The Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) Association is proud to announce the formation of its inaugural Board of Directors, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s development. Following a productive planning committee meeting on May 20, the group officially transitioned into a formal Board of Directors, setting the stage for the next phase of the association’s growth.
During the meeting, the newly formed board voted unanimously to incorporate and begin the process of filing for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. This will enable the IPSE Association to become a recognized nonprofit, which makes it easier to raise money, gain public trust, qualify for grants and tax benefits, and further its mission of supporting inclusive postsecondary education opportunities for students with intellectual disability across the United States and beyond.
The organization is preparing for an official launch in Fall 2025. The Executive Committee is comprised of:
- President: Misty Parsley, Lipscomb University
- President Elect: John Andresen, Indiana University
- Treasurer: April Regester, University of Missouri- St. Louis
- Secretary: Katie Norland, University of Cincinnati
- Managing Director: Susanna Miller-Raines, University of Massachusetts- Boston
In addition to the Executive Committee, the Board includes a multifaceted group of At-Large and Ex-Officio members who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the organization:
- At-Large Board Member: Brenda Barrio, University of North Texas
- At-Large Board Member: Wil Francis, College of the Canyons
- Think College Representative: Meg Grigal, University of Massachusetts- Boston
- Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education Representative: Beth Myers, Syracuse University
- Journal of Inclusive Postsecondary Education (JIPE) Representative: Clare Papay, University of Massachusetts- Boston
- State of the Art (SOTA) Conference Representative: Karly Grifasi, Syracuse University
The board is also supported by two special advisors, Danie Roberts-Dahm (University of Massachusetts- Boston) and Brianna Shults (Syracuse University), who will serve in a non-voting capacity.
With a dedicated and passionate leadership team in place, the IPSE Association is poised to become a central hub for collaboration, advocacy, and innovation in the field of inclusive postsecondary education. The board looks forward to engaging with partners and prospective members as it prepares for its official launch later this year at the State of the Art Conference.
For more information and updates visit www.ipseassociation.org. Stay tuned as the IPSE Association continues to build momentum toward its mission-driven goals of building community, fostering partnerships, providing professional development, and advancing leadership & advocacy.