuss and address mutual concerns, common problems, and issues of immediate and long-term professional interest. The experience of the first two meetings of PAHE, under the auspices of the American Council on Education, clearly demonstrated the need for continuing the organization. The goals of NAPAHE today are similar to what they were in 1988.

    In 1989, at the request of the Steering Committee for Presidential Assistants in Higher Education, the University of Pittsburgh, undertook a major national study of incumbent assistants to the president and/or chancellor. A survey was sent to 650 institutions, which yielded 414 usable responses.

    Significant milestones followed with the adoption of Bylaws and Constitution in 1993, and later the application for tax-exempt status formalizing the status of the National Association of Presidential Assistants in Higher Education. NAPAHE then formalized its association with the American Council on Education. The membership had a voice in electing the Board and its officers. With the adoption of the constitution and bylaws, NAPAHE moved into a new era of existence. However, at the same time it attempted to maintain the informal collegiality that it had characterized in earlier years. NAPAHE was a relative newcomer within the higher education community.

    The number of PAs attending the annual meeting grew steadily over the years. For example, in 1993 the number in attendance was approximately 70 — today it is over 400.

    For a comprehensive understanding of the many dimensions of presidential assistants, and practical advice about several key features of the role, a book titled, Other Duties as Assigned, published in 2009 and edited by Mark P. Curchack, who retired from Arcadia University, is available through a number of online sources.

    NAPAHE Mission Statement

    NAPAHE strengthens the professions of its members through programming, networking, and professional development opportunities that address the broad range of roles fulfilled by professionals who support higher education’s senior leaders. 

    NAPAHE Vision Statement

    To be the association of choice for professionals who support leaders in higher education.