NACASTODAY - July 2019

Member Spotlight

Jim Dwyer

Chair, C3X Committee
Executive Director, Auxiliary Business Services
Arizona State University

1. Please provide a little background info about yourself and your history with NACAS.

I have worked in higher education auxiliary operations for over 20 years and have always known NACAS to be a highly reputable organization of thought leaders that connects the many different ways institutions support students, faculty, staff and the community. Personally, I see NACAS as a way to push myself to maximize engagement within the industry and learn from the best, which has led me to volunteer for just about any opportunity I can get with NACAS since officially joining just over 2 years ago.

2. Why volunteer with NACAS? 

Volunteering with NACAS in general is a great way to gain perspective, which can be invaluable in how you show up on a day-to-day basis in an industry that still relies a lot on doing things the way they have always been done. Being a part of an incredible team of volunteers on the C3X Committee is particularly rewarding because we are getting to help develop the thought leadership content that will ideally lead to impactful change across the entire industry.

3. What would you say to someone on the fence about attending C3X to convince them to join us ?

I would ask them what they are doing to prepare for the massive amount of change affecting our institutions at an increasingly faster rate and level of complexity and urge them to connect that to the content of educational sessions offered at C3X. Ideally, a quick ROI analysis will be enough for anyone to get off the fence and complete the registration process!

4. What are you most looking forward to this year at C3X?

I am really looking forward to the keynote speakers and ed sessions in particular. I believe these are historically some of the most impactful elements of C3X and feel that this year the committee has worked hard to find timely, relevant and actionable content that will be delivered by a dynamic and diverse group of leaders.

WILDCARDS:

 1. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Coffee, but without the milk or sugar, so basically just a cup of coffee….

2. If you could go on vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do there?

I would go to Ireland and just start walking. I do not think there is any better way to experience a new place and immerse yourself in the culture.

3. If you had $100,000 to give to a charitable organization of your choice, which one would you choose and why?

I would donate to university programming. A big part of embracing the culture of working at a university or college and living in a “college town” is integrating into what it provides to the community. I support university initiatives that directly impact the community because it is a part of my job, but more importantly because it effects the place that I live and the future being built for my children.

+ C3X

+ Volunteer

Calling All Volunteers!

Lend your talent to NACAS as a volunteer!

At your institution or business, you’ve gotten where you are based on your aptitude, vision, and follow-through. At NACAS, our rock star volunteers lead our organization with those same qualities to create opportunities for our community. Lead alongside us and become invaluable to our profession.

While NACAS takes volunteer inquiries and content submissions year-round, the deadline to apply for placement on a committee for a term beginning Fall 2019 is August 15.

+ Learn More

+ Volunteer

Ask a CASP

Diane Reynolds, CASP

NACAS Past President (2017-2018)
Assistant Vice President for Business Services
Virginia Commonwealth University

1. Please provide a little background information about yourself and your history with NACAS.

After graduating from VCU with a BS in Marketing, my career goal was to become a retail buyer. I was hired by Best Products after graduating from VCU and my buying career migrated from buyer of accessories in the jewelry department to senior buyer of home furnishings with $100 million budget for 200 stores nationwide. I left Best Products to work for my alma mater, Virginia Commonwealth University, as the manager for contracts and compliance in Procurement. In 1998, I was asked to be the Interim Director of Business Services primarily because of my retail background. That’s when my journey in Auxiliary Services began and I’ve never left!

Because I knew nothing about dining services, parking services, mail services and bookstores, I attended my first NACAS conference to learn about auxiliaries and connect with experts that I could turn to for advice and guidance. I’ve only missed two national and two East region NACAS conferences since 1998! I’m able to take something away from every NACAS conference I’ve attended and have connected with peers that have become lifelong friends. After 21 years, I continue to learn from NACAS and my colleagues. I became involved with NACAS as soon as I landed in the field of auxiliaries and have served as NACAS East president, on the East board of directors, NACAS President and on the board of directors, and various volunteer committees and roles.

2. What does CASP mean to you? What is the value of the certification?

When I served on the East Board, I attended a Leadership Team Meeting in Houston, Texas. During that meeting, an intense discussion took place as to how NACAS could become “The Conference” and resource for auxiliary managers and staff? How could NACAS differentiate itself and support auxiliary leaders? There is no college degree in Auxiliary Enterprises, so the concept of a certification program was initiated and developed. Other certification programs exist in other fields of expertise, such as Parking, Purchasing, etc.

I was in the first official group of folks that signed up to take the CASP exam. Not only did I want the credential that authenticated my expertise in the field of auxiliary services, it was important to me to demonstrate my support of the program. I passed the exam and received the designated CASP certification distinction that I include with all of my professional correspondence and emails. When hiring for key positions in our department, “CASP preferred” is always included. The CASP designation behind an auxiliary professional’s name signifies that individual is a subject matter expert in the field of auxiliaries. It demonstrates their commitment to the profession and it elevates their qualifications in a competitive and specialized field.

3. What would you say to someone on the fence about applying for CASP?

Face the fear and do it anyway! Once you pass the examination, there is a sense of pride that goes along with that significant achievement. In our profession of auxiliary enterprises, the CASP designation is an honor. I hold an MBA, but I am also proud of my CASP designation because it separates the skills that I possess in auxiliaries from those who do not have the certification. If you lead a team of auxiliary professionals, it’s important to lead by example. If you have been in the field of auxiliaries for five years, receiving CASP demonstrates to your university that you have the credentials certifying your expertise.

+ CASP

+ Volunteer

Member Benefit of the Month: Recorded Webinars

Missed a webinar? No problem!

Recorded online events give NACAS members the advantages of customized, convenient education. Search for topics that are relevant to your needs, and digest course material at your own pace. Invite your auxiliary service colleagues to do the same! Webinars are uploaded one-to-two days after the live event takes place.

+ Recorded Online Events

+ Upcoming Online Events

Staff Spotlight

Lindsay Hodges, Registrar and Operations Coordinator

1. Please describe your roles and responsibilities with NACAS.

I am the Registrar and Operations Coordinator. I assist with the registration process for conferences and other events. I went to St. John’s University in Queens and studied Sport Management.

2. What’s your go-to Spotify playlist right now?

My go to Spotify playlist is either the Trap Mojito Playlist or Summer Songs of the 90’s!

3. What shows/movies are you bingeing on Netflix?

Last Chance U!

4. What is a skill you would like to master?

I would like to master some more Spanish language skills.