Lorianne D. Mitchell, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Management in the Department of Management & Marketing of the College of Business & Technology at East Tennessee State University. Lorianne earned her Ph.D. in Industrial & Organizational Psychology from the Graduate School & University Center of the City University of New York. She conducts research in the areas of Online Teaching Pedagogy, Diversity in Higher Education, Mentoring, and Emotions in Organizations.
Postsecondary Intentions of Latino and African American Students in Tennessee: Considerations for Strategic Enrollment Management
Chuck Knepfle has worked in higher education for 30 years, and currently serves as the Vice President for Enrollment Management at Portland State University, where more than 60 percent of the student body start as transfer students. His background, and passion, is in student access, having served as the financial aid director at both Miami University in Ohio and at Clemson University in South Carolina. He created scholarship programs over his career that focused on diversity recruitment as well as need-based aid for students who identify as low socio-economic status. Access to higher education for all students, regardless of race or income, is his passion and was the focus of his doctoral research. He holds a B.S. in systems analysis, an M.B.A. in management from Miami, and a Ph.D. in higher education leadership from Clemson.
Making the Transfer Path to a Bachelor's Degree Seamless and Successful: Best Practices
Creating a Strategic Enrollment Management Plan from the Ground Up
Perry R. Rettig, Ph.D., is Distinguished University Professor and former vice president for enrollment management and student affairs at Piedmont University. Previously, he served as vice president for academic affairs at Piedmont for five years. He has also served as vice president for the Athens Campus at Piedmont and as interim dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences and interim dean of the School of Education. He maintains his faculty credentials and active faculty role in the College of Education at Piedmont. Prior to his move to Georgia in 2013, he served as associate vice chancellor of academic affairs at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh where he also served as a faculty member. He began his professional career as a public school teacher for five years in rural Green Bay, Wisconsin and then as a public school principal for seven years in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. He has been an educator for more than 37 years.
Rettig has presented at international conferences in Beijing, China; London, England, Vienna, Austria; Melbourne, Australia; Belfast, Ireland; and this summer in Krakow, Poland. He has made numerous presentations across the United States. He has published seven books with Rowman & Littlefield. In the summer of 2021, he published Enrollment Management: Successful Approaches with Dwindling Numbers (Rowman & Littlefield). Likewise, he has published more than 20 articles in the field of education, writes a monthly education article for the local regional newspaper, and an occasional piece for the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
Rettig's Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Administration is from Marquette University. His master's degree (M.S.) in Educational Leadership and Administration is from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, and his bachelor's degree (B.S.E.) is from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater.
Cross-Campus Robust Retention Initiative: The Vortex Approach
Dr. Angela Brockelsby serves as Executive Director of Communications and Marketing within the Pratt School of Engineering at Duke University.
Angela is an award-winning communication and marketing executive with expertise in organizational leadership, integrated marketing, and strategic communication with nearly 17 years of experience in higher education.
Angela received a bachelor of arts degree in Communications from NC State University, a master of professional studies in Interactive Telecommunications from New York University, a master of arts in Technology and Communication from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, and a doctor of education in Organizational Change and Leadership from the Rossier School of Education at the University of Southern California.
Dr. Stephanie Krusemark brings over 20 years of experience in higher education with a focus on strategic enrollment, equity, diversity, inclusion, and student success. She is an alumna of the Doctorate in Higher Education program offered by the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver, where she specialized in Issues of Diversity and Higher Learning. Since graduating over a decade ago, she has been immersed in social justice research and practice pertaining to the lived experiences of historically excluded, underserved, and underrepresented student populations as an adjunct instructor for the Higher Education and Women’s and Gender Studies programs at the University of Denver and as a Chancellor’s Diversity Post-Doc Fellow in the Environmental Planning and Design program at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Her research has been published in the Journal of Research on Women and Gender.
Her commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is evident in her ability to immerse social justice practices in her approach to strategic enrollment, which has led her into leadership roles at Naropa University, Prescott College, Santa Clara University, and Trinity Washington University. Her commitment to student success was leveraged in the ed-tech world as the first Vice President of University Relations for Mentor Collective, where she served as a strategic thought partner to 70+ colleges and universities across the U.S. to close the equity achievement gap by leveraging peer and alumni mentorship. In addition, she co-authored an article on peer mentorship in Liberal Education, a quarterly publication of the Association of American Colleges & Universities (AAC&U).
