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Member-powered initiative encourages advocacy, referrals, and community growth through February 2027

NAPAHE is pleased to announce the launch of the Growth Champions Challenge, a new member engagement initiative designed to expand awareness of the association, strengthen professional connections, and welcome new professionals into the NAPAHE community.

Running from October 2026 through February 2027, the Growth Champions Challenge recognizes and celebrates members who help advance NAPAHE's mission by sharing their experiences, promoting the value of membership, referring new members, and expanding participation across higher education.

As a member-driven association, NAPAHE's growth has always been rooted in personal connections. Many current members first learned about NAPAHE through a recommendation from a colleague, mentor, or friend. The Growth Champions Challenge seeks to build on that tradition by empowering members to become ambassadors for the profession and the community that supports it.

Throughout the campaign, members will earn points for completing various activities, progressing through recognition levels ranging from Community Advocate to Growth Champion.

Participants will be recognized on campaign leaderboards, through NAPAHE communications, and during the 2027 Annual Conference.

Phase 1: Share Your Story

The first phase of the challenge, Share Your Story, launches this month and focuses on increasing awareness of NAPAHE through member advocacy.

Members can participate by:

• Sharing a "Proud NAPAHE Member" post on social media
• Leaving a review on designated platforms
• Submitting a member testimonial highlighting the value of their NAPAHE experience

These activities help elevate the visibility of both NAPAHE and the profession while introducing prospective members to the benefits of belonging to a national network of professionals who support higher education's senior leaders.

Looking Ahead

Additional phases of the Growth Champions Challenge will be introduced throughout the fall and winter.

Future activities will include opportunities for members to refer colleagues from other institutions, help expand NAPAHE's institutional reach, and encourage broader participaton in advance of the 2027 NAPAHE Annual Conference.

Top participants will be recognized during the Annual Conference, where NAPAHE will celebrate members whose efforts have helped grow and strengthen the association.

Learn More

Members are encouraged to visit the Growth Champions Challenge webpage to learn more about the campaign, access participation resources, review recognition levels, and track upcoming opportunities.

Click Here to Learn More

Together, we can grow the community, strengthen the profession, and ensure that more higher education professionals have access to the connections, resources, and support that make NAPAHE a valuable professional home.

About NAPAHE

The National Association of Presidential Assistants in Higher Education (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.

Expand Your Network. Build Meaningful Relationships. Connect with a Colleague Who Understands Your Work.

One of the greatest benefits of NAPAHE membership is belonging to a national community of higher education professionals who understand the unique opportunities and challenges of our work. Yet many of us serve in highly specialized roles where there may be few, if any, colleagues on our own campus who truly share our day-to-day experiences.

That's why we're excited to relaunch the NAPAHE Peer Connections Program for 2026-2027.

Peer Connections is a six-month professional networking and relationship-building experience designed to connect NAPAHE members in meaningful one-to-one partnerships. Participants are thoughtfully matched with a fellow member based on factors such as professional interests, institutional characteristics, career experiences, and personal development goals. The result is an opportunity to build a trusted professional relationship with someone outside your institution who genuinely understands the work you do.

About the Peer Connections Program

Peer Connections is not a traditional mentoring program. Rather than pairing a mentor with a mentee in a hierarchical relationship, Peer Connections is built around the concept of peer-to-peer learning and mutual support. Both participants enter the partnership as equals, bringing their own experiences, perspectives, challenges, and expertise to the conversation.

To help participants make the most of the experience, the program includes a structured yet flexible engagement framework. Following the kickoff orientation, participants will receive a monthly Connection Guide featuring suggested discussion topics, reflection questions, and conversation prompts designed to encourage deeper dialogue and relationship-building throughout the six-month program.

Topics may include:

• Professional journeys and career pathways
• Leadership experiences and workplace challenges
• Institutional culture and emerging issues in higher education
• Professional goals and growth opportunities
• Work-life integration and personal well-being
• Future aspirations and long-term career planning

Participants are expected to:

• Attend the virtual kickoff orientation
• Meet with their assigned peer approximately once per month for six months
• Engage in open, respectful, and collaborative conversations
• Participate actively in building a mutually beneficial professional relationship
• Complete brief program feedback opportunities as requested

Many participants discover new ideas, gain valuable perspectives, expand their professional networks, and develop lasting relationships that extend beyond the formal program experience.

Key Program Dates

• Applications Open: August 31
• Application Deadline: September 14
• Matching Process: September 15-18
• Kickoff Orientation: September 23
• Peer Meetings Begin: Week of September 28
• Program Duration: Six months

Apply Today for Peer Connections 2026-2027

NAPAHE's greatest strength has always been its people. Peer Connections builds on that strength by creating intentional opportunities for members to connect, learn from one another, and strengthen the relationships that make our community unique.

We invite you to take the next step in growing your professional network and becoming more deeply connected to the NAPAHE community.

Submit your application by September 14 and join the next Peer Connections cohort.

Click Here to Complete the Peer Connections Application

The Peer Connections Program is organized and facilitated by NAPAHE's Professional Development Committee.

Questions about the Peer Connections Program? Email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Thank you!

August 2026

The National Association of Presidential Assistants in Higher Education (NAPAHE) is now accepting session proposals for presentation at its 40th Annual National Conference and Business Meeting, taking place February 24-26, 2027, at El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort in Tucson, Arizona.

NAPAHE invites members and higher education professionals to share knowledge, best practices, innovative ideas, and practical strategies that strengthen the work of those who support senior leaders across higher education. Areas of interest include professional development, communication and influence, workplace dynamics, organizational change, event planning, personal growth, and emerging issues facing colleges and universities.

Presenting at the NAPAHE Annual Conference offers an opportunity to contribute to the profession, engage with colleagues from institutions across the country, and help shape the educational experience of NAPAHE's milestone 40th Anniversary Conference.

All proposals will be reviewed by members of the Conference Planning Committee, with accepted presentations becoming part of a dynamic program focused on professional growth, networking, and institutional impact. The submission deadline is Friday, October 16, 2026, at 12:00 PM Central Time.

NAPAHE encourages members to consider the expertise, experiences, and lessons they can share with fellow professionals. The association believes that some of the most valuable conference learning comes directly from peers working every day to support higher education leadership.

Submit a Proposal or Learn More:

Call for Conference Session Proposals