KCs in KC: Celebrating 25 Years of Knowledge Communities

This year marks a historic milestone: the 25th Anniversary of NASPA Networks transitioning to Knowledge Communities.

The Journey from Networks to Knowledge Communities

In 1989, through a restructure of task forces, networks, and advisory groups, NASPA approved its first Networks: New Professionals, Small Colleges, Fraternities and Sororities, Ethnic Minorities, Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual, Urban Institutions, Women in Student Affairs, Adult Learners, and Community Colleges.

These networks continued to grow organically as members identified and responded to specific issues of concern in the field. By 2001, the NASPA Board of Directors recognized an opportunity to reshape how these communities connected and shared expertise.

Enter Bette Simmons. At the request of then-NASPA President Gwen Dungy, Bette led the transformation that would define how NASPA members would engage for the next quarter century. Often affectionately called the "grandmother of Knowledge Communities," Bette championed a new format that would leverage emerging technology to facilitate communication and information sharing among members—regardless of geographic location.

Knowledge Communities Today

What began as nine networks has evolved into a dynamic ecosystem of Knowledge Communities that serve as portals to NASPA. Today's KCs encompass a diverse range of topics and serve as a hub for developing and connecting experts across functional areas, emerging issues, and member identities.

Knowledge Communities have become the beating heart of how NASPA members find their people, share innovation, and advance the field.

Celebrating at the 2026 Annual Conference

What better place to celebrate 25 years of Knowledge Communities than Kansas City?

Throughout the 2026 NASPA Annual Conference, we'll honor this legacy while looking toward the future of how we connect, learn, and lead together. From KC-specific programming to opportunities to engage with communities old and new, this conference is designed to help you find your people and deepen your NASPA experience.

Connect with your Knowledge Community or engage with a new KC while at the conference! The KC Constituent Group Guides provide a personalized view of the conference for each KC.

Constituent Group Guides

Fireside Chats

Add these sessions to your schedule to engage with the rich history and exciting future of Knowledge Communities at NASPA

Monday, March 9

9:40 AM - 10:30 AM

Celebrating 25 Years of Knowledge Communities Fireside Chat: Former National KC Directors

Tuesday, March 10

10:00 AM - 10:50 AM

Celebrating 25 Years of Knowledge Communities Fireside Chat: Current and Incoming KC Chairs

Community Gathering

Join us in the NASPA Community Lounge (KCCC Exhibit Hall C)

The NASPA Community Lounge is available to all conference attendees as an informal gathering and connection spot on a first-come, first-served basis. The Lounge will have information, materials, and resources on engaging in community both at and beyond #NASPA26. We invite you to join us in this space!

Monday, March 9

1:00 PM - 2:30PM

Knowledge Community Mixer

Join us for a fun, welcoming mixer designed to bring conference attendees together across knowledge communities! Whether you’re proudly representing your knowledge community or curious to learn more and find your fit, this is the perfect space to connect. Stop by to meet new conference friends, engage in interactive activities, and build meaningful connections—all while having a chance to win prizes. Come as you are, stay as long as you can, and leave feeling more connected to the community!

Knowledge Communities Spotlight