It’s bittersweet as I write this, my final Vision column as ACUHO-I president. It has been a whirlwind year of growth, learning, development, bonding, and joy. I’ve had the chance to travel the world as ACUHO-I’s representative, sharing our good work while also being exposed to different approaches and theories regarding campus housing. I’ve collaborated with Board members and ACUHO-I staff. I’ve congratulated volunteer leaders and met so many of you. I can’t imagine a brighter highlight in my professional career, and I thank everyone who has made it possible.
I am writing this shortly after our final face-to-face Executive Board meeting of 2023, still basking in the glow of all the hugs and handshakes that wrapped up our days. I am also energized by knowing that the Board voted to approve the strategic plan that will guide ACUHO-I’s work from 2024 to 2026. Just like we all rely on master plans and strategic thinking to set the course on our campuses, this document will be the map that leads ACUHO-I forward. Knowing the work that went into crafting this document, the bold future it envisions, and the talented leaders entrusted to see it through, I see amazing developments on the horizon.
Maybe you have a curiosity you want to explore or a network you want to strengthen. Regardless of what form your volunteerism can take, I assure you there is a place for it with ACUHO-I.
You will learn more details of the strategic plan and related projects as they are released in the coming weeks and months. What I can say now is that it was an incredibly thorough and thoughtful process that brought us to this point. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from approximately 1,400 individuals to identify the issues, concerns, and opportunities of the most importance to our membership. This engagement illustrated the commitment to develop a strategic plan that includes the Association’s global stakeholders and positioned ACUHO-I for long-term, sustainable growth.
The other assurance I can make is that the future of ACUHO-I and the future of campus housing will rely on professionals like you. Just as member input shaped the strategic plan, it will be the membership that provides the leadership, subject matter expertise, passion, advocacy, and talent to bring it to fruition. Whether you have only a few hours free or more flexibility in your schedule, ACUHO-I will have volunteer opportunities that match your availability. And if there is that small, nagging voice in the back of your head making you question what you have to offer, I am granting you full permission to take that voice, pack it away, and bury it. Maybe you’ve been meaning to revisit the research from your thesis. Or maybe you’ve developed a new program, practice, or policy for your campus that others could learn from and model. Maybe you have a curiosity you want to explore or a network you want to strengthen. Regardless of what form your volunteerism can take, I assure you there is a place for it with ACUHO-I. Reach out to your supervisor or a colleague to see what they suggest. Raise your hand around an ACUHO-I Board member or professional staffer, and they will provide guidance.
I admit I was apprehensive before I tossed my hat into the proverbial ACUHO-I ring. In the end, it was knowing that I had trusted colleagues who had my back that empowered me to take that step. Let me be that trusted voice for you. I know that great things are on tap for you and ACUHO-I, and I can’t wait to see them develop.
— Leon McClinton, ACUHO-I President
Talking Stick magazine takes its name from the symbol of international friendship presented to ACUHO-I in 1973 by the Ohiat Band of the British Columbia Indian Nation. The talking stick, or speaker’s staff, is hand-carved, and the inscription explains, “It is a sign of authority carried when proclamations are to be made or a meeting of chiefs is in session. It is a token of common heritage both to Canadians and Americans.”
