Slated Position: 2027-2028 N&E Committee Member Candidate
Position Statement
When I saw that I was nominated for the AACRAO Nominations and Elections Committee, my first response was, “Really? Me?” Then I thought about the many people throughout my career who encouraged me to raise my hand, pursue opportunities, and step into leadership roles I wasn’t sure I was ready for. Those individuals changed the trajectory of my career, and serving on this committee feels like an opportunity to do the same for others.
I currently serve as Executive Dean of Enrollment and Records at Austin Community College District, after spending several years at The University of Texas at Austin. My experiences at both a flagship university and a community college have reinforced my belief that there is no single path to leadership and that our profession benefits when different institutional perspectives and career experiences are represented.
AACRAO has been an important part of my own professional journey, particularly as a member of the first AACRAO Ascend cohort. Through AACRAO, I have found mentors and colleagues who challenged my thinking, encouraged my growth, and sometimes simply said, “You should go for it.”
That is why I am running.
If elected, I want to help identify and encourage professionals who may not yet see themselves as leaders. Some of the best ideas and most innovative work in our profession come from people quietly doing incredible things on their campuses. They may be emerging professionals, work at smaller institutions or community colleges, come from underrepresented backgrounds, or simply need someone to encourage them to step forward.
I also want to help demystify leadership pathways within AACRAO. Members should see opportunities to contribute and understand that leadership does not look the same for everyone.
I would bring curiosity, collaboration, and a genuine desire to serve. AACRAO has helped me raise my hand and step into opportunities I might not have pursued on my own. It would be an honor to help someone else look at an opportunity and think, “Maybe I can do this, too.” Thank you for your consideration.
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