By Autumn Walden, Editor, AACRAO Connect, Content Strategy Manager, AACRAO
As we celebrate the exceptional individuals who will be honored at our 111th AACRAO Annual Meeting, we’re kicking off the 2026 AACRAO Awards series with our two Emerging Leader Award winners—professionals whose early-career impact signals transformative leadership ahead. For over six decades, AACRAO Awards have recognized excellence in higher education administration.
The Emerging Leader Award celebrates those rare individuals whose contributions at the national level, early in their AACRAO engagement, demonstrate exceptional promise for future leadership within our association and field. In this interview, we introduce Dr. Tara Kent, Director, Enrollment Registrar at CUNY Brooklyn College, whose dedication to equity, advocacy, and professional development has already established her as a voice to hear with actions to watch. From serving on the AACRAO Public Policy and Advocacy Group to her leadership as Vice Chair of the AACRAO Black Caucus, Dr. Kent exemplifies service-driven excellence. She is also one of the top 10 Connect authors of 2025.
In this conversation, she shares insights on navigating leadership as an introvert, the transformative power of joy, and her advice for embracing unexpected opportunities.
What/Who influenced your decision to get involved with AACRAO?
Dr. Kent: Dr. Helen Garrett, University Registrar & Chief of Enrollment Information Services at the University of Washington, played a pivotal role in my involvement with AACRAO. I first met her at my second annual meeting in Denver, Colorado, when I attended one of her presentations. At the beginning of her talk, she said something that deeply resonated with me. Although I am an introvert and many people lined up to speak with her afterward, I felt compelled to wait patiently. From that moment on, she became my mentor. She supported me through challenges I was facing, and during that time, I made a commitment to myself to say “yes” to opportunities—no matter how uncomfortable they felt. Saying “yes” through AACRAO truly shaped my professional path and led me to where I am today.
What do you enjoy most about your work and/or involvement with AACRAO?
Dr. Kent: What I enjoy most about AACRAO is the people. Just as plants cannot grow without nourishment, professional growth cannot thrive without a strong community. Being surrounded by colleagues who share similar interests while offering different perspectives has been invaluable to both my personal and professional development.
Have you encountered any unexpected or notable experiences along your professional path?
Dr. Kent: One of the most meaningful experiences in my AACRAO journey was participating in Hill Day. As a true introvert, this pushed me far outside my comfort zone, and I was nervous throughout the experience. However, it opened my eyes to the importance of using my voice on issues that impact both my personal and professional life. It was truly transformative.
Who are your role models?
Dr. Kent: My godmother was—and will always be—my greatest role model. She was a pioneer in secondary education and my biggest cheerleader in life. She celebrated every accomplishment, no matter how small, and inspired me to pursue my Ph.D. She also believed in the power of laughter, reminding me that joy is just as important as hard work. One of her favorite sayings was, “You cannot stay up at night with the owls if you plan to soar with the eagles in the morning.” Her influence continues to guide me.
What do you aspire to accomplish in the future?
Dr. Kent: Professionally, I have never had a fixed aspiration for a specific title. I never set out to become a Registrar—in fact, there was a time when I didn’t even know what a Registrar was. Instead, I embraced the opportunities life presented to me, knowing that every personal and professional experience prepared me for this career. What I care most about is helping others achieve their goals, encouraging well-being, and continuing to grow and learn. Within AACRAO, I aspire to serve and remain an active member for as long as I am able.
What advice would you give to help others find their community at AACRAO?
Dr. Kent: My advice to anyone seeking their community within AACRAO is to start by understanding who you are and finding others who share your values and experiences—whether through a PAC or a caucus. Seek mentors who remind you of your purpose and help you recognize strengths you may not see in yourself. Connect with people who are where you aspire to be, ask questions, and learn from them. Most importantly, slow down and savor the moments—because each moment is fleeting and irreplaceable.
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