Carol Greiner Named Chair of NASULGC Spouses' Council

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Carol Greiner, wife of University at Buffalo President William R. Greiner, has been named 1998 chair of The Council of Presidents' and Chancellors' Spouses of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges (NASULGC).

The council -- one of 10 in NASULGC that represents major areas of university life and service -- is composed of the spouses of the CEOs of the 194 NASULGC member institutions. Its purpose is threefold: to facilitate communication among the spouses of NASULGC university CEOs, promote public-affairs programs and projects, and provide a source of advice and counsel to CEO spouses on issues of common concern.

Most CEO spouses are not interviewed when their mates seek positions with colleges or universities, yet they are expected to be an "integral part of the presidency," Mrs. Greiner noted. The council provides an opportunity for spouses to "learn from each other regarding our roles and responsibilities to university and community," she added.

As chair of the spouses' council, Mrs. Greiner will lead the planning for, and will preside over, the council's annual meeting in November, held in conjunction with the NASULGC annual meeting.

The highlight of the council's annual meeting is the Joan E. Clodius Forum, a combined session for spouses and the presidents or chancellors. The forum usually features a panel of three or four couples discussing an issue of interest to both parties.

Topics of past Clodius forums have included "Positive Value of Intercollegiate Athletics," "Finding Friends and Funds for our College and Universities," "Personal Security for Presidential Couples," "Taking Care of Yourself -- Never on Sunday" and "Good Media Relations."

The meeting also features roundtable discussions specifically for the spouses on such topics as "Keeper of the Trust: Protecting the Official Residence;" "Landmines, Pitfalls and Challenges," and "Don't Kick the Cat: A Stress Clinic."

Mrs. Greiner has been participating in the NASULGC spouses' group since her husband was named acting UB president in 1991.

She served as secretary of the council in 1996, and as chair-elect in 1997.

In addition to the NASULGC council, Mrs. Greiner is a member of the Executive Committee of the Partner's Program of the Association of American Universities (AAU).

She is involved in many organizations in Western New York, including serving on the boards of the Amherst Youth Foundation, the Bethel Head Start Program and the Language Development Program. She is a member of the Women's Committee of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Women at Studio Arena Theatre and Women for Downtown, and is an honorary board member of Upstage NY.

In addition, she serves as honorary chair of the UB Women's Club and the Friends of the UB Center for the Arts.