Slated Position: 2027-2028 N&E Committee Member Candidate
Position Statement
Why am I running for this position:
My journey in higher education has been defined by the belief that our professions are the backbone of student success. Having served in leadership roles for over 25 years—ranging from Admissions and Retention to my long-term tenure as Registrar and Assistant Vice Provost at Augustana University—I have seen firsthand how AACRAO transforms careers. My current role as University Registrar at Antioch University has further expanded this perspective, allowing me to serve a diverse community of adult degree completion, graduate, and doctoral students within a primarily remote environment.
I am the leader I am today because of the mentorship, scholarship, and community found within this association and my regional leadership roles, including serving as President of UMACRAO. I am interested in serving on the Nominations and Elections Committee because I am passionate about “paying it forward.” I want to ensure that AACRAO remains a vital, globally interconnected community where every professional, regardless of their role, institution size, modality, or student population, has the resources and advocacy needed to thrive.
Goals for My Term
If elected, my goals will align with the AACRAO 2026-2031 Strategic Plan, focusing on moving from foundational goals to actionable results:
- Reducing Friction and Enhancing Transparency (Goal 1): I deeply resonate with the strategy to promote policies and technologies that reduce friction and enable the timely recognition of learning (Strategy 1C). Drawing on my experience co-leading a university initiative to implement a “One University Calendar” across all locations and programs, I aim to ensure the strategic planning and realization for AACRAO is a transparent, actionable roadmap. I am dedicated to ensuring that administrative practices never stand in the way of degree attainment, and helping members do the same across their campuses.
- Advancing Evidence-Based Innovation (Goal 2): AACRAO’s research is vital because it gathers wisdom from our own diverse membership. I will advocate for research that informs ethical, effective decision-making. My experience transitioning from traditional campuses to remote, multi-campus environments allows me to promote best practices that empower professionals to leverage technology and collaborate with faculty across disparate locations.
- Strengthening Inclusive Pathways and Partnerships (Goal 3): I am dedicated to personal professional development and encouraging staff to engage and improve. I will support AACRAO’s goal to be the premier provider of credentialed career pathways, helping members translate complex responsibilities into recognized competencies. Furthermore, deepening collaboration with state, regional, national, and global partners will allow members to bring the value of these networks back to our individual campuses.
- Leading Coordinated Advocacy (Goal 4): It is essential that AACRAO is seen as the go-to resource for how student records are documented and recognized by those outside of higher education. I will collaborate to position AACRAO as the trusted, data-informed voice on policy issues, ensuring that how we document learning is respected across all sectors.
I bring a blend of strategic enrollment planning expertise, a data-informed mindset, and a heart for service. I am committed to the values of collaboration and integrity, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve the membership that has given so much to my own professional vocation.
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