Ann Comerford, interim vice chancellor for student affairs at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been elected president-elect of ACUI, formerly known as the Association of College Unions International.
Comerford will spend a year in the president-elect role observing closely all phases of ACUI's activities in preparation for assuming the presidency in March 2024.
Founded in 1914, ACUI is a nonprofit educational organization that brings together college union and student activities professionals from hundreds of schools in seven countries.
“I’m excited to serve as president-elect of ACUI,” Comerford said. “I have enjoyed all my volunteer opportunities with the association. Every opportunity serving the association has taught me more about building community on our campuses. The act of community building on campus helps prepare our students to engage in community building beyond their college experience.”
Comerford has devoted countless hours serving ACUI. She was a member of the 2018 annual conference planning committee, served on the International Education Council, was director of ACUI's Region 9, and has volunteered for several ACUI education courses and institutes as an instructor, a presenter and a faculty member. She is a current member of the ACUI Board of Trustees serving as an at-large member.
As ACUI president-elect, Comerford plans to focus on how the needs and wants of students and staff are changing — and how ACUI can help move the profession forward in alignment with those shifts.
“Our student populations are rapidly changing," she said. “So how are we staying relevant? How do we still meet student needs?” One thing that won't change, Comerford said, is the value of community-building.
ACUI is the professional home to thousands of campus community builders around the world. Primarily focused on the work of those within the college unions and student activities field, the Association strives to provide an inclusive, welcoming community for all those who choose to belong.