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?
Herb Chereck, a long-time University of Oregon Registrar and the person who initially hired me at the University, was a co-founder of the Oregon ACRAO state organization. He first encouraged me to get involved with the state, regional, and national AACRAO associations. He has since passed away.
What do you enjoy most about your work and/or involvement with AACRAO?
I most enjoy getting to know new friends and colleagues who embody the spirit of collegiality. Our institutions often compete with each other for student enrollment and in sports, but we are all interested in helping each other provide the best possible experience for our students and provide invaluable assistance to each other.
Have you encountered any unexpected or notable experiences along your professional path?
Of course, the COVID pandemic changed everything for everyone. It hyper-accelerated the adoption of many technologies, demonstrating effective learning and work modalities that were uncommonly utilized or eschewed by many. AI disruptions of learning, working, and career path outcomes for students and staff are happening now and will likely accelerate more quickly than many anticipate.
Who are your role models?
Herb Chereck, he first passed along the benefits of professional development and encouraging involvement, he also instilled a sense of obligation to give back to help others. He demonstrated the ability to reflect and evolve over time, to recognize shortcomings and reassess what is truly important and make that happen. Also, Sue Eveland for having an appreciation of the past, but showing how small details in the present matter, while also always looking forward to the future, leading with vision and being prepared to be “lucky” when conditions coalesce to allow the vision to become reality.
What do you aspire to accomplish in the future?
Helping higher education lean into the work necessary to be truly transformative to meet current and future challenges.
What advice would you give to help others find their community at AACRAO?
Look for opportunities to get involved, but don’t be afraid to explore different ways to get involved until you find the one that resonates most with you and your gifts. Know that everyone involved with AACRAO wants to help you and see you succeed. Finding ways to help others can be gratifying and lets colleagues know that you are the type of person who cares about leaving the world a better place than the one you found. These opportunities are a great way to expand your circle of colleagues, give back to your profession, and help navigate the future of higher education.
share