By Paige Selman-Boucher, Community and Volunteer Manager, Impact and Engagement
AACRAO Peer Mentoring connects AACRAO members in small groups based on areas of professional strength and growth. Rather than a hierarchical structure, AACRAO Peer Mentoring encourages all group members to share their strengths with their peers, regardless of title, functional area, or experience. Everyone has something to contribute, and everyone can always learn something new. And according to a 2025 Gallup poll, employees who participated in mentoring reported substantially higher job satisfaction.
We try to create groups, based on AACRAO Core Competencies, where one person’s strength is another person’s area of growth. The objective of the program is to facilitate professional development and networking. Participants are encouraged to set goals and meet regularly to fit their schedules and professional development needs. You can sign up for peer mentoring updates and find out how and when to take advantage of monthly Lunch-n-Learns, themed resources, mentoring tips, discussions on the Exchange, and virtual engagement.
Whether you have been in higher education for more than 20 years or just started, we encourage you to apply.
Applications are open now through February 27. Applications require a login to the AACRAO Community to access the AACRAO Exchange volunteer page. Review the login FAQs.
Once the application window closes, the Peer Mentor Coordinators will review the applications and match participants. We will send out matches to connect participants with their small group members.
Participants should expect to dedicate about two hours per month to this opportunity.
All participants are invited to a kick-off call on March 13.
Meet David and Eric, the Peer Mentor Coordinators
In addition to the Community and Volunteer Manager, the program is overseen this spring by two Peer Mentor Coordinators: David Paltza and Eric Sanford.
David Paltza, Career Advisor and Consultant
What made you interested in serving as the Peer Mentor Coordinator?
Paltza: No matter what job or industry I’m working in, I am passionate about bringing people together according to their strengths, empowering them with the resources they need to succeed, and then stepping back and watching them take off toward their collective ambitions and goals, for the betterment and advancement of our community. AACRAO’s Peer Mentor program is the perfect manifestation of this.
Reflecting on my own background, it is for this same passion that I have served in 12+ countries for non-profit work, community development, and social justice efforts with rehab centers, prisons, orphanages, and churches.
It is also for this reason that I built my career in education to do the same for students and our future leaders of this world, focusing 15 of those years on enrollment management, advising, admissions, and records, during which I got deeply involved with AACRAO.
Thus, having led as a mentor at the regional levels of PACRAO’s and RMACRAO’s mentoring programs, it became my ambition to bring the same to the global level of AACRAO. Thus, I raised my hand for the role of the Peer Mentor Coordinator–and the rest is history.
What is one of your favorite memories serving as Peer Mentor Coordinator?
Paltza: This is a very difficult question to answer, because I cannot narrow it down! While I have sought to integrate my doctoral studies and certification as a strengths coach into this program, it has been such an honor to be sharpened and supported in return by so many colleagues in the industry, each very experienced, passionate, and engaging in their own unique way.
But if I must choose one, I would say one of my favorite memories is hosting the Lunch & Learns, especially the 3-part series that I was blessed to facilitate, since it incorporated my background of strengths coaching. I’ve led this for many other communities and organizations, but to be able to do it for our AACRAO members was a true honor and joy, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to have also learned so much from them in return–the core and beauty of the concept of peer mentoring.
Eric Sanford, University Registrar & PDSO, Friends University
How did you first get involved with AACRAO?
Sanford: My first exposure to AACRAO came through my state organization, KACRAO. By becoming involved at the state level, I began to better understand what both organizations offer and how valuable they are to my work as a registrar. For many years, I primarily engaged as a spectator, making use of the resources available to members.
That changed when I attended my first AACRAO Annual Meeting in Portland, Oregon, in 2022. From that point on, I was fully sold. I have thoroughly enjoyed connecting with colleagues, building professional relationships, and engaging in the AACRAO community in meaningful ways.
What made you interested in becoming the next AACRAO Peer Mentor Coordinator?
Sanford: As a higher education professional with more than 20 years of experience in enrollment management—including roles in the registrar, admissions, and student life—I have consistently focused on advancing student success through thoughtful program design, strong relationship-building, and continuous improvement. Throughout my career, my work has emphasized access, equity, and leadership development, particularly through mentoring and collaborative initiatives.
I am excited about serving as the next AACRAO Peer Mentor Coordinator because the role closely aligns with my professional strengths in program management, mentoring, and community engagement. I am energized by the opportunity to help AACRAO members expand their professional networks, develop effective mentoring skills, and pursue meaningful career goals through a well-structured and supportive peer mentoring experience.
As someone who participated in AACRAO Peer Mentoring through several cohorts, what is one of your favorite experiences?
Sanford: One of my favorite experiences has been the ongoing monthly meetings with my mentor. We share many similarities in our roles, the size of our institutions, and the challenges we face, which makes our conversations especially meaningful. I am consistently stretched by the thoughtful questions he asks and deeply encouraged by the reminder that I am not alone in the work I feel called to do.
Why would you recommend AACRAO members join the Peer Mentoring program?
Sanford: The AACRAO Peer Mentoring program is one of the easiest ways to get involved with the association, requiring minimal time commitment and no additional expense. It offers a meaningful opportunity to build relationships within the profession—not only to learn from peers, but also to contribute to others through thoughtful conversations and shared experiences.
Whether you are new to the profession or a seasoned veteran, committing to a monthly conversation with a colleague can be a game-changer. Pair that with the Monthly Lunch and Learn sessions, and you gain the added benefit of learning alongside professionals from across the country—engaging diverse perspectives, exchanging ideas, and continuing to grow together as higher education leaders.
Questions? Email peermentoring@aacrao.org.
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