The President’s Portfolio

Guiding the speaking, writing, and travel of President Eaton this year are SPU’s five signature commitments, including its focus on global education. Here are some of his recent activities:

NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) National Convention

January 11–14, 2008

Nashville, Tennessee

To prepare for his upcoming role as chair of the CEO Board for the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC), President Eaton attended the 2008 NCAA National Convention with SPU Athletic Director Tom Box, Compliance Officer Erin O’Connell, and Faculty Athletic Representative William Woodward. The convention was attended by more than 3,000 delegates representing members from all divisions of the NCAA. The NCAA requires university presidents to provide leadership for the athletic conferences; Eaton’s tenure as chair will begin in the summer of 2008.

“President Eaton has been a strong voice within our conference,” says Box. “He was involved in the formation of the GNAC and has been involved in the ongoing growth and development of the conference. It will be great to work closely with him as SPU fulfills a heightened role in conference leadership.”

CCCU (Council for Christian Colleges and Universities) Presidents’ Conference

February 1–2, 2008

Washington, D.C.

President Eaton was one of nearly 80 presidents from CCCU institutions who attended this conference. Topics discussed included the intellectual climate on campuses, living and thinking digitally, fundraising, building international partnerships, and a variety of legislative and legal issues.

“SPU is intentionally working to become a more global organization,” says Eaton. “And so this year I especially enjoyed interacting with presidents from international CCCU institutions. Their presence among the U.S. presidents definitely changes the conversation, and that is healthy.”

NAICU (National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities) Conference

February 3–6, 2008

Washington, D.C.

President Eaton extended his stay in Washington, D.C., to join leaders who share an interest in representing private colleges and universities on public-policy issues with the federal government. Conference attendees discussed the potentially enormous impact of the Higher Education Reauthorization Act that will emerge from Congress soon. “NAICU is doing a superb job of representing our interests in D.C.,” says Eaton.

AFMEI (Association of Free Methodist Educational Institutions) Conference and AAPICU (American Association of Presidents of Independent Colleges and Universities) Conference

February 19–21, 2008

Phoenix, Arizona

President Eaton attended the annual gathering of leaders from Free Methodist colleges and universities and the denomination to review and renew their partnership. The AAPICU Conference that followed focused on careful consideration of public policy and independent higher education.

While in Phoenix, President and Mrs. Eaton hosted a group of alumni and friends for dinner sa part of the University's "target cities" effort. Phoenix is one of several cities across the U.S. in which SPU is building new partnerships.

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