Stories of AIGC Alumni through Time
Positive Changes in Higher Education by John Garland
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CPA-College Student Educators International is one of Higher Education’s largest professional associations, with over 7,000 members. It consists of higher education administrators, faculty, counselors and student affairs practitioners. I have been involved with ACPA, for over ten years, across varying leadership positions. The Governing Board is the highest level of leadership in the Association and it is quite an honor to be elected by the membership. The Director of Equity & Inclusion works to help the Association, its membership and higher education institutions become more inclusive and equitable in their interactions with students, faculty and staff. The Director also serves as the Affirmative Action Officer of the Association. My three-year appointment begins in March 2014, at our Annual Convention in Indianapolis; the first year as Director-elect and two years as Director. ACPA is home to the Native American Network (NAN), which consists of Native Americans identifying higher education, faculty, counselors and student affairs staff/administrators. In the spirit of inclusion, NAN includes non-Native allies in higher education who work to support the success of Native students. This collaborative and diverse membership provides support and continuity for NAN, as Native identifying faculty, staff, and administrators are often few in numbers.
John Garland
When I was working on my dissertation, exploring the involvement experiences of Native students at predominately white institutions of higher education, I recall drawing examples of resilience from Native and nonNative colleagues I had met through ACPA and NAN. This network, along with my supportive faculty and colleagues at Maryland, helped to create a successful graduate experience. It’s precisely this type of experience that I hope every Native student might enjoy during college. With this in mind, I focus my energy, as a faculty member, to make sure that students, not just Native students – but all students, experience a learning environment that is developmentally and culturally supportive. Through the work of AIGC, ACPA, NAN and many
With the support of organizations like AIGC, I believe we are entering an exciting new time of Native higher education leadership development and Native student success. I believe that being elected, by the membership of ACPA, for this important Governing Board position, presents a wonderful opportunity to continue the work of building a truly inclusive and diverse national higher ed organization. I can honestly say that, with the support of AIGC (I was an AIGC Graduate Fellow while working on my doctorate at the University of Maryland) and the support of my NAN colleagues (some of whom were also AIGC Fellows), my opportunities in higher education have been wonderfully enhanced.
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The American Indian Graduate
other Native higher education organizations, we are making positive changes on campuses throughout North America. Although there remains much work to do, I have been very impressed with emerging Native higher education leaders within the past ten years. Their leadership in ACPA, NIEA, NASPA, The College Board, etc., is both groundbreaking and inspiring. I have no doubt that higher education will continue to experience the positive effects of their work, at Native and non-Native institutions alike, for many years to come.