Slated Position: VP for Leadership and Management Development Candidate
Position Statement
My name is Erin Mason, and I am deeply grateful to those who encouraged and supported my nomination. Their confidence reflects the many mentors, colleagues, and teams who have shaped both my career and my belief that leadership is, at its core, an act of service.
Over the past twenty years in higher education, including my current role as University Registrar at the University of Utah, I have had the privilege of leading significant organizational, policy, and operational initiatives. Equally important has been the opportunity to learn from AACRAO and the many state and regional associations that strengthen our profession. Through these communities, I have gained knowledge, perspective, and connections that have helped me better serve students, institutions, and colleagues. As others invested in my growth, I have sought to do the same by mentoring and supporting colleagues as they develop their expertise and leadership potential.
Through committee service, presentations, volunteer leadership, and member engagement, I have seen firsthand the power of AACRAO to foster professional growth, build meaningful connections, and support the people who serve students every day.
As my career has taken me across different regions of the country, I have developed a deep appreciation for the strength and impact of our state and regional associations. These experiences have reinforced my belief that leadership development often begins through local relationships, mentorship, and shared experiences, while AACRAO plays a critical role in connecting and amplifying those efforts nationally.
If elected, I would approach this role with a commitment to listening, collaboration, and connection. I would prioritize strengthening relationships between AACRAO and its state and regional partners, improving communication across the organization, and expanding accessible opportunities for leadership and professional development. I am particularly passionate about helping members build confidence as they navigate emerging challenges and increasingly complex areas of practice, and ensuring professionals at every career stage can access and benefit from the many opportunities AACRAO provides.
I would be honored to serve AACRAO in this capacity. I bring a collaborative spirit, a deep appreciation for this community, and a genuine commitment to developing others while supporting the continued strength and vitality of our profession. Thank you for your consideration.
Erin R. Mason, M.Ed., M.A., has almost 20 years of experience in higher education, including a diverse background in registrar functions, educational technology, and program development. Mason currently serves as the University Registrar at the University of Utah. She is an active member of professional associations, including AACRAO. Her AACRAO affiliation includes service on the Program Committee, Nominations and Elections Committee, as a PAC Chair and member of the Registration and Academic Support Services Committee, and as Vice Chair of Member Engagement. Mason was a founding member of the AACRAO Women’s Caucus.
She has presented and co-presented at numerous conferences, demonstrating her commitment to sharing knowledge and expertise within the higher education community. Her current research interests include legitimizing the expertise of professional staff in the academic governance environment and developing psychologically safe environments that foster learning, growth, transparency and continuous business improvement. Mason holds a Master of Arts in Adult Learning from the University of Connecticut and a Master of Education from the University of Hartford.
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