She is a co-host of the American Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) Admit It podcast, a member of the National Association of Graduate Admissions Professionals (NAGAP) Experts Bureau, and serves as the co-lead of the AUMTS enrollment group, a group of enrollment professionals representing the 13 United Methodist seminaries across the country. She is a member of the American Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) and the National Association of Graduate Admissions Professionals (NAGAP). She has served as a past member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) and the Critical Race Studies in Education Association. She has shared her perspectives on women’s leadership and enrollment management in the Journal of College Admission and benzinga.com.
Review of: Basic Guide to Financial Aid
Charles Finstad is Chief Revenue Officer with Frequency Foundry. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Commerce with specialization in Accounting and Finance and has 30 years of experience in Financial Systems, Software Development, and Consulting Services. Charles has built and led software and services firms that specialize in Microsoft’s ERP and CRM solutions for more than 20 years and is widely recognized as a leader in the Dynamics 365 partner community. Charles leads key engagements for Frequency Foundry’s higher education customers.
Damien Dumas is a Senior Manager within Alithya. Holding a bachelor’s degree in IT management from the University of Sherbrooke, he has more than 35 years’ IT management experience, primarily in the areas of Enterprise Architecture, IT Strategy, IT/ERP Governance, Business Intelligence), IT project portfolio management and solution architecture (Student Information System, CRM, BI). Damien’s activities have been primarily focused on the Higher Education.
David started his career in higher education as a course scheduler at Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont. His love of puzzles and brain teasers meant he quickly found his calling in the topsy-turvy, wild west of the Registrar’s Office. At HPU, David works with a fantastic team tasked with setting the University catalog and course schedule, as well as interpreting, refining, and explaining the complicated knots that come out of curriculum committee meetings. David’s team also manages transfer credit evaluations and professional academic advising. David focuses on student success and is committed to breaking down complex policies and procedures into meaningful and understandable nuggets.
Bridget serves as Coursedog’s content lead, primarily researching and developing content on issues related to academic operations. Since joining Coursedog in 2021, she’s researched topics such as creating equitable course schedules for student access, developing and implementing guided pathways program maps, and the impact of course scheduling on underserved student groups.
Before joining Coursedog, Bridget spent four years at EAB conducting best practice research for college and university leaders. She conducted in-depth research on a wide variety of topics including virtual employer engagement, international partnerships, BIPOC faculty recruitment, program development, and market trends.
Bridget graduated from Claremont McKenna College with a B.A. in Government. During her time at Claremont McKenna, Bridget was a student leader at the Kravis Leadership Institute and swam competitively for the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps women’s swim team. Bridget lives in Washington D.C and in her free time enjoys exploring state parks and hiking trails in the area and trying new recipes.
Educational Technology Product Leader with a passion for social justice and a proven track record of designing, building, launching, and enhancing compelling products from concept to adoption, with experience in all stages of the product life cycle and in rapid growth environments. Award winning International debater, European Lawyer with an emphasis in data protection, privacy (FERPA/GDPR emphasis) and regulation management. Background in Diversity, Belonging & Inclusion Work: White House LGBTQ Tech & Innovation Summit Fellowship 2017, Co-Founder of Workday Pride ERG.
Erin has worked in higher education for 10 years starting in Colorado with my last 6 years being at Mid- Plains Community College in Nebraska. Her student services experience ranges from Student Life and Housing to Admissions, Recruiting, and Advising. She enjoys looking at every situation with an enrollment mindset while staying student-focused. She is committed to helping students find the right fit for their education and life goals. Erin grew up in Colorado but now calls Nebraska home where she farms and ranches with her husband.
With over 20 years of service to AACRAO, Tina received her B.A. in psychology from Northwestern University and her M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in educational policy and administration from the University of Minnesota. In addition to meeting career demands, Tina found the time and energy to serve whenever called upon, several times taking over leadership positions unexpectedly. She chaired, for at least a single term, nearly every committee of which she was a member, including the Registration and Academic Support Committee (2004-06) and the Nominations and Elections Committee (2007-08) as well as numerous Upper Midwest ACRAO committees. During her tenure on the N & E Committee, she served as President of UMACRAO (2006-07). She was Chair of the AACRAO Annual Meeting Program Committee, shouldering the substantial responsibilities with diligence and dedication, and finally served as AACRAO President in 2019. Tina embraced every aspect of service to AACRAO, answering the call to serve unfailingly and with enthusiasm, be it counting ballots or sharing her professional knowledge.
