Call for Applications for UCOWR Board of Directors
December 1, 2025
Apply today for one of two open positions. Last day to submit application materials is Friday, January 16, 2026.
Help lead UCOWR and the water resources profession into the future! Service on the Board of Directors of UCOWR is a fantastic leadership opportunity as you help guide, direct, and cast a vision for the organization. The opportunity to work with other water resource leaders in UCOWR allows you to be part of the decision-making process on the national level, driving the strategic goals of the organization. This is an exciting time to join the leadership of UCOWR and help us map our ambitious future.
How can this service opportunity help my professional development?
You will:
- Develop valuable skills in non-profit governance, conference program planning, strategic planning, and guiding a peer-reviewed journal
- Expand your network of contacts
- Achieve recognition from your employer, community, peers
- Develop leadership experience
- Serve with and for a highly engaged water resources community across the nation
What does a UCOWR Board Member do?
Members of the Board of Directors work closely with the UCOWR home office at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where a small, dedicated staff takes care of managing UCOWR day-to-day operations. Board of Directors members each serve a three-year term. Members may seek election for a second term, and some continue their Board service in role of President. The specific roles and responsibilities fulfilled by individuals on the UCOWR Board are detailed here: Roles and Responsibilities of Board of Directors.
Who can apply?
Applicants must be a delegate of a current UCOWR member institution. Not sure of the member status of your institution? You can check here: UCOWR Directory.
Only one delegate from any member institution may serve on the Board at any given time. Thus, nominated individuals cannot be from a member institution that is already represented by our continuing Board members. Members of the Board of Directors continuing their terms for July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 are:
- President, Ginger Paige, University of Wyoming
- President Elect, Sam Fernald, New Mexico State University
- Past President, Lucas Gregory, Texas A&M University
- Laura Bowling, Purdue University
- Drew Gholson, Mississippi State University
- Bridget Guerrero, West Texas A&M University
- Erin Haacker, University of Nebraska
- Andrea Ludwig, University of Tennessee
- Mike O’Driscoll, East Carolina University
- Julie Padowski, Washington State University
How to apply:
Complete and submit this Microsoft Form no later than Friday, January 16, 2026. For questions, reach out to Kristy at the UCOWR home office at ucowr@siu.edu.
The Board committee will review the applications and finalize the slate of nominees to be included in this year’s election.
The election will open early March 2026 and conclude April 2026. New board members will take office at the end of our June 2026 Board of Directors Meeting.
