2022-2023 President
I have enjoyed the wonderful opportunity to serve AACRAO through a variety of roles, including on the Board of Directors, on the Nominations and Elections Committee, in two Congressional Hill Days, as Co-Chair of Volunteers at the Minneapolis Annual Meeting, and presenting at many Annual Meetings. Through those opportunities, I have worked closely with AACRAO members, PAC committees, and members of AACRAO’s talented staff to promote and support enrollment and student success best practices.
I have over twenty-five years of higher education experience in various departments, including the office of the registrar, admissions, and financial aid. I appreciate the complexities and connections of these enrollment management areas. Collaboration and communication are professional competencies I strive toward every day. I have the experience and enthusiasm to lead AACRAO while guided by the Association's mission, strategic plan, professional practice standards, and professional competencies and proficiencies.
AACRAO is a member-focused association. I am proud to be a part of AACRAO’s community. AACRAO focuses on integrity, embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion, and supports a culture of belonging and respect for professionals of color and professionals who identify as LGBTQIA+. Ensuring our work is inclusive and fosters opportunities for learning and growth is more important than ever. I look forward to continuing this work.
AACRAO has provided essential programming to members throughout the pandemic, ranging from member surveys on academic policies, grading, and transcript practices, a variety of Coffee Breaks on critical topics, virtual meetings, and launching the new online mental health series. Through the hybrid lessons we have all learned on our respective campuses, the Association has an opportunity to reach members in new and accessible ways.
I embrace the energy and challenges of working in higher education. I am a first-generation baccalaureate degree recipient, and I endeavor to reduce academic success barriers for the students we serve. Through various partnerships with students, staff, and faculty, we can continue to find solutions and foster communication to ensure student success.
Rhonda Kitch is the University Registrar at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. She has had the privilege to serve students in higher education for over two decades, ranging from experiences in residence life, financial aid, retention and student success efforts, admission, a career and advising resource center, and for the last 16+ years, registration and records. Dr. Kitch has been an active member of Upper Midwest ACRAO as well as AACRAO, presenting and serving in a variety of roles in both organizations. She is the past President of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) Board of Directors. An Interview with Rhonda Kitch