SWACUHO Executive Board Highlights

Meeting Overview

September 11, 2026

The SWACUHO Executive Board met on September 11 to discuss annual conference planning, membership recruitment, leadership development, sponsorship initiatives, and preparations for the upcoming Mid-Year Meeting. Highlights from the meeting are shared below.

Key Discussion Areas

Annual Conference & Program Updates

• The Program Committee reported strong momentum for the 2027 Annual Conference, with 56 program submissions received before the proposal deadline and expectations for additional submissions before closing. Current submissions represent institutions from each state in the region across a variety of topical areas. The committee also shared details about its enhanced review process, which includes providing presenters with developmental feedback prior to final program selection. This approach is intended to strengthen presentations and be developmental for presenters.

• The committee also discussed ways to promote selected conference sessions in advance as advertising to attend the conference.

• The Program Committee also shared information about the Virtual Program Series. The Board recognized the value of these offerings and encouraged continued growth and promotion throughout the year.

Membership Recruitment Progress

• State Directors provided updates on the ongoing membership drive efforts across the region. Outreach continues with institutions in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and beyond. Several memberships have already been renewed for the 2026-2027 year. Board members discussed strategies for continuing outreach and maintaining accurate institutional contact information throughout the region.

Leadership Recruitment & Committee Engagement

• The Board reviewed ongoing leadership recruitment efforts for Executive Board and committee positions whose terms conclude in February 2027. Members were encouraged to promote leadership opportunities, submit recommendations, and help identify future leaders for the association.

• A new leadership recruitment webpage was launched with position details and timelines.

• In addition, the Board discussed several committee vacancies and ways to increase committee engagement across the organization. Committee chairs will continue sharing committee goals and opportunities as part of an upcoming recruitment campaign.

Travel Grant Approved

• The Executive Board unanimously approved the creation of a travel grant program to support attendance at the 2027 SWACUHO Annual Conference. Board members discussed making the opportunity as accessible as possible by eliminating submission barriers and focusing selection criteria on demonstrated need and application quality. Additional information about the travel grant will be shared with members in the coming months.

Corporate Partnerships & Sponsorship Development

• The Board approved sponsorship requests supporting upcoming SHO initiatives and reviewed a draft framework for year-round corporate partnership sponsorship levels. Discussion focused on creating meaningful benefits for sponsors while maintaining flexibility and clarity around recognition and conference support opportunities. The Board recommended gathering additional feedback from corporate partners during the 2027 conference cycle before implementing a revised sponsorship model for the 2027-2028 term.

Mid-Year Meeting Planning

• Preparations are underway for the 2026 Mid-Year Meeting. Planned discussions include association financial philosophies, conference planning structures, strategic priorities, communication strategies, committee work, and other organizational initiatives.

• The Board also discussed opportunities for enhanced collaboration during mid-year committee meetings and focusing on the development of resources such as the SWACUHO involvement transcript and historical records project.

Treasurer Snapshot

August Updates	Current
August Income	$3,550
August Expenses	$8,108.66

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

• The Treasurer reported healthy association finances, including current checking and savings balances, membership revenue progress, and registration updates for upcoming events. Membership income has reached approximately 36% of the annual goal, while registrations continue for both the SHO Workshop and the 2027 Annual Conference.

Upcoming Events

• Texas State Meeting: September 29

• Frank Cloud Award Submissions: Due October 1

• Award Nominations Open: October 1 - November 2

• SHO Workshop: October 14-15

• SSLC: November 13-14

The next Executive Board Meeting will be held on October 9, 2026. Thank you to all Executive Board members, committee leaders, and volunteers for their continued commitment to advancing the mission of SWACUHO and supporting housing professionals across the region.

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