Past Presidents

Below is a gallery of ACUI’s past presidents. Hover over the images to review achievements during their term.

2022–2023

Established Investing in Our Profession fundraising campaign, implemented Student Affairs and College Union Certification

Deepti Chadee

Texas Christian University

2021–2022

Implemented tiered approach for new membership model, restarted face-to-face programs including the Chicago annual conference

Jeremy Schenk

Northwestern University

2020–2021

Established Financial Assistance Fund and increased online resources
to support
members during worldwide pandemic

Brenda Evans

University of Massachusetts–Lowell

2019–2020

Introduced revised core competencies for the profession and a new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program Team

Jennifer Zamora

University of Texas–Austin

2018–2019

Piloted a new strategic planning process and fostered dialogue on equity within ACUI

Michael Coleman

University of North Carolina–Greensboro

2017–2018

Reviewed, revised, and introduced a new Role of the College Union Statement to advance campus community

Jeff Pelletier

The Ohio State University

2016–2017

Established a new brand identity for ACUI after conducting considerable market research, competitive analysis, and concept review among stakeholders

J. Scott Derrick

University of North Carolina–Charlotte

2015–2016

Ensured the development, critique, and approval of a new strategic plan to guide the Association into coming years

Sarah Aikman

Northern Kentucky University

2014–2015

President during the Association’s centennial and hiring of the next executive director

Kim Harrington

Georgia Institute of Technology

2013–2014

Oversaw the restructuring of the Association’s regions, and helped the Education and Research Fund develop a 10-year action plan

Mark Guthier

University of Wisconsin–Madison

2012–2013

Presided over the creation of a new research agenda and Research Program Team

David Barnes

James Madison University

2011–2012

After leading the development and implementation of the current strategic plan, improved tracking of progress on key success factors

Thomas Lane

Missouri State University

2010–2011

Created new relationships with sister associations in the United Kingdom, which led to the Association’s international job shadow program and other partnerships

Meg O’Sullivan

SUNY Downstate Medical Center

2009–2010

Oversaw the restructuring of the volunteer positions associated with ACUI student programs

Donald Luse

University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill

2008–2009

Helped the Association increase its non-dues revenue by entering into an agreement to manage the Campus, Safety, Health, and Environmental Management Association

Rich Steele

Georgia Institute of Technology

2007–2008

Appointed the Growing the Profession Task Force and Volunteer Engagement Task Force

Lincoln Johnson

University of Washington

2006–2007

Created the first Volunteer Action Plans in support of the strategic plan; organized subcommittees of the Board of Trustees

Robert Mindrum

Purdue University

2004–2006

Served as president for two years and reinstated the immediate past president position on the Board of Trustees

Daniel Maxwell

Western Illinois University

2003–2004

Oversaw massive budgetary cuts and adjustments to ensure the Association’s financial security

Michael Henthorne

Oregon State University

2002–2003

Developed a plan to repay ACUI Procure start-up costs by 2011; they were repaid in 2005

Robert Rouzer

University of Illinois–Chicago

2001–2002

Finalized the transformation of recreation to leisure-time activities

Whit Hollis

University of Utah

2000–2001

Presided over the 28 bylaw changes necessary to implement the reinvention team recommendations

Colette Berge

Pikes Peak Community College

1999–2000

Began ACUI Procure and centralized management of all Association funds-including regions

Matt Cameron

Santa Clara University

1998–1999

Began the reinvention team process and initiated the 2000-05 Strategic Plan as a road map for change

Sue Yung Maul

University of Illinois–Urbana

1997–1998

Commissioned the first external review of the Association and first comprehensive needs assessment while also serving as co-chair of the reinvention team

Debra Hammond

California State University–Northridge

1996–1997

Helped ACUI better manage its finances through cost centering and other best business practices

Bernard Pitts

Kansas State University

1995–1996

Began rebranding the Association’s image with a new logo and staff restructuring

Shirley Plakidas

Louisiana State University

1994–1995

Refocused the Association in a positive direction following several years of change in the executive director role

Gretchen Laatsch

University of Akron

1993–1994

Began ACUI Procure and centralized management of all Association funds-including regions

Jay Boyar

Prince George’s Community College

1992–1993

Began ACUI Procure and centralized management of all Association funds-including regions

Manuel Cunard

Colorado State University

1991–1992

Navigated the Association through a challenging year, including overseeing an unexpected search for an executive director and reducing the budget by 396

J. William Johnston

Southern Methodist University

1990–1991

Brought together and presided over a
think tank of higher education administrators to discuss the contributions of unions
to community building on campus

