2026 NAPSA Annual Conference
March 7-11, 2026 • Kansas City, MO
97
Days
18
Hours
01
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37
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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.
Hear From the Knowledge Communities
Check back often as we add highlights for these critical NASPA communities, information about their work, and how attendees can connect with them at the conference!
Administrators in Graduate and Professional Student Services Knowledge Community
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Adult Learners and Students with Children Knowledge Community
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Asian Pacific Islanders Knowledge Community
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Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Knowledge Community
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Black Diaspora Knowledge Community
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Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement Knowledge Community
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Disability Knowledge Community
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Fraternity and Sorority Knowledge Community
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Fundraising and Communications Knowledge Community
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Gender and Sexuality Knowledge Community
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Indigenous Peoples Knowledge Community
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International Education Knowledge Community
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Latinx/a/o Knowledge Community
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Men and Masculinities Knowledge Community
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Military Connected Knowledge Community
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Off-Campus and Commuter Student Services Knowledge Community
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Orientation, Transition, and Retention Knowledge Community
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Sexual and Relationship Violence Prevention, Education, and Response Knowledge Community
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Socioeconomic and Class Issues in Higher Education Knowledge Community
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Spirituality and Religion in Higher Education Knowledge Community
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Student Affairs Partnering with Academic Affairs Knowledge Community
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Student Career Development Knowledge Community
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Student Government Knowledge Community
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Student Leadership Programs Knowledge Community
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Success Coaching Knowledge Community
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Sustainability Knowledge Community
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Technology Knowledge Community
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Transracial Adoptee and Multiracial Knowledge Community
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Undocumented Immigrants and Allies Knowledge Community
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Wellness and Health Promotion Knowledge Community
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Womxn in Student Affairs Knowledge Community
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Ready to engage with Knowledge Communities at #NASPA26?