By Autumn Walden, Editor, AACRAO Connect, Content Strategy Manager, AACRAO
Since 1959, AACRAO Awards have honored members and non-members whose service strengthens higher education and the profession. In our 2026 Awards series, we’re starting with the two recipients of the Emerging Leader Award, who will be featured at the 111th AACRAO Annual Meeting, celebrating early AACRAO engagement that has already translated into exceptional national contributions.
This feature spotlights Dr. Curtis Clock, Associate Registrar at Ball State University, whose pathway from academic advising to registrar leadership is grounded in student-centered research and a clear commitment to community. Since joining AACRAO in 2021, Dr. Clock has stepped into visible national roles with state and regional leadership as part of his story. A Ball State alumnus and active member of the Young Professionals Caucus, Dr. Clock has quickly established himself as an engaged leader and connector within our community, even winning a “ Best of the Best” session spot at the 108th AACRAO Annual Meeting.
In this interview, he shares about showing up and making new experiences: leadership meetings, “stop-and-chats,” and the small moments that help turn new members into engaged colleagues.
What/Who influenced your decision to get involved with AACRAO?
Dr. Clock: Erin R. Mason. Timing was everything as my former office, Academic Systems, had just merged with the Office of the Registrar at my institution, Ball State University. I was nervous (and anxious as I always am) about a new boss, new workspace, new responsibilities, and new professional organization. Erin’s previous involvement with AACRAO made it an easy decision for me to first get involved with our state organization, Indiana ACRAO, and then shortly after AACRAO. From there, I’ve never looked back as I’ve met so many caring and thoughtful professionals that I don’t think I could live without.
What do you enjoy most about your work and/or involvement with AACRAO?
Dr. Clock: My absolute favorite thing about my work in AACRAO has been meeting and connecting with so many thoughtful and insightful professionals in the Registrar and Admissions field. Thus far, my two favorite experiences have been serving as Vice Chair and then Chair of the Academic Progress Professional Activities Committee within Group 3: Records and Academic Services. I love the space it creates that allows professionals to unite to shape the field for years and years to come. Additionally, the Leadership Meeting in Washington, D.C. was such a fantastic experience this past year, which was my first year attending! I learned a lot about what the organization had planned for our membership and became even more energized by the work AACRAO does.
Have you encountered any unexpected or notable experiences along your professional path?
Dr. Clock: Yes, more so on the notable side than unexpected, but each year, I have tried to engage in a different type of volunteer effort through AACRAO to help make the conference a success. Initially, these were more common exercises, such as presenting, committee work, and guiding members, but last year I had the opportunity to engage in two new activities.
- First, I assisted with Experience AACRAO, which was amazing because I was able to connect with so many new members who were excited to meet folks and eager to learn. It was especially memorable because some of my staff attended, so I loved watching them see all the wonderful things about AACRAO firsthand.
- Second, there was a new experiment that one of my mentors, Erin Mason, asked me to assist her with piloting. The idea was to have experienced folks in a room that were available for “stop and chats” with other members. These topics ranged from content-specific, like scheduling or compliance, to mine, which was: So you want to present at AACRAO, now what? While I only spoke to one individual, I thoroughly enjoyed the conversation because it afforded me the opportunity to go much deeper with that individual than I could with a meet-and-greet type of setting or a presentation format.
Providing these types of opportunities for members to connect with others is something that I hope to continue being involved with in the future.
Who are your role models?
Dr. Clock: This question is so hard because I value and appreciate so many folks in my circle for the wide variety of advice and experience they impart to me. First, I have to recognize my earliest and most prominent role model in Erin Mason. I wouldn’t even know about AACRAO without you, and I certainly wouldn’t have the energy and excitement to pursue all the great things AACRAO has to offer if it weren’t for the wonderful example you have set and the path you have traveled. I must also mention all of my IACRAO mentors, who include Past Presidents April Hay, Allegra Fowler, and Michelle Gruber.
What do you aspire to accomplish in the future?
Dr. Clock: I hope to continue my involvement with AACRAO moving forward for all opportunities known and unknown. In the near future, I would love to become a Group Coordinator once I have more experience with PACs to continue impacting the professionalization of the Registrar field. Additionally, I am always game for new initiatives or approaches to engagement, and I plan to continue my involvement with the Young Professionals Caucus and Experience AACRAO.
What advice would you give to help others find their community at AACRAO?
Dr. Clock: AACRAO has so many different opportunities that it can be overwhelming. If you’re not sure where to start, sign up for something and give it a try. AACRAO offers a wealth of opportunities to learn from and connect with others. Whether it’s joining a caucus that you identify with or getting involved in volunteer efforts (you can sign up, so you get emails!), AACRAO has something for all, big or small.
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