Winston Shindell

Indiana University–Bloomington

1989–1990

Began the incorporation process of the Association

Greer Wilson

University of Virginia

1988–1989

Presided during the 75th anniversary celebrations and oversaw
excellent membership growth

Carol Prior

University of Texas–Austin

1987–1988

Established the Task Force on Business Affairs, engaged a study examining the role of students in ACU-I, and brought College Bowl back to television

Neil Gerard

California Polytechnic State University

1986–1987

Developed a five year financial plan, and recommended a 1988 dues increase of 10 9o rounded to the nearest $5, in response to fiscal concerns

Joseph Benedict

Long Island University–
C. W. Post

1985–1986

Oversaw the publication of the ACU-I Code of Ethics and established long-range and short-range goals, programs, and guidelines for the Development Fund

Cynthia Woolbright

Bentley College

1984–1985

Was the only student member of the Executive Committee to later serve as president as well as the first president of color

LeNorman Strong

Cornell University

1983–1984

Developed a long-range plan for ACU-I based on the recommendations of the Task Force for the Future

Dale McHenry

Purdue University

1982–1983

Presided over the “Year of the Arts” and during her term established the Development Fund

Dorothy Pijan

Case Western Reserve University

1981–1982

Established the Task Force on Business Affairs, engaged a study examining the role of students in ACU-I, and brought College Bowl back to television

Adell McMillan

University of Oregon

1980–1981

Oversaw the executive director search process following Chester Berry’s retirement

John Ketter

University of Northern Iowa

1979–1980

Focused on negotiations regarding music copyright with representatives from other higher education associations

William Spelman

University of Rochester

1978–1979

Was the only president to die during his term

Lyle Curtis

Brigham Young University

1977–1978

Established at-large positions on the Executive Committee for the chairpersons of the
Education and Recreation committees and an at-large position focused on coordinating the work of communications, publications, and membership

Bruce Kaiser

Illinois State University

1976–1977

Rephrased, clarified, and expanded the goals of ACU-I through a revision to the constitution

Ronald Loomis

Cornell University

1975–1976

Led a major constitution revision, which expanded the structure of membership; established a second full-time position in the Central Office

Ernest Bebb

University of Utah

1974–1975

Implemented recommendations of the self-study report, including a necessary dues increase and constitutional revisions; traveled to 14 of 15 regions

Shaw Smith

Davidson College

1973–1974

Oversaw the completion of the Association’s self-study and increased educational programming

Ronald Barrett

San Jose State University

1972–1973

First woman and first nonunion director to serve as president, greatly expanding Association programs and publications

Shirley Bird Perry

University of Texas–Austin

1971–1972

Oversaw the publication of The College Union Idea and the Computerization of ACU-I’s professional registry and employment services

Boris Bell

George Washington University

1970–1971

Restructured committees to ensure their effectiveness and presided over the Association while it handled controversies with Brigham Young University, Ricks College, and Church College

Harold Jordan

Indiana University–Bloomington

1969–1970

Revised the procedures for selecting regional representatives and created
a committee to study the Role of the College Union statement

Robert Alexander

University of California–San Francisco

1968–1969

Worked to revitalize the student involvement with the Association on a national level and established the Task Force on Human Relations to combat racism

Edwin O. Siggelkow

University of Minnesota

1967–1968

Established the first full-time Central Office in Stanford, California

Richard Blackburn

Kansas State University

1966–1967

Butts-Whiting Award and the selection of the first executive secretary

George F. Stevens

Oregon State University

1965–1966

Established a director of development position and created a greeter program for international delegates at the annual conference

William D. Scott

University of Houston

1964–1965

Presided over the Association’s “Golden Anniversary”

A.L. Ellingson

University of Oregon

1963–1964

Presided over the name change from Association of College Unions to Association of College Unions-International

Max H. Andrews

New York University

1962–1963

Oversaw constitutional and bylaw revisions to ensure that the Association kept its
tax-exempt status; created a case file of lawsuits involving college unions

Abe L. Hesser

Oklahoma State University

1961–1962

Established a Committee on International Relations, oversaw creation of individual memberships, and presided over the creation of the Wisconsin Summer Institute

Floyd I. Brewer

University of Cincinnati

1960–1961

Called union professionals to look for “opportunities for adding international understanding by working more closely with the foreign students”; died the following year

Gerald O. T. Erdahl

North Carolina State University

1959–1960

Established the Association’s first office in Willard Straight Hall
at Cornell University

Chester A. Berry

Stanford University

1958–1959

Worked to implement recommendations from the Committee on the Future of the Association and arranged for 11 regional libraries

J.Wayne Stark

A & M College of Texas

1957–1958

Appointed the first Committee on the Future of the Association

George L. Donovan

University of Iowa

1956–1957

Helped shape the policies for the Association’s regions and the adoption of the Role of the College Union statement

Earl E. Harper

University of Iowa

1955–1956

Published the first bibliography of the Association and extended the college union idea through federal legislation

Frederick Stecker

Ohio State University

1954–1955

Established the Research and Professional Development committees and presided during a banner year of growth

William E. Rion

University of Florida

1953–1954

Oversaw the 1954 revision to the constitution, regional realignment, and the decision to emphasize staff development at the annual conference

Louis D. Day Jr.

