By Autumn Walden, Editor, AACRAO Connect, Content Strategy Manager, AACRAO
At the 111th AACRAO Annual Meeting, we continue our tradition of AACRAO Awards, recognizing those who have shaped our profession. Since 1959, AACRAO has honored individuals whose dedication and leadership have made a lasting impact on higher education. Honorary Membership, one of our most distinguished recognitions, is given to retiring members who have demonstrated exceptional service to the association and the field. Recipients enjoy lifelong benefits, including free meeting registration and waived dues—a testament to their enduring importance to our community.
What/Who influenced your decision to get involved with AACRAO?
My AACRAO journey started with attending and participating in my state organization, Kansas ACRAO. From my first days in admissions and later when I “crossed the hallway” to the registrar’s office at the University of Kansas, it was a foundational expectation from my peers and supervisor that I become involved in the organization. Once I attended the KACRAO conference, I realized that I’d found an organization where I could learn, grow, and contribute. I participated in other professional organizations, but their work didn’t align as closely with my work as KACRAO did. I met wonderful people who became friends and mentors.
I was originally nudged along this journey by the University Registrar, Rich Morrell. He encouraged and supported me in being involved in committees and on the executive board, even though in those days it meant driving across the state for half-day meetings. In 1992, AACRAO was in Dallas, and the Dean of Enrollment Management decided he’d like to take several of us. He could make it financially feasible if we traveled together and drove a university van. It was a very memorable road trip and the beginning of my journey in AACRAO.
What do you enjoy most about your work and/or involvement with AACRAO?
My most memorable and enjoyable experience has been serving on the Board of Directors. It’s been a chance to really understand how AACRAO operates and appreciate a member-driven organization. It’s let me share my talents but also learn a great deal. My involvement didn’t start with serving on the Board, however. Serving on the Board has been the culmination of years of involvement.
As I reflect back over the years, there are several aspects of working with AACRAO that have stood out and kept me coming. The first is the people. AACRAO is a place where I’ve met people from all types of institutions and backgrounds. Universally, they are open and willing to share their experiences. More than once, I’ve reached out to a colleague, in some cases we’ve never met before, and asked for advice or assistance. Our only common thread is AACRAO. I’ve never been turned down when I asked for information or advice. I’ve always received everything I was seeking and more. From some of these initial brief encounters, I’ve developed lasting relationships. I’ve also learned so much from individuals who work at peer institutions, but also from those who work at institutions very different from the ones I’ve worked for. I have not only gained insight into higher education more broadly, but I’ve also taken away some tips and ideas to apply to my own work that I would not have come up with on my own.
The second most enjoyable aspect of our work is the access to relatable resources that help me in my job on a daily basis, as well as helping move our unit and the profession ahead. Some of the publications that I have used include the Registrar’s Self-Assessment, Student Records Management: Retention, Disposal and Archive of Student Records, the Student Information Systems: A Guide to Implementation and Success, and, of course, the various FERPA guides over the years. (I own a few!) I’ve benefited from the Transcript, Connect, webinars, and town halls, as well as various meetings besides the Annual Meeting, from SEM to the Technology and Transfer Summit. There are lots of higher education publications and organizations, but unlike the others, AACRAO has provided the fully aligned resources I needed.
Finally, AACRAO has allowed me to contribute to the profession and to grow myself, from presenting at a national conference to a large audience, to serving on work groups, like the Student Identity Workgroup, and ultimately the Board. Participating in Hill Day left a lasting impression on me and has emboldened me to be more interactive with our senators and representatives. It’s an experience I’ll never forget.
Have you encountered any unexpected or notable experiences along your professional path?
There have been several notable experiences. One that stands out was in 2016, after there were protests and institutional leadership resignations on our campus that gained national attention, I was asked to speak about the experiences at the AACRAO Leadership Meeting. I was nervous as this was a tough topic, and in some ways, I felt it was not my story to tell. It was important to me to share many aspects of the story, so I brought along a couple of colleagues. I was blown away by the attentiveness of the audience, the receptivity to what we had to share, along with the support for working through the challenges that these events caused on our campus.
Another notable experience for me was that one of my mentors was from a “rival” school. It was not uncommon if we were working a college fair and staffing booths or just interacting around the event to have someone (not an AACRAO member) be surprised that we were so “friendly,” given the school rivalry. We’d chuckle about it later. He was so encouraging about getting more involved. He’d listen and talk through challenges and was always professional, keeping confidences and helping me develop in the profession.
I’ve had the opportunity to be very involved in two different state AACRAO’s—Kansas and Missouri. These colleagues are friends as well. The opportunity to serve in various offices and create the inaugural Vice President for Government Relations, which MACRAO was able to leverage into roles on state boards and being a voice for higher education in the state, as well as keeping members abreast of governmental issues and activities.
Representing the AACRAO Board of Directors at various state and regional conferences has been very impactful. Each has its own unique characteristics, local flavor, and traditions. It also enabled me to meet members who don’t always get to come to an annual meeting or other conference due to budget constraints, but who are very active in our profession and in helping ensure that students meet their educational goals. I’ve also been able to carry their concerns and opinions back to the Board.
And, as noted above, being able to serve on the Student Identity Workgroup as well as participate in Hill Day were notable and very memorable. I’m so glad I had those opportunities.
Who are your role models?
My most recent mentors are my fellow Board members, along with many of their predecessors and our Executive Director, Melanie Gotlieb. Each of them has been a mentor, whether they realize it or not! I also found inspiration and support from many who have retired before me including but definitely not limited to, Dick Elkins, Director of Admissions at Kansas State University and Rich Morrell, who served in a variety of roles over the years at multiple institutions including the University of Kansas and the University of Nebraska, and Julia Pomerenk, Associate Vice President for Student Services and Enrollment Management and University Registrar at the University of Oregon.
What advice would you give to help others find their community at AACRAO?
Getting involved is a great way to build meaningful connections that become your community. If a peer recommends you apply for a role, if you see an opportunity that interests you, or if you are asked to participate, go for it. Believe in yourself and the value you bring to any opportunity. You never know where it might lead, what you might learn, or whose lives you might touch. Seek involvement opportunities that fit your interests and your available time. Sometimes, seek out something that will make you stretch a little. That’s how you grow! There are opportunities posted regularly by the AACRAO office that require a variety of time commitments and skills.
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