SWACUHO Executive Board Highlights

Meeting Overview

August 14, 2026

As campuses across the region welcome students back for a new academic year, the SWACUHO Executive Board is hard at work supporting members through professional development, networking opportunities, and strategic planning for the association's future. Highlights included approval of the 2026 SWACUHO-U budget, celebration of a successful Arkansas Drive-In conference, exploration of a new travel grant initiative, and continued planning for upcoming conferences, roundtables, and leadership opportunities. The Board also discussed strategies to better connect members through targeted communication efforts and new networking spaces.

Key Discussion Areas

Membership & Engagement

• State Directors continue outreach efforts to reconnect with members and update institutional contacts as campuses complete move-in activities.

• The Board discussed piloting a Texas-specific listserv to enhance communication and engagement among Texas members. Feedback from members will be welcomed as the pilot develops. 

Leadership & Volunteer Opportunities

• The Board continues work to fill leadership vacancies within Mid-Level, Communications, and Public Policy committees.

• Planning is underway for the 2027-2028 leadership application and nomination process. Members interested in serving SWACUHO are encouraged to stay tuned for upcoming opportunities.

Professional Development

• The Board approved the 2026 SWACUHO-U budget and registration fee, helping move plans forward for this important professional development experience.

• Career Pathways launched a new LinkedIn community and is developing community guidelines to support meaningful networking and engagement among members.

• A travel grant proposal is under review that would provide additional pathways for members to attend future SWACUHO conferences and become more involved in the association.

Arkansas Drive-In Success

• The 2026 Arkansas Drive-In welcomed 99 attendees and generated a modest profit while providing a day full of learning, networking, and engagement. Thanks to Leanna Payton (Henderson State University), Ben Micek (University of Arkansas), and Jules Merguie, Craig Seager, and Ricky Harris (all from University of Central Arkansas).

Conference & Event Planning

• Planning continues for the 2027 Annual Conference, Mid-Year Meeting, and other upcoming events.

• The Board will convene later this month to review the Annual Conference budget and approve registration rates before registration launches.

• Program proposals for the 2027 Annual Conference are now open. Submit here! By September 1st!
  
  

Treasurer Snapshot

July Updates	Current
July Income	$6,515.00
July Expenses	$3,990.46

• Updated budget details are available via the Treasurer’s shared Google Sheet.

• Robert C. Cooke Endowment Quarterly Update (Q2)

• • Fund Balance: $51,849.74 

  • Available Funds for Distribution: $1,615.74

Upcoming Events

• Mid-Level Roundtable: September 2

• GELS Roundtable: September 2

• Arkansas Roundtable: September 8

• Texas State Meeting: September 29

• SHO Workshop: October 14-15

• SSLC: November 13-14

Questions or Ideas?

Reach out to your State Director if you would like more information about anything mentioned here!

Arkansas State Director
Leanna Payton
Henderson State University
arkansas@swacuho.org

Oklahoma State Director
Whitney Arbaugh
Northeastern State University 
oklahoma@swacuho.org

Texas State Director
Nicholas Brown
East Texas A&M University
texas@swacuho.org