While West Virginia University President David Hardesty joins other university presidents Nov. 11-13 in Washington, D.C. for the annual conference of the National Association of State University and Land-Grant Colleges to discuss such topics as shifting political strategies in light of Sept. 11th and federal research funding, his wife Susan will also have a significant role.

Mrs. Hardesty, as chairperson of the NASULGC Council of Presidents’and Chancellors’Spouses, will preside over business meetings and roundtable discussions that run simultaneously with the presidentsbusy agenda.

In May, Mrs. Hardesty hosted nine other college and university presidentsspouses in Morgantown to get better acquainted, exchange best practices and to plan the spousessessions.

As a result of that meeting, she said, some of the upcoming NASULGC sessions will cover topics ranging from the responsibilities of spouses when traveling with alumni and community members to time management and revitalizing staff.

They will also hear from top experts in fund-raising, public speaking and crisis management, particularly as it relates to personal crises a president and spouse could suffer such as the death of a spouse, dismissal, disability or prolonged illness.

NASCULGC , the nation’s oldest higher education association, is WVU ’s primary affinity group. The group’s 213 member schools are public research universities, land-grant institutions and state university systems. Campuses are located in all 50 states, the U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.

“Our goal as a committee was to plan an innovative and stimulating conference for the college and university presidentsspouses,”said Mrs. Hardesty.”We want to deliver programming that is consistent with the mission of NASULGC which is supporting excellence in teaching, research and public service.”

Approximately 150 presidents and their spouses attend the annual meeting.

Mrs. Hardesty leads the Mountaineer Parents Club at WVU , which she and her husband founded in 1995 to give families an effective means to support student success. The Club’s dramatic growth63 chapters with more than 8,500 familiesis a testament to her leadership and innovative spirit.