2018 Administrative Fellows ReportsJustin Boyd Bree Edwards The individual sessions allowed small groups to take deeper dives into topics such as structural challenges facing a new department chair and dean, resilience through budget cuts, being accountable to local communities and the complexities of creating safe and inclusive spaces, for everyone. Something that stood out for me is that the NCAA conference is for artists, who are also administrators. With the prevalence of arts administration programs, NCAA stands out as a group of professionals who keep the arts first and foremost in the work they do. Sandra Murchison My mentor Hester Stinnett was at my side throughout the conference with a stunning sense of supreme calmness and clarity about what truly matters. Likewise, it was so interesting to listen to the Ignite Sessions which included ambitious projects that intertwine community and art school functions. There was a good amount of talk about what being an effective leader requires and an emphasis on social practices in artworks and administrative works. Grand Rapids proved to be a well-endowed, artistically interwoven small city which reminded me of the little engine that couldwith its SiTE:LAB Art Prize venue, rejuvenating Meijer Gardens and KCAD connections to the hospital, its museum and public schools. I left NCAA feeling like my level of tenacity and fortitude for doing impactful work in the midst of daily demands was restored. Paige Williams The following summer I was thrilled to learn that I had been accepted as a fellow and that Jim Hopfensperger was to be my mentor. Anyone that knows Jim will understand my good fortune. He proceeded to mentor me immediately and we had several phone conversations. I was struggling with certain transitions from Studio Arts Chair to Academic Dean and Jim provided me with supportive guidance. He also gave me homework prior to the conference, in order to make the most of my experience. I researched and identified 10 members that I would contact, whose college programs, locations or setting might provide some insight for my own. I was also fortunate that my Fellows cohort planned to meet prior to the first session, so I began the conference, already knowing five other new NCAA members. We were able to connect, commiserate and support each other throughout the inspirational events. The conference was inspiring and provided numerous opportunities for discussion and collaboration. I was welcomed by every member I met and humbled by the generosity to share ideas and information. I have never been a “first timer” at a conference where there wasn’t some time spent in the corner, working up my nerve to interject myself into a conversation of, obviously, organizational veterans. Brooke White Overall, I was truly inspired by the programming that Kendall College of Art and Design organized. Grand Rapids provided a fantastic backdrop to the conference theme, Transforming Communities Through Art and Design, which took place during their annual Art Prize event. Conference panels, speakers and exhibitions focused on the important role that social practice and collaboration in art education impacts the community of Grand Rapids, MI. My experiences as an NCAA Fellow continue to develop everyday and I look forward seeing everyone at the next conference in 2019! |