The Council of Independent Colleges’ Spouses and Partners of New Presidents Program runs alongside the New Presidents Program just before the Presidents Institute.
This special experience is designed to help participants:
- Deepen their understanding of the presidential spouse or partner role
- Explore strategies for authentic influence and community connection
- Share insights and build a peer network of support and collaboration
The Spouses and Partners of New Presidents Program offers a warm, supportive, and confidential space to explore both the joys and challenges of this unique journey. Guided by a small team of experienced presidential spouses, participants engage in thoughtful conversations and activities that illuminate how to serve with confidence, grace, and authenticity.
Elizabeth Brady, Presidential Spouse, Wittenberg University (OH)“I was grateful that the CIC offered a program unique to spouses. We were able to meet a cohort of new spouses and we learned from long serving spouses. There were various sessions offered and one in particular focused on the importance of building community with various constituents. This spring I was able to apply some of what I learned at CIC and helped to organize a board partner program that ran parallel to the May board meeting which was well received. I look forward to learning and engaging more next year!”
Session Topics
Day 1: Deepening Identity, Purpose and Connection
- Making Connections
- The Role Beside the Role
- Circles of Influence
- Defining Your Role Identity
- Navigating Your Public Presence
- Presidents Reflect on the Role: Panel Discussion
- I Wish I Had Known What I Know Now
Day 2: Success and Wellbeing
- Navigating Change with Resiliency
- Making the Role Work for You
- Strategies for Personal Well Being
Participants are warmly encouraged to also join the Spouses and Partners Program during the Presidents Institute (January 4–7). This complementary program expands the conversation to a wider range of topics—many focused on practical strategies for thriving in campus and community life.
Spouses and Partners of New Presidents Program Teaching Team
Randy Richardson, Presidential Spouse and Director of Speech & Debate and Lecturer in the School of Communication, Westminster College (PA)
Kelly Shushok, Senior Advisor, CIC Presidential Spouses and Partners Program; Presidential Spouse, Roanoke College (VA)
Myra Williams, Presidential Spouse, Hampton University (VA)
Registration Information
The 2027 Spouses and Partners of New Presidents Program will be held just prior to CIC’s Presidents Institute in San Diego, CA.
Dates: January 3–4 (just prior to CIC’s Presidents Institute on January 4–7)
To register, and for additional information about the hotel, travel arrangements, and the Presidents Institute program, please visit the 2027 Presidents Institute site.
Please Note: You must first register for the Presidents Institute and sign up for the New Presidents Program as a session. An email will then be sent to the person completing the registration which includes hotel reservation details and a code to make a room reservation at the CIC discounted rate.
Registration deadline: December 1
Registration fee: $500 for presidents, $385 for spouses and partners (includes all meals and session materials)
For assistance, please contact Roberta Morehouse, CIC conference and program manager, at rmorehouse@cic.edu or (202) 466-7230.
Travis Tamerius, Presidential Spouse, Meredith College (NC)“Being a new presidential spouse is learning to play a role for which you didn’t audition. This is what makes the CIC program so helpful. You realize that you’re not alone and others are trying to figure it out, too. Supported by some wise and experienced guides, you also discover that not only can you do this, but there are a lot of different ways in which it can be done. I learned so much from this program and I recommend it highly.”
Hotel Information
The Hilton San Diego Bayfront is located above San Diego Bay and steps from Gaslamp Quarter, Petco Park, and Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. Amenities include multiple restaurants, full-service spa, fitness center, and a pool.
Location: Hilton San Diego Bayfront, San Diego, CA
Hotel room rate: $279 single/double per night (includes Wi-Fi and complimentary fitness center use)