Nearly every year from 2001 to 2022, Tina gave multiple presentations at each AACRAO/UMACRAO meeting; many of these presentations focusing on FERPA, succession planning, and working with academically at-risk students. Her astute knowledge of FERPA also led Tina to be one of only three AACRAO members asked to help update The 2010 FERPA Guide, the gold standard for reference when dealing with FERPA questions. Tina also co authored a chapter in AACRAO’s Registrar’s Guide, and has been published in College & University Journal and a handful of other publications and journals.
Tina received the UMACRAO Exemplary Service Award in 2008 and the AACRAO Thomas A. Bilger Award in 2011. She has enriched AACRAO through her indefatigable service and her hardworking, reliable and gracious attitude has inspired those around her to follow her strong example of leadership. Tina Marie Rovick Falkner, loving wife of 23 years, to Joseph Falkner and daughter of William and Lillian Rovick passed away at home on March 28th, 2022. In 2022, the AACRAO Board of Directors voted in favor of renaming AACRAO's Engagement Grant to the Tina Falkner Engagement Grant in honor her impact on the Association. The Tina Falkner Engagement Grant supports Tina's diligent efforts to encourage AACRAO members' professional development and sense of community.
Dr. Aaron W. Hughey is a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Counseling and Student Affairs at Western Kentucky University, where he oversees the master’s degree program in Student Affairs in Higher Education as well as graduate certificates in International Student Services and Career Services in Higher Education. Before joining the faculty in 1991, he spent 10 years in progressive administrative positions, including five years as the Associate Director of University Housing at WKU. He was also head of the department of Counseling and Student Affairs for five years before returning to the faculty full-time in 2008. Dr. Hughey has degrees from the University of Tennessee at Martin, the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Western Kentucky University, and Northern Illinois University. He has authored (or co-authored) over 65 refereed publications on a wide range of issues including leadership and student development, standardized testing, diversity, legal issues (including compliance), technology, and educational administration. He regularly presents at national and international conferences and consults extensively with companies and schools. He also provides training and professional development programs on a variety of topics centered on student success and leadership.
Dr. Monica Galloway Burke is a Professor in the Department of Counseling and Student Affairs at Western Kentucky University (WKU). Prior to her 22 years of experience as a faculty member and practitioner in Student Affairs and Higher Education, she worked in the field of mental health. Dr. Burke has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles in scholarly journals and contributed chapters to various books. She also served as the lead author for Helping Skills for Working with College Students: Applying Counseling Theory to Student Affairs Practice; a co-editor for No Ways Tired: The Journey for Professionals of Color in Student Affairs, a three-set volume; a co-editor for Helping College Students in Distress: A Faculty Guide, and co-author for Mindful Strategies for Helping College Students Manage Stress: A Guide for Higher Education Professionals. A co-edited book, Contemporary Issues within Caribbean Economies, is forthcoming (Spring 2022). Additionally, she has conducted numerous workshops and presentations at the international, national, regional, state, and local levels. Dr. Burke currently serves and has served on editorial boards of professional journals as a co-editor, associate editor, and reviewer. She has also supervised numerous research theses, dissertations, and research projects.
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During her 18 years in higher education, Dr. Sanders' experiences include registrar, state funding, admissions, recruitment, student activities, veterans, international, K-12 Outreach, and transfer articulations. She has held leadership roles at Alamo Colleges District, University of St. Thomas, University of Houston Clear Lake, Marygrove College, Schoolcraft College, and Henry Ford Community College. Dr. Sanders holds a B.S.B.A in Accounting from Lawrence Technological University, a Specialist degree in Community College leadership from Eastern Michigan University, a Master of Science in Finance from Walsh School of Accountancy, and an Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration from Texas Tech University.
Capstone: Literature review focused on transfer students.