University of Pennsylvania

1952–1953

Led a constitutional change to define committees of the Association, specifically the Games, Commercial Exhibits, Relations with Booking Agencies, Resolutions, Nominations, and Welcome committees

Charles D. Owens

University of Washington

1951–1952

Established a committee focused on studying and assembling information on programs, evaluating programs, and abstracting professional literature for members of the Association

Franklin C. Kuenzel

New York University

1950–1951

Established a uniform membership fee, regardless of whether an institution had a physical union building

Duane E. Lake

University of Nebraska–Omaha

1949–1950

Developed a strong student program for the 1949 conference and supported the first regional conference, held that same year

Donovan D. Lancaster

Bowdoin College

1948–1949

Originated the Association’s product exhibits program as a feature of the annual conference

Vernon L. Kretschmer

University of Illinois–Urbana

1947–1948

Presented at numerous conferences to educate other higher education professionals about the growth of unions

Douglas O. Woodruff

University of Utah

1946–1947

As the first post-war president, managed a dramatic expansion of membership and concerns over how to best serve student veterans

D.R. Matthews

University of Florida

1942–1946

Three-time president, who, during an extended term from 1943-46, held the Association together when others were called to service in World War II

Foster M. Coffin

Cornell University

1942–1943

Left his post in the union and the Association to work on war efforts, but first created a map showing the location of all member institutions of the Association

Walter H. Heideman

Wesleyan University

1941–1942

Oversaw further development of billiards tournaments and the beginning of intercollegiate bridge tournaments

Robert Parke

University of Buffalo

1940–1941

Presided over the establishment of the employment and architectural consultant services

Harold E. Pride

Iowa State University

1939–1940

Encouraged member institutions to reach out to their neighboring campuses to stimulate membership growth

J.E. Patrick

Indiana University–Bloomington

1938–1939

Worked to solve issues of billiards tournament uniformity by volunteering his union as a host site

G. Ray Higgins

University of Minnesota

1937–1938

Instituted honorary memberships

Lloyd M. Vallely

Purdue University

1936–1937

Worked to secure funding for-and encouraged Association members to participate in-the extensive study of college unions conducted by Edith Ouzts

Carl Lauterbach

University of Rochester

1935–1936

First president able to welcome women delegates to the annual conference

Raymond H. Riggs

Michigan State University

1934–1935

Established a student division of the Association to ensure that students’ needs were adequately met

Nelson B. Jones

Brown University

1933–1934

Established the first collegiate billiards tournament and included guest speakers to discuss trends of college life and work at the annual conference for the first time

Edward S. Drake

Ohio State University

1932–1933

As a Depression-era president, led discussions about the purpose of college unions and
how they could support students and the university during the Depression

Porter Butts

University of Wisconsin–Madison

1931–1932

Three-time president, who, during an extended term from 1943-46, held the Association together when others were called to service in World War II

Foster M. Coffin

Cornell University

1930–1931

The Bulletin was published for the first time; “Burt” Hartenstein would later become secretary-treasurer and its editor in 1932

Paul B. Hartenstein

University of Pennsylvania

1929–1930

Two-time president who oversaw the establishment of the traveling photo exhibit of union buildings

Rufus H. Fitzgerald

University of Iowa

1928–1929

First president elected; previously the annual conference host director served as president

Marion M. Tillman

Vanderbilt University

1927–1928

Two-time president who oversaw the establishment of the traveling photo exhibit of union buildings

Rufus H. Fitzgerald

University of Iowa

1926–1927

Three-time president, who, during an extended term from 1943-46, held the Association together when others were called to service in World War II

Foster M. Coffin

Cornell University

1925–1926

Selected because of his promotional ability and the desire to grow membership

J. E. Walters

Purdue University

1924–1925

Decided to have the annual questionnaire sent through the mail to allow time for other business at the conference

Thomas Hart

University of Pennsylvania

1923–1924

Created the first stipend for an Association official, which was given to the secretary-treasurer

M. M. Anderson

University of Minnesota

1922–1923

Served as the first president of the Association and presided over the first international conference

J. B. Bickersteth

University of Toronto

Below is a gallery of ACUI’s past presidents. Hover over the images to review achievements during their term.

