Below is a gallery of ACUI’s past presidents. Hover over the images to review achievements during their term.
2022–2023
Deepti Chadee
Established Investing in Our Profession fundraising campaign, implemented Student Affairs and College Union Certification

Deepti Chadee

Texas Christian University

2021–2022
Jeremy Schenk, Northwestern University
Implemented tiered approach for new membership model, restarted face-to-face programs including the Chicago annual conference 

Jeremy Schenk

Northwestern University

2020–2021
Brenda Evans
Established Financial Assistance Fund and increased online resources  
to support
members during worldwide pandemic 

Brenda Evans

University of Massachusetts–Lowell  

2019–2020
Jennifer Zamora
Introduced revised core competencies for the profession and a new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program Team 

Jennifer Zamora

University of Texas–Austin

2018–2019
Micheal Coleman
Piloted a new strategic planning process and fostered dialogue on equity within ACUI 

Michael Coleman

University of North Carolina–Greensboro

2017–2018
Jeff Pelletier
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
Sarah Aikman
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
Kim Harrington
President during the Association’s centennial and hiring of the next executive director 

Kim Harrington

Georgia Institute of Technology

2013–2014
Mark Guthier
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
David Barnes
Presided over the creation of a new research agenda and Research Program Team 

David Barnes

James Madison University

2011–2012
Thomas Lane
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
Meg O'Sullivan
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
Donald Luse
Oversaw the restructuring of the volunteer positions associated with ACUI student programs 

Donald Luse

University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill

2008–2009
Rich Steele
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
Lincoln Johnson
Appointed the Growing the Profession Task Force and Volunteer Engagement Task Force 

Lincoln Johnson

University of Washington

2006–2007
Robert Mindrum
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
Daniel Maxwell
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
Michael Henthorne
Oversaw massive budgetary cuts and adjustments to ensure the Association’s financial security

Michael Henthorne

Oregon State University

2002–2003
Robert Rouzer
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
Whit Hollis
Finalized the transformation of recreation to leisure-time activities

Whit Hollis

University of Utah

2000–2001
Colette Berge
Presided over the 28 bylaw changes necessary to implement the reinvention team recommendations 

Colette Berge

Pikes Peak Community College

1999–2000
Matt Cameron
Began ACUI Procure and centralized management of all Association funds-including regions

Matt Cameron

Santa Clara University

1998–1999
Sue Yung Maul
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
Debra Hammond
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
Bernard Pitts
Helped ACUI better manage its finances through cost centering and other best business practices 

Bernard Pitts

Kansas State University

1995–1996
Shirley Plakidas
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
Jay Boyar
Began ACUI Procure and centralized management of all Association funds-including regions

Jay Boyar

Prince George’s Community College

1992–1993
Manuel Cunard
Began ACUI Procure and centralized management of all Association funds-including regions

Manuel Cunard

Colorado State University

1991–1992
J. William Johnston
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
Winston Shindell
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
Greer Wilson
Began the incorporation process of the Association

Greer Wilson

University of Virginia

1988–1989
Carol Prior
Presided during the 75th anniversary celebrations and oversaw  
excellent membership growth

Carol Prior

University of Texas–Austin

1987–1988
Neil Gerard
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
Joseph Benedict
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
Cynthia Woolbright
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
LeNorman Strong
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
Dale McHenry
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
Dorothy Pijan
Presided over the “Year of the Arts” and during her term established the Development Fund

Dorothy Pijan

Case Western Reserve University

1981–1982
Adell McMillan
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
John Ketter
Oversaw the executive director search process following Chester Berry’s retirement 

John Ketter

University of Northern Iowa

1979–1980
William Spelman
Focused on negotiations regarding music copyright with representatives from other higher education associations 

William Spelman

University of Rochester

1978–1979
Lyle Curtis
Was the only president to die during his term 

Lyle Curtis

Brigham Young University

1977–1978
Bruce Kaiser
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
Ronald Loomis
Rephrased, clarified, and expanded the goals of ACU-I through a revision to the constitution

Ronald Loomis

Cornell University

1975–1976
Ernest Bebb
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
Shaw Smith
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
Ronald Barrett
Oversaw the completion of the Association’s self-study and increased educational programming

Ronald Barrett

San Jose State University

1972–1973
Shirley Bird Perry
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
Boris Bell
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
Harold Jordan
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
Robert Alexander
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
Edwin 0. Siggelkow
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
George F. Stevens
Butts-Whiting Award and the selection of the first executive secretary

George F. Stevens

Oregon State University

1965–1966
William D. Scott
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
A.L. Ellingson
Presided over the Association’s “Golden Anniversary”

A.L. Ellingson

University of Oregon

1963–1964
Max H. Andrews
Presided over the name change from Association of College Unions to Association of College Unions-International

Max H. Andrews

New York University

1962–1963
Abe L. Hesser
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
Floyd I. Brewer
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
Gerald O. T. Erdahl
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
Chester A. Berry
Established the Association’s first office in Willard Straight Hall  
at Cornell University

Chester A. Berry

Stanford University

1958–1959
J.Wayne Stark
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
George L. Donovan
Appointed the first Committee on the Future of the Association 

George L. Donovan

University of Iowa

1956–1957
Earl E. Harper
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
Frederick Stecker
Published the first bibliography of the Association and extended the college union idea through federal legislation

Frederick Stecker

Ohio State University

1954–1955
William E. Rion
Established the Research and Professional Development committees and presided during a banner year of growth 

William E. Rion

University of Florida

1953–1954
Louis D. Day Jr.
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
Charles D. Owens
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
Franklin C. Kuenzel
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
Duane E. Lake
Established a uniform membership fee, regardless of whether an institution had a physical union building

Duane E. Lake

University of Nebraska–Omaha

1949–1950
Donovan D. Lancaster
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
Vernon L. Kretschmer
Originated the Association’s product exhibits program as a feature of the annual conference

Vernon L. Kretschmer

University of Illinois–Urbana

1947–1948
Douglas 0. Woodruff
Presented at numerous conferences to educate other higher education professionals about the growth of unions

Douglas O. Woodruff

University of Utah

1946–1947
D.R. Matthews
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
Foster M. Coffin
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
Walter H. Heideman
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
Robert Parke
Oversaw further development of billiards tournaments and the beginning of intercollegiate bridge tournaments

Robert Parke

University of Buffalo

1940–1941
Harold E. Pride
Presided over the establishment of the employment and architectural consultant services

Harold E. Pride

Iowa State University

1939–1940
J.E. Patrick
Encouraged member institutions to reach out to their neighboring campuses to stimulate membership growth

J.E. Patrick

Indiana University–Bloomington

1938–1939
G. Ray Higgins
Worked to solve issues of billiards tournament uniformity by volunteering his union as a host site

G. Ray Higgins

University of Minnesota

1937–1938
Lloyd M. Vallely
Instituted honorary memberships

Lloyd M. Vallely

Purdue University

1936–1937
Carl Lauterbach
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
Raymond H. Riggs
First president able to welcome women delegates to the annual conference

Raymond H. Riggs

Michigan State University

1934–1935
Nelson B. Jones
Established a student division of the Association to ensure that students’ needs were adequately met

Nelson B. Jones

Brown University

1933–1934
Edward S. Drake
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
Foster M. Coffin
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
Paul B. Hartenstein
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
Rufus H. Fitzgerald
Two-time president who oversaw the establishment of the traveling photo exhibit of union buildings

Rufus H. Fitzgerald

University of Iowa

1928–1929
Marion M. Tillman
First president elected; previously the annual conference host director served as president

Marion M. Tillman

Vanderbilt University

1927–1928
Rufus H. Fitzgerald
Two-time president who oversaw the establishment of the traveling photo exhibit of union buildings

Rufus H. Fitzgerald

University of Iowa

1926–1927
Foster M. Coffin
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
J. E. Walters
Selected because of his promotional ability and the desire to grow membership 

J. E. Walters

Purdue University

1924–1925
Thomas Hart
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
M. M. Anderson
Created the first stipend for an Association official, which was given to the secretary-treasurer

M. M. Anderson

University of Minnesota

1922–1923
J. B. Bickersteth
Served as the first president of the Association and presided over the first international conference

J. B. Bickersteth

University of Toronto