FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Danny Pugh, vice provost for student affairs and dean of students, attended his first meeting of the James E. Scott Academy during the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators national conference in Chicago this past week.

The James E. Scott Academy provides innovative, rigorous, and high quality experiential learning and professional growth opportunities meeting the diverse and changing needs of senior student affairs officers. The academy builds a strong and legitimate reputation for assisting senior student affairs officers to achieve and maintain a competitive focus in the profession while promoting student success.

“Dr. Pugh was identified by several people in the NASPA organization as someone whose skills and talents are needed on a national scale,” said Elizabeth Griego, president of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. “We are excited to have him serve on this board for the next three years.”

Pugh said he is proud to have been appointed to the board.

"Being appointed to NASPA's James E. Scott Leadership Academy advisory board is a tremendous honor,” Pugh said. “Dr. Scott was an exceptional human being who gave of himself with tremendous ease. I was one of the many beneficiaries of his wisdom, which informed my career and academic choices. I look forward to extending his legacy through my service.”

The academy was established in response to the National Association of Student Personnel Adminstrators' initiative to provide continued professional education and development to meet the needs of senior student affairs officers offering skill development in the areas of leadership and executive effectiveness.

In 1994, the association’s president, James E. Scott, appointed the committee on future skills and knowledge for student affairs leaders, charging the committee with examining how to develop and refine professional skills throughout their careers and making recommendations on a deliberate process for continual professional development.

By the end of 1997, the association’s board transformed this committee into the National Academy for Leadership and Executive Effectiveness. In 1999, the academy launched its first national institute, and in 2003, the academy was renamed in honor of past president James E. Scott.