Message from the Chair
May 2025 NACAC Board Meeting Update
On behalf of the NACAC Board of Directors, I wish to share my appreciation for the unwavering support you show students, families, and institutions around the world. Similarly, NACAC is unwavering in its support of you as your chief advocate through the challenges many of you are facing: reduced budgets, detrimental federal actions, the increasing day-to-day needs of students, and more. NACAC is where you can connect with peers and access resources that will help you now and long into the future.
With members at the forefront of our minds, the board gathered this month in Arlington, Virginia for an in-person meeting at NACAC’s headquarters. The board heard organizational updates, met with staff members, discussed philanthropy efforts, and held a regular business meeting. Highlights of the meeting include:
CEO Updates
Angel B. Pérez shared a five-year retrospective of NACAC’s progress since the announcement of his appointment as CEO. In connection with the recommendations from the CEO listening tour and the Ad Hoc Committee on Leadership in College Admission, he provided the board an overview of the extraordinary success NACAC has had even during a period of significant challenges. NACAC remains more steadfast than ever in its mission, especially as higher education faces a new wave of upheaval from executive orders and legal disputes with the federal government. With the investments supported by the board and refinements in governance practices, NACAC continues to strengthen its work to uplift members, be the chief advocate for the profession, and serve as the trusted voice in college admission.
Among his updates, Pérez highlighted advocacy efforts NACAC is undertaking on behalf of members. From sharing the association’s opposition to the president’s budget request to joining an amicus brief defending the rights of international students, NACAC is working to protect and advance values we hold dear. We engage directly with policymakers on Capitol Hill, collaborate with peer higher education associations, and speak to national media outlets to elevate member voices. Much of this work unfolds behind the scenes — by necessity — given today’s complex and often polarized political climate. NACAC is fully embracing its role as the profession’s advocate at this pivotal moment. There is much we can share with you — and much more that is underway, quietly but powerfully, in defense of our students and the future of our field.
Philanthropy Strategy Session
The board engaged in a working session with a philanthropic strategy partner to explore how NACAC can more effectively communicate the depth and breadth of its impact in ways that inspire greater philanthropic investment. We are fortunate to have received generous support from funders in recent years — support that has enabled us to advance our mission and respond to critical challenges facing the college admission counseling profession. We also recognize that continued and expanded investment will be essential as NACAC evolves to meet the rapidly changing needs of students, institutions, and the professionals who serve them. Staff will collaborate closely with our partner to develop and execute a strategy aimed at attracting strong philanthropic partnerships — cultivating support that aligns with our vision to expand college access and opportunity for all.
Finance and Audit Committee Report
Finance and Audit Committee Chair Joseph Montgomery reviewed the fiscal year 2024 year-end and fiscal year 2025 quarter one financial statements. The association continues to diligently monitor its financial position considering external economic challenges, including those directly impacting educational institutions and nonprofit organizations. NACAC’s fiscal health is tied to the fiscal health of member institutions. With the sector under such tremendous challenges and threats, the board is focused on the need to navigate and steer the association carefully through this period of uncertainty. The board commended the proactive approach underway at the association to reforecast the FY2025 budget, manage expenses, pursue philanthropic investments, and seek new opportunities to sustain operations. In the months ahead, the board will continue to work with staff to ensure that NACAC navigates the current landscape with a steady and careful approach.
Additions to the Guide to Ethical Practice in College Admission
The board approved two additions to the Guide to Ethical Practice in College Admission (GEPCA). One update encourages colleges and universities with an early decision option to provide additional clarity for students on the terms. The second update addresses ethical use of artificial intelligence in college admission counseling. More information will be available on the NACAC website, including the updated GEPCA, in August.
As we explored these important topics, this board meeting illustrated to me the importance and need for us as professionals to tell our story. NACAC continues to create opportunities for us to do that. If you haven’t yet, share a story on the Gratitude Gallery or request that NACAC send a note of encouragement to a fellow member. We also encourage you to share your perspectives in a survey of how federal actions are impacting your work in the field. We’ve already heard from more than 300 members who have shared their stories on the impact of federal actions.
I also want to thank you in advance for participating in the summer election for our Board of Directors. I am grateful to the candidates for answering the call to serve. We know that no matter the outcome, the board will be reflective of our membership. We also want to share that there will be a forthcoming comment period for proposed bylaws amendments that will soon be announced. Member participation in the process makes us a better association.
Each of us has a powerful story to tell about how our work creates opportunities for students to design their futures. We also have stories about how our work is hindered by recent attacks on education. We need to be open about all these stories if we hope to galvanize the support needed to realize our vision that the transformative power of a postsecondary education be accessible to all.
In gratitude,
Phil Moreno
Chair
NACAC Board of Directors