News & Resources

The beauty of spring could not have stepped forward at a more perfect time. There is so much going on in our society today that the sight of blooming rosebuds, new bright green tree leaves, and freshly manicured lawns offers much-needed medicine for our weary souls.

Honestly, I hardly know where to begin with these messages these days. Today, I will start by extending heartfelt condolences to all who are mourning the loss of Pope Francis. ACPE joins communities worldwide in honoring his life and influence, which touched countless faith traditions. We also lift our concern and support for our colleagues and friends who have been negatively impacted by recent changes within their institutions. We are standing with you in hopes that new and invigorating opportunities spring forth from this moment of discomfort and uncertainty.

We are all uncertain at this moment. We do not know the fate of the national or global economy. We do not know the fate of our government, the U.S. Department of Education, or Medicare Pass-through. International students - with the required documentation in hand – are being terrorized! We are all walking in a sense of disbelief, taking one step at a time, one breath at a time. By faith, and only faith, we move forward. We travel on through knowing, ‘this too shall pass,’ and the seasons will change.  

Yes, winter has passed and spring has returned, providing us with a fresh opportunity to turn once more to nature for something extraordinary and refreshing to gaze upon as a respite throughout the day.

Spring was always marked by a thorough spring cleaning in my family. On a random warm and sunny Saturday, my mother would open all the windows, strip the linens from the bed, take all the rugs outside, and move every piece of furniture to commence her top-to-bottom cleaning of our home. From the time we could hold a broom, my brothers and I each had a long list of chores to complete for the day. Much to our adolescent chagrin, the day would be well spent before either of us could pass Mom’s inspection and report that we were done. This year, I could feel my mother’s spirit working through me. 

During what was meant to be a respite to recharge from my first year with ACPE, I was, instead, busy as a bee tending to my home. While I took days away from the office, the office was never away from me. All the dusting, sweeping, and mopping made me think of ACPE even more! As I thought of all we have been facing and working our way through, I could hear my mother telling me, ' Make sure you get down in the corners,’ ‘Go over the floor one more time,’ and  ‘Get all of that mess out from the back of your closet!’  As I scrubbed my way to a sparkling, fresh house, I couldn’t help but feel excited to live there again. I also couldn’t help but want this for us at ACPE again as well. Tough days and all, I want our excitement back!

As we move forward in navigating out of a dark season, we must continue the work of double-checking our corners and closets. That said, here are a few updates on our efforts to date.

1. ACPE 2025 Annual Conference & Membership Meeting – We are less than 30 days away from gathering in Minneapolis, MN, to celebrate 100 years of CPE! In addition to a week of incredible learning and enriching community activities, our Annual Membership Meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 20^th, from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm CST. Please note that we have shifted this meeting to earlier in the conference to allow more members to attend. The meeting will also be held in a hybrid format, allowing those who cannot attend in person to access and participate in the forum. As in previous years, active members will receive an invitation via email to register for the member meeting broadcast. A Zoom link and materials will be shared as we approach the conference. Please check your email later this week for more details.
2. ACPE Recognition Task Force—The Recognition Task Force is currently concluding its Phase II work and preparing its recommendations for next steps for ACPE accreditation, including whether to reapply for federal (or otherwise) recognition. The Task Force will present its recommendations to the Board at the annual conference and to the membership body during the Membership Meeting on Tuesday, May 20^th.
3. ACPE Hiring National Staff: Interviews for the Director of Education and Director of Member Engagement job openings in the national office will begin this week. Thank you to all who applied. We were thoroughly impressed by the broad spectrum of experience and credentials we received.  
4. ACPE Community Care Hour: This Thursday, April 24, at 12 p.m. EST, we will host our first virtual Community Care Hour. The webinar will feature representatives from the Law Offices of Alston & Bird and focus on recent DEI-related executive orders from this administration and their impact on various organizations. Please register here to attend.

The spring cleaning of my childhood mirrors our current moment. Together, as a community, we are clearing the corners, opening the windows, and fostering clarity, purpose, and renewed energy.

This is essential work.

Let us move with intention, grounded in our mission and open to future possibilities.

See you soon in Minneapolis.