2022–2023

Established Investing in Our Profession fundraising campaign, implemented Student Affairs and College Union Certification

2021–2022

Implemented tiered approach for new membership model, restarted face-to-face programs including the Chicago annual conference

2020–2021

Established Financial Assistance Fund and increased online resources to support members during worldwide pandemic

2019–2020

Introduced revised core competencies for the profession and a new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program Team

2018–2019

Piloted a new strategic planning process and fostered dialogue on equity within ACUI

2017–2018

Reviewed, revised, and introduced a new Role of the College Union Statement to advance campus community

2016–2017

Established a new brand identity for ACUI after conducting considerable market research, competitive analysis, and concept review among stakeholders

2015–2016

Ensured the development, critique, and approval of a new strategic plan to guide the Association into coming years

2014–2015

President during the Association’s centennial and hiring of the next executive director

2013–2014

Oversaw the restructuring of the Association’s regions, and helped the Education and Research Fund develop a 10-year action plan

2012–2013

Presided over the creation of a new research agenda and Research Program Team

2011–2012

After leading the development and implementation of the current strategic plan, improved tracking of progress on key success factors

2010–2011

Created new relationships with sister associations in the United Kingdom, which led to the Association’s international job shadow program and other partnerships

2009–2010

Oversaw the restructuring of the volunteer positions associated with ACUI student programs

2008–2009

Helped the Association increase its non-dues revenue by entering into an agreement to manage the Campus, Safety, Health, and Environmental Management Association

2007–2008

Appointed the Growing the Profession Task Force and Volunteer Engagement Task Force

2006–2007

Created the first Volunteer Action Plans in support of the strategic plan; organized subcommittees of the Board of Trustees

2004–2006

Served as president for two years and reinstated the immediate past president position on the Board of Trustees

2003–2004

Oversaw massive budgetary cuts and adjustments to ensure the Association’s financial security

2002–2003

Developed a plan to repay ACUI Procure start-up costs by 2011; they were repaid in 2005

2001–2002

Finalized the transformation of recreation to leisure-time activities

2000–2001

Presided over the 28 bylaw changes necessary to implement the reinvention team recommendations

1999–2000

Began ACUI Procure and centralized management of all Association funds-including regions

1998–1999

Began the reinvention team process and initiated the 2000-05 Strategic Plan as a road map for change

1997–1998

Commissioned the first external review of the Association and first comprehensive needs assessment while also serving as co-chair of the reinvention team

1996–1997

Helped ACUI better manage its finances through cost centering and other best business practices

1995–1996

Began rebranding the Association’s image with a new logo and staff restructuring

1994–1995

Refocused the Association in a positive direction following several years of change in the executive director role

1993–1994

Began ACUI Procure and centralized management of all Association funds-including regions

1992–1993

Began ACUI Procure and centralized management of all Association funds-including regions

1991–1992

Navigated the Association through a challenging year, including overseeing an unexpected search for an executive director and reducing the budget by 396

1990–1991

Brought together and presided over a think tank of higher education administrators to discuss the contributions of unions to community building on campus

1989–1990

Began the incorporation process of the Association

1988–1989

Presided during the 75th anniversary celebrations and oversaw excellent membership growth

1987–1988

Established the Task Force on Business Affairs, engaged a study examining the role of students in ACU-I, and brought College Bowl back to television

1986–1987

Developed a five year financial plan, and recommended a 1988 dues increase of 10 9o rounded to the nearest $5, in response to fiscal concerns

1985–1986

Oversaw the publication of the ACU-I Code of Ethics and established long-range and short-range goals, programs, and guidelines for the Development Fund

1984–1985

Was the only student member of the Executive Committee to later serve as president as well as the first president of color

1983–1984

Developed a long-range plan for ACU-I based on the recommendations of the Task Force for the Future

1982–1983

Established Financial Assistance Fund and increased online resources
to support
members during worldwide pandemic

Brought together and presided over a
think tank of higher education administrators to discuss the contributions of unions
to community building on campus

Presided during the 75th anniversary celebrations and oversaw
excellent membership growth

Established at-large positions on the Executive Committee for the chairpersons of the
Education and Recreation committees and an at-large position focused on coordinating the work of communications, publications, and membership

Revised the procedures for selecting regional representatives and created
a committee to study the Role of the College Union statement

Oversaw constitutional and bylaw revisions to ensure that the Association kept its
tax-exempt status; created a case file of lawsuits involving college unions

Established the Association’s first office in Willard Straight Hall
at Cornell University