SWACUHO Executive Board Highlights

Meeting Overview

October 9, 2026

The Executive Board met on October 9 and is excited to share a few updates from around the region!

Key Discussion Areas

Mid-Year Meeting Planning

• 34 attendees are registered, including Executive Board members, committee representatives, and host volunteers.

• Final preparations are underway as the host team finalizes logistics and attendee experience details.

• Executive Board agenda items include: Committee Meetings, Association Reserve and Surplus Policies, Organization Structure, and others.

Membership Updates

• Membership renewals continue across the region.

• Arkansas currently has 10 dues-paid institutions, Oklahoma has 13, and Texas has 33.

• Overall membership registration remains strong and in line with recent years.

• Member Institutions (Current) (Next Year)

Awards & Recognition

• Award nominations are open through November 2.

• Several updates have been made to award criteria and recognition processes based on member feedback.

• SHINE nominations remain open year-round.

Leadership Opportunities

• Leadership recruitment is underway, with recommendation and interest forms already being submitted.

• Members interested in serving SWACUHO are encouraged to explore available opportunities before the November 13 deadline.

Website & Career Development

• New Career Pathways webpages have launched.

• Website enhancements continue to improve member resources and access to information.

In-Person Events

• SWACUHO-U welcomed 21 participants and 5 coaches, receiving positive engagement and feedback. Thanks to Rose State College for Hosting.

• SHO Workshop welcome more than 35 people. Thanks to Oklahoma State University for hosting.

Looking Ahead

• Registration for the 2027 Annual Conference is open! 

• The 2028 Annual Conference hotel contract has been finalized for Denton, Texas.

• We have received bids for the 2029 Annual Conference, which will be presented at Mid-Year.

Upcoming Scholarship Opportunities

• SWACUHO Travel Grant

• • New grant, established to assist in growing membership and increase involvement to help increase access to the 2027 Annual Conference.

• SWACUHO Do Work Scholarship

• • For grad students or entry level staff who have never attended a SWACUHO Annual Conference

• SWACUHO Pathways Scholarship

• • To help professionals from smaller institutions engage with SWACUHO events

• See more details in the latest email from Past President, Beth.

Upcoming Events

• SHO Workshop: October 14-15

• Texas & Arkansas Roundtables: October 20

• Awards Nomination Webinar: October 22

• GELS Roundtable: November 5

• SSLC: November 13-14

Thank you to our volunteers, committee members, and institutional partners whose dedication continues to strengthen SWACUHO and support professional growth across the region.

Treasurer Snapshot

August Updates	Current
September Income	$16,000
September Expenses	$1,400.60

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

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