Call for nominations for NSPA​/ACP​ board member

The National Scholastic Press Association is seeking nominations for a new seat on its Board of Directors.

NSPA is a Minneapolis-based 501(c)(3) journalism education association that encompasses the Associated Collegiate Press and the Minnesota High School Press Association.

The current board is comprised of 11 members, each of whom serve up to three, two-year terms. Three board members, including the president, are faculty members of the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities School of Journalism and Mass Communication. In addition, the board also includes:

  • At least one person representing a student-directed news organization/publication that has been a member of NSPA for at least three years and who has attended/participated in at least one national convention.
  • At ​least one person representing a student-directed news organization/publication that has been a member of ACP for at least three years and who has attended/participated in at least one national convention.
  • At least one person representing a student-directed news organization/publication that has been a member of MHSPA for at least three years and who has attended/participated in at least one national convention.

The board is seeking a candidate with a track record of commitment to diversity and deep involvement with scholastic journalism. The candidate need not currently be an adviser or journalism teacher.

Board members shall not be (or have been at any time in the previous 10 years) employees of NSPA, or independent contractors of NSPA, ACP or MHSPA or its employees. This provision does not prohibit individuals who have served as judges or critiquers.

Nomination process

The deadline for self-nomination or nomination of a candidate is Aug. 1, 2015.

The nomination should include a letter that includes:

  • A brief description of the person’s interest in NSPA and its programs.
  • A description of the person’s qualification for being a board member.
  • Description of any previous relationships between the person and NSPA, ACP and/or MHSPA, or any of its employees.
  • Résumé and/or curriculum vitae.

Please send material electronically AND by surface mail to:

Albert Tims, Ph.D.
President, NSPA Board of Directors
University of Minnesota
School of Journalism & Mass Communication
111 Murphy Hall
206 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Email: timsx001@umn.edu

Selection process

The president of the Board of Directors will gather the statements of interest and request that a committee of the board review and make recommendations regarding which candidates should be interviewed by board members.

Thereafter, the board will interview recommended candidates by phone or other electronic means. The new board member shall be selected by a majority vote of the current board via electronic communication.

The new board member will be expected to attend the next board meeting, which is scheduled for Oct. 2-3 in Minneapolis. If a board member’s employer is unable to cover expenses, NSPA will reimburse for reasonable travel expenses and provide housing and most meals.

Click here for additional details about the board’s membership and recruitment policy.

Click here for a current list of board members.