HIGHER EDUCATION WOMEN HOST FORUM

"Building Bridges" among women in Missouri will be the theme when the American Council of Education-National Identification Program for Women in Higher Education (ACE-NIP) Forum convenes Sunday and Monday at Southeast Missouri State University.

The purpose of the conference is to increase camaraderie among women on individual campuses and across Missouri, to advance talented women in higher education administration and in state government, to strengthen the state organization of ACE-NIP and to build bridges among women in education and government.

ACE-NIP is a national organization that promotes the advancement of women in higher education administration. Organized by state, ACE-NIP holds local and regional conferences that focus on critical issues pertinent to higher education and advancement of women, and that provide opportunities for women to meet informally with colleagues.

Forum speakers will share their philosophies and strategies that have made them successful in their fields.

Forum participants will receive early access to the Thorngate suit sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. A reception hosted by Southeast Missouri State University President Kala Stroup will follow from 7-9 p.m. at Wildwood.

A daylong agenda is planned for Monday, beginning with registration and a continental breakfast at 8 a.m. Round-table discussions will follow.

The conference will be held at the University Center.

Ann Roberts Divine, Missouri ACE-NIP coordinator, and Rep. Mary Kasten, R-Cape Girardeau, of the 159th district will welcome conference participants at 10 a.m., followed by an address by Stroup titled "For Missouri's Sake Education and Our Future."

Panel discussions on paths to advancement and a round-table discussion on "Strategies for Advancement" will be held at 10:30 a.m.

"Working the System" will be the topic of an address at 1 p.m. by Emily Taylor, ACE-NIP founder.

The forum will end with a discussion titled "Working Together to Improve Economic and Educational Levels of Women in Missouri" by the Missouri Council on Women's Economic Development and Training.

Speakers will be Executive Director Sue McDaniel, chairperson Shirley Sisco, State Rep. Sandra Kauffman of the 46th district, State Sen. Irene Treppler of the 1st district, and Linda Cochran, economic development director at Southeast Missouri State University.

Registration fee is $40. Payment may be made to Jane Stephens, office of the provost, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, 63701.