115: Building Structure That Can Be Replicated with Atkins Fleming

Recorded live at the HETMA Chicago Roadshow on the campus of Northwestern University, this episode features a candid and insightful conversation with Atkins Fleming, Assistant Director for Learning Spaces at Texas State University and current Treasurer of HETMA. Ryan finally manages to sit down with Atkins after years of crossing paths, and the result is a conversation full of heart, structure, and purpose.
Atkins walks listeners through his HETMA origin story, his evolution from a university AV tech to an administrative leader, and the behind-the-scenes work it takes to run a financially responsible, volunteer-led national organization. From tax filings and credit card systems to the values that underpin budget decisions, Atkins opens up about how his structured mindset has helped shape HETMA’s operational maturity. For anyone curious how an advocacy group like HETMA actually works—or thinking about how they can contribute—this one’s a must-listen.

Topics Discussed:

• Atkins’s 13-year journey at Texas State University
• The AV profile and internal integration model at TXST
• HETMA’s early days and Atkins’s first exposure to the organization
• The path to becoming HETMA Treasurer and what the role entails
• Balancing structure and ambiguity in a volunteer-run organization
• Maturing processes: CPA support, credit cards, and reimbursements
• Financial transparency and sponsor accountability
• Moving toward self-sustaining event models
• Succession planning and setting the next treasurer up for success
• The alignment of HETMA’s financial practices with its core values

Guest Contact Info:

• Email (HETMA): [e-mail]
• Email (Texas State): [e-mail]

Host Contact Info:

• Ryan Gray (LinkedIn): linkedin.com/in/ryanagray
• Email: [e-mail]

Show Links:

• Higher Ed AV: higheredav.com

Voiceover Credit: Chris Dechter

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