The Value of Community for Leaders in Graduate Education

Over the past several months, I had the pleasure of participating in the annual meetings of all the regional associations of graduate education. It has been a privilege to learn from the Northeastern Association of Graduate Schools (NAGS), Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools (MAGS), Western Association of Graduate Schools (WAGS), and the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools (CSGS). At each meeting I learned about the issues and impactful work happening in each region. Each gathering also offered something invaluable: perspective, connection, and the reminder that we are not navigating our work alone.

Reflecting on these experiences, I find myself thinking about the nature of community in higher education. We invest enormous energy in building communities that transform students’ lives on our campuses, yet the communities that sustain us as leaders are also essential. When we come together, we do more than exchange ideas. We find new approaches to shared challenges, forge meaningful collaborations, and recommit ourselves to the mission we serve together. That is not incidental to our leadership; it is foundational to it.

CGS’s connection to regional associations is invaluable in this respect. The regionals provide critical perspectives to the full CGS membership by sending representation to CGS board meetings, shaping sessions at our meetings, and, along with the Canadian Association of Graduate Schools and COMEPO, sending their talented students to participate in CGS’s Annual 3MT showcase. These connections strengthen our community and ensure that the work of CGS is well-informed by regional perspectives.

If you are seeking to continue building community this summer, I warmly invite you to join us at the Council of Graduate Schools Summer Workshop and New Deans Institute. The Summer Workshop is designed to be a space where meaningful connections happen. Throughout the conference, you’ll find intentional opportunities to collaborate and build lasting relationships with peers who will become part of your community long after the event ends.

I look forward to seeing you there, and at the many other upcoming virtual and in-person CGS gatherings.