Genevieve Halkett has over 25 years of experience teaching ESOL in a variety of learning environments including university, community college, corporate, and non-profit in Asia, Europe, and the U.S. She worked for Trinity College, Dublin, teaching survival and vocational English courses for Kosovar Program Refugees, Vietnamese Family Reunification participants, and refugees relocated to Dublin City. She was the coordinator of a program providing training in ESOL, job skills, and English literacy to over 300 asylum seekers (Center for Education and Integration of Migrants (CÉIM)) at SPIRASI, a local non-profit. While there, she co-developed and implemented an accredited curriculum, the first in the country, used as a model of best practices nationwide for asylum seekers. She has worked in curriculum development and teacher training, which includes creating and facilitating a course in ESOL methodology to adult education practitioners and co-developing ESOL and Intercultural materials for teaching asylum seekers, refugees, and other migrants in Ireland for the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA).
Ms. Halkett has an MA TESOL (Teaching English as a Second or Other Language) from the School for International Training (SIT); received certification from London Language and Literacy Plus (LLU+) in Teaching Basic Literacy to Beginner ESOL Learners, and provided cascaded training to providers serving immigrants with language and literacy needs in Ireland. In 2019, she received a Skilled Immigrant Integration Program (SIIP) grant from WES Global Talent Bridge, which helped lead to the future Willamette Valley Welcome Back Center at Chemeketa (launching in 2023).
Ms. Halkett currently works at Chemeketa Community College as the full-time VESOL, IET, and Academic Transitions instructor and heads a training program for international professionals with degrees from their country who would like to continue their careers in Oregon.
Dr. Henrietta Romero has been in higher education for close to 20 years. She recently came back to New Mexico Highlands University two years ago as the University Registrar after being the Registrar at Luna Community College. Dr. Romero is active in professional organization, AACRAO, RMACRAO, and NMACRAO, establishing a professional working relationship within the organizations. Dr. Romero is a NMHU and NMSU alumni, receiving her bachelor in Business Administration with cum laude honors, her masters in Educational Leadership, and most importantly, her doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration. She continues to thrive in higher education in the Northern New Mexico area, collaborating with various departments, institutions, and organizations for the betterment of all students.
Request Dr. Gavin Hamms as a speaker
Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management, Grambling State University
AboutDr. Gavin R. Hamms is a native of Winnfield, LA. He obtained his Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business Management from Grambling State University in 2010. In 2012 he obtained his Master or Business Administration degree from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. After beginning his career in Higher Education as the Manager of Default Prevention at Grambling State University in 2011, he was inspired to pursue a Ph.D I Urban Higher Education. While pursuing his Ph.D he was promoted to serve as the Director of Financial Aid at his Alma Mater. During his time as the Director of Financial Aid, he was able to streamline several services for the enhancement of Student Services. Dr. Hamms is widely recognized for his passion for serving students and improving process efficiencies.
Dr. Hamms received his Ph.D. in Urban Higher Education from Jackson State University in 2016. His dissertation title was Institutional Factors that Influence Student Loan Default at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. He has used his research to help develop financial literacy initiatives for student success. While serving in financial aid, Dr. Hamms developed a unique understanding of Enrollment Management and Student Success. He has utilized his knowledge of financial aid to help his institution grow enrollment and provide access for marginalized populations. His highly respected skillset led him to be appointed as the Chair of the Strategic Enrollment Management Council. From that appointment he was then selected as the Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management at Grambling State University. Dr. Hamms is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and is passionate about Empowering, Educating, and Encouraging the masses.
Zak has been with Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE) since 2006. His most recent role as ECE® Aid and Market Research Manager has allowed Zak to utilize his knowledge in fundraising development and market research to better serve the philanthropic efforts of ECE, as well as the marketing team. Zak has presented at numerous regional, national, and international conferences on topics ranging from forcibly displaced persons to the field of credential evaluation. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree, with majors in Political Science and Linguistics, from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, as well as a Master of Arts degree in Public Service, with a specialization in the Nonprofit Sector, from Marquette University.
Rossitza B. Wooster has served as dean of the Graduate School at Portland State University (PSU) since January 2018. She oversees graduate admissions, academic services and student services. Wooster works closely with faculty and administration to improve the quality of graduate education at PSU. She is president of the Western Association of Graduate Schools and an active member of the Council of Graduate Schools. Previously, Wooster was professor of economics for 12 years at PSU. She holds a Ph.D. in international economics from University of Oregon, an M.S. in economics from University of Ohio and a B.A. in economics from St. Lawrence University.