About

NAADA is a national, non-profit, professional association created to support advancement professionals in development, alumni relations, student success, and communications within colleges and organizations of agricultural and related sciences. It is comprised of more than 480 members and 36 member institutions and agricultural organizations.

MISSION STATEMENT

NAADA provides education, support, and recognition for professionals and volunteers dedicated to expanding resources for advancing agriculture and related disciplines through land-grant and other colleges of agricultural sciences and partner programs.

VISION STATEMENT

NAADA will be the premier organization providing enhancement opportunities for professionals and volunteers in institutions of higher education and organizations associated with agricultural and related sciences.

IDEA STATEMENT

NAADA is committed to creating inclusive spaces for all members and stakeholders for colleges of agriculture and related sciences. Inclusion, diversity, equity, and access are all important pillars in creating this inclusive space. As we face ongoing challenges related to IDEA, our organization is taking steps to make NAADA a more inclusive, equitable, and accessible space for all individuals.

FAQs

What is a Professional Track?

  • A professional track is a network of staff who have similar job roles, duties, functions and/or responsibilities. For example, the development track is for those professionals who work in fundraising units to support the philanthropic goals of their home university.

How are Professional Tracks and Committee different?

  • Since NAADA is a volunteer-driven organization, we rely on committees to lead certain aspects that support our organizational goals and enhance the professional development for our members. Individuals from any track may volunteer to serve on a committee to gain additional leadership skills or explore opportunities in new areas outside of their day-to-day role. Professional tracks are a way for individuals who perform similar jobs to connect, support each other, and come up with creative ways to enhance their professional development. For example, a track may host networking sessions for their individuals to get together and talk through best practices in the areas they work. Additionally, each track supports the educational efforts of NAADA by participating in Beg, Borrow and Steal sessions throughout the year, and during sessions at the annual conference.

What is the difference between the Alumni track and the Volunteer track?

  • Great question! The Alumni track includes alumni professional who work in the area of alumni engagement at their home university. The Volunteer track is made up of volunteers (like alumni, donors, or board members) at those home universities, that also have interest in connecting with other volunteers across the country.

What does my membership get me?

  • Your membership gets you access to a discounted rate at the annual conference, monthly Beg, Borrow and Steal sessions hosted by various tracks, and access to listservs to your colleagues around the country. More than that, it allows you to connect with those individuals who are doing similar jobs as you at other agricultural and related sciences institutions around the country. One member noted, “The most important part about NAADA for me, is the ability to connect with my colleagues and know that if we want to launch a new initiative or we need to reposition on something, I can call on my connections at NAADA to support me, brainstorm solutions, and help me get through it all. We don’t necessarily need to re-make the wheel, we just need to know who to call and that is usually a NAADA colleague!”.