Slated Position: VP for International Education Candidate
Position Statement
I am running for the Vice President for International Education position because I believe AACRAO plays a critical role in shaping the future of international education and supporting the professionals who navigate an increasingly complex global landscape. Throughout my career in international admissions and credential evaluation, AACRAO has been an important professional home for me, one that has provided opportunities for growth, collaboration, leadership, and service. I am eager for the opportunity to give back to the association in a broader leadership capacity and help strengthen its impact for current and future members.
My involvement with AACRAO has spanned nearly a decade and has allowed me to engage deeply with the international education community. Since 2017, I have served as faculty for AACRAO’s International Institutes, supporting the development of professionals entering and advancing within the field. In 2018, I joined the International Admissions Committee, where I collaborated with colleagues to develop programming, resources, and professional development opportunities for AACRAO members. From 2022–2026, I served as Chair of the International Admissions Committee, leading initiatives supporting committee engagement, annual meeting programming, and resource development. Most recently, I accepted the role of Committee Coordinator for Group 2 (International), further expanding my involvement in supporting AACRAO’s international education efforts and volunteer leadership structure. I have also contributed to AACRAO’s white paper on holistic admissions, an experience that reinforced the importance of thoughtful, student-centered, and globally informed admissions practices.
These experiences have given me a strong understanding of AACRAO’s mission, the needs of its members, and the importance of fostering collaboration across institutions and professional areas. They have also reinforced my belief that AACRAO’s greatest strength is its community of engaged professionals who are