As spouses and partners, we often have a unique perspective on the impact that political tensions can have on presidents, whether it’s the toll of hate-filled email messages, the fear of lost federal funding or revoked visas, or the looming anxiety of political conflict among faculty, staff, students, and/or community neighbors. What role can we play in helping presidents navigate these tense political times? What impact are political events having on us, as people who care about our spouse/partners, but also our campuses? What are some strategies for being true to ourselves while continuing to work within the expectations of the role?
Carol Bruess, Presidential Spouse, College of Saint Benedict and Saint Johns University (MN)
Nancy Frambes, Presidential Spouse, Allegheny College (PA)
Michael Householder, Presidential Spouse, Macalester College (MN)
Joan Livingston, Presidential Spouse, Lewis University (IL)
Darryl Lunon, Presidential Spouse, Columbia College Chicago (IL)
David Rifkind, Presidential Spouse, Alvernia University (PA)