Latest News

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

August 2026

The National Association of Presidential Assistants in Higher Education (NAPAHE) is pleased to announce that applications and nominations are now being accepted for conference grants and annual awards in conjunction with NAPAHE's 40th Annual National Conference and Business Meeting, scheduled for February 24-26, 2027, in Tucson, Arizona.

To support member participation in the conference, NAPAHE will award four $1,000 conference grants to assist members with the cost of attendance. These grants are designed to help make professional development opportunities more accessible and support engagement in NAPAHE's national community.

NAPAHE is also accepting nominations for its annual recognition awards:

• Distinguished Service Award, recognizing outstanding contributions to the growth and success of NAPAHE.
• Professional Achievement Award, honoring individuals who have achieved significant professional success and made meaningful contributions to higher education.
• Emerging Leader Award, a new recognition established as part of NAPAHE's 40th Anniversary celebration. This award honors exceptional professionals under the age of 40 who demonstrate leadership, innovation, and commitment to the future of executive support in higher education.

"NAPAHE's grants and awards program celebrates the people who strengthen both our profession and our association," said Executive Director Stuart Schmidt. "Whether you are seeking support to attend the conference or know a colleague deserving of recognition, we encourage members to take advantage of these opportunities."

Additional information regarding eligibility requirements, application procedures, and nomination guidelines is available on the NAPAHE website.

Learn More and Apply:
Conference Grants and Awards

Dear NAPAHE Community,

As a member-driven association, NAPAHE's future is shaped by the experiences, needs, and aspirations of the professionals we serve. Over the past year, NAPAHE developed and adopted a new strategic plan that establishes a roadmap for strengthening professional development, enhancing member engagement, growing our community, and ensuring that our programs continue to provide meaningful value to members across all career stages and institutional types.

To help us achieve those goals, we invite you to complete the NAPAHE Member Needs Survey, linked below:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NAPAHE2026MemberNeeds

This survey is one of the most important research initiatives we have undertaken as an organization. The results will help us better understand the needs, experiences, priorities, and professional development interests of current members, former members, and prospective members so that we can make informed decisions about the future of NAPAHE.

Your feedback will help us identify the knowledge, skills, resources, and opportunities that matter most to our community. The results will directly inform future professional development offerings, conference planning, member engagement strategies, affinity group development, and other priorities outlined in NAPAHE's strategic plan. Just as importantly, the survey will help us better understand the evolving needs of professionals across different roles, career stages, and institutional contexts so that NAPAHE can continue to provide meaningful value to its members.

Click Here to Complete the Survey

The survey should take approximately 20-25 minutes to complete.

Survey Deadline: Friday, September 4, 2026

Because NAPAHE is an association by its members, for its members, your voice matters. Whether you are a long-time member, new to NAPAHE, a former member, or someone who has never belonged to NAPAHE, your perspective will help guide our decisions and investments over the coming years.

We are committed to using the findings from this survey to shape future programming, member services, conference offerings, and engagement opportunities. The more perspectives we hear, the better equipped we will be to ensure NAPAHE remains relevant, valuable, and responsive to the needs of our profession.

Thank you in advance for your time, your honesty, and your investment in the NAPAHE community.

With appreciation,

Stuart J. Schmidt
Executive Director
NAPAHE

P.S. Please consider completing the survey as soon as possible and sharing it with colleagues who may have received the invitation. Every response helps us build a stronger and more responsive NAPAHE for the future.