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A Message From Cedric Bernard Rucker

Cedric Bernard Rucker is a higher-education leader, educator, and public servant whose career has focused on supporting students and strengthening university communities. A native of Richmond, Virginia, Rucker completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Mary Washington, later earning a master’s degree from the University of Virginia, where he also pursued doctoral study in sociology. Rucker began his career at the University of Virginia as an Assistant Dean of Admissions before returning to Mary Washington as Associate Dean in 1989, he spent more than three decades in student affairs, ultimately serving as Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Student Life. In recognition of his contributions, the university renamed its University Center the Cedric Rucker University Center in 2022. After initially retiring in 2022, Rucker returned to UVA and served as Sr. Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students from 2023 to 2025. There, he emphasized student engagement, self-governance, and ensuring that student perspectives were represented within university leadership., he was honored to deliver the commencement address to the class of 2025. Rucker has also served Virginia in several public appointments, including the Commonwealth Transportation Board and the Board of Medicine.
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In Support of ACPA Foundation

Founded in 1994 during the presidency of Charles Schroeder, the purpose of the ACPA Educational Leadership Foundation (501c3 non-profit organization) is “to enhance the student affairs profession and to generate and disseminate knowledge of college students at all levels within higher education” (Article Three of the Articles of Incorporation). The organization is now known as the ACPA Foundation to more concisely communicate its role as the fundraising arm of ACPA College Student Educators International.

The Mission - The ACPA Foundation exists to support the priorities and activities of ACPA by raising funds and developing resources that help the Association fulfill its mission. 

The Vision - The ACPA Foundation will develop sufficient assets to effectively and sustainably fund ACPA’s efforts to provide excellent professional development opportunities to members, advance knowledge in the field, and support the transformative effect of education in the lives of college students.

In order to fulfill its purpose and mission, the Foundation invites members and non-members alike to provide philanthropic support for ACPA's vital initiatives involving research, scholarship, professional development and leadership program.