2021 NCCEP Board of Directors Election: Why A GEAR UP Director (Like You) Should Submit Your Candidacy!
NCCEP Board service is an integral part of GEAR UP community involvement and one of the most influential roles within NCCEP. With the 2021 NCCEP Board of Directors Election in full swing, I wanted to be sure that everyone has the complete picture of the NCCEP Board of Directors experience.
With that, I do hope that having this opportunity to hear directly from your fellow GEAR UP directors will encourage you complete and submit your 2021 NCCEP Board of Directors Application!
I had the pleasure of interviewing three GEAR UP directors who accepted the call and graciously served on the NCCEP Board of Directors. As you tune in, I invite you to look deep within and wholeheartedly reflect upon your opportunity to represent your fellow GEAR UP State and Partnership Directors as a member of the NCCEP board.
Now, let's hear from:
Angela Jackson, Project Director, GEAR UP Hawai'i State Grant, and Associate Director of Hawai'i P-20 Partnerships for Education.
Traci O. Aucoin, GEAR UP Project Director, Lafayette GEAR UP, Louisiana Parish School System.
Robert Dais, Statewide Director, Massachusetts GEAR UP, Massachusetts Department of Higher Education.
What was the most significant influence or reason for your accepting the role of NCCEP board member?
Angela shared,
"I have learned so much from the GEAR UP community, professionally and personally. I have gotten so much support from the GEAR UP community, and I really felt like this is an opportunity to give back and support all the directors that have supported me over the
years. That was my motivation to run."
Find out Traci's and Robert's reasons for accepting the role of NCCEP board member!
What have been some highlights of your NCCEP board service?
Angela shared,
"One of my board service highlights was definitely supporting the NCCEP team with pivoting to a virtual environment very quickly, especially during the first summer. NCCEP did such a wonderful job in creating that. When forced to take that huge step, that step now opened up so many opportunities and options for us as an organization."
Click here to check out Traci's highlights during her NCCEP board service!
What are the 2-3 most valuable lessons you have learned about NCCEP governance matters?
Find out Robert's most valuable lessons learned concerning NCCEP governance matters!
What did you enjoy most about your NCCEP board service?
Angela shared,
"I enjoy being on the board. All the board members are so amazing. They are so easy to talk to. For any directors who feel that they may not be equipped or ready for this role, don't worry! The people on the board they're smart, yet they're also down to earth. They want to listen to the directors and better understand what the GEAR UP program means and serve them better. They are very open-minded. They don't ask tough questions, as I have never had one situation where I felt like they put me on the spot, and I don't know how to answer."
"Also, contributing to the selection of the [NCCEP] leadership was very rewarding to me. I have a much better understanding of how NCCEP functions as an organization. I better understand the [NCCEP] philosophy, the business model, and the organization's financial status."
Find out what Traci and Robert enjoyed most about being on the NCCEP Board!
Share one piece of encouragement to your fellow GEAR UP directors who may be on the fence about submitting their application for the 2021 candidacy.
Angela shared,
"My recommendation for anybody thinking about it is to do it, like Nike says, "JUST DO IT." Not only will you personally benefit from the experience, but you will also have a chance to give back to the GEAR UP community. You will be able to lend your voice to help the other directors understand the importance of GEAR UP and help make it a healthier organization."
"I think anybody interested in supporting NCCEP as an organization and believes in the importance of GEAR UP should put their name in the hat!"
In a word, how do you describe your NCCEP board member experience?
Angela shared,
"There are too many words! It was rewarding!"
Find out Traci's and Robert's one word to describe their NCCEP board experience!
It was indeed my pleasure having this opportunity to hear from our NCCEP board members, Angela, Traci, and Robert. As you heard, they had an Invigorating and Rewarding experience and are Grateful for their opportunity to serve as NCCEP board members.
Again, we are still looking for GEAR UP directors to apply for the 2021 NCCEP Board of Directors Election. This is a great opportunity and is truly a call to action! So, consider submitting your online application for candidacy in the 2021 NCCEP Board of Directors Election. And please don't forget, your application is due by 5 pm EST on Friday, October 29, 2021.
Visit the NCCEP website for additional details about the 2021 NCCEP Board of Directors Election, including why NCCEP is looking to elect two new board members, some of the benefits of becoming a board member, and the election's key dates.
I want to thank these phenomenal GEAR UP directors, Angela, Traci, and Robert, for sharing their insight and inspiration, along with their personal invitation to you to run as a candidate in the 2021 NCCEP Board of Directors Election.
I want to close by asking you, yes, you, GEAR UP directors, please don't get dispirited, discouraged, or dismayed – focus on the wealth of knowledge, skills, and talents you can bring to the NCCEP board! So, please feel free to reach out to me directly, as I am available to assist and support you throughout the entire application process.
You can learn about the board requirements, the application, and the election process by visiting the 2021 NCCEP Board of Directors Election.
-April Bell, in service as your NCCEP Director of Constituent Relations