Staci Bernhard

Assistant Director for Global Initiatives, Florida International University

Slate Position: 2025-2026 Nominations and Elections Committee

Position Statement:

I am running for a position on the AACRAO Nominations and Elections Committee to further contribute to the ongoing excellence and growth of the organization. My career has been dedicated to higher education administration, and I am passionate about ensuring that AACRAO continues to represent and advocate for the diverse interests of our membership. By serving on this committee, I aim to support the selection of dynamic, innovative leaders who will drive our organization forward.

If elected, my primary goals will be to enhance member engagement, identify future leaders, and foster a sense of belonging for all members.

I aim to enhance member engagement by actively soliciting feedback and encouraging a broader spectrum of our membership to become involved. With the university memberships, we now have access to a wider range of members that may have otherwise previously been unable to become involved.

While working with the broader community of members, I will focus on identifying and nurturing future leaders by sharing the various opportunities for professional development within AACRAO. There are many ways to get involved and become a leader, and I believe that having someone showcase these opportunities can help to create a pipeline of individuals that are ready to be the leaders of the future.

I am passionate about ensuring that everyone feels welcome. This is essential in our development and growth of the organization. It is important that we bring varied perspectives and experiences to the table.

Serving on the Nominations and Elections Committee is a responsibility I take very seriously. I am eager to contribute my skills, experience, and passion to help shape the future of AACRAO

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Staci Bernhard is the Assistant Director for Global Initiatives at Florida International University’s College of Business. With more than fifteen years of experience in admissions and recruitment, Bernhard currently focuses on all aspects of international student services. She is a member of multiple organizations in the field of education, chair of the international admissions committee for AACRAO, and incoming chair for TAICEP’s professional development committee. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Master of Science in both higher education administration and global strategic communication, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in adult education and human resource development with a specialization in international and intercultural education at Florida International University. 

Review of: Unintended Consequences of Internationalization in Higher Education: Comparative International Perspectives on the Impacts of Policy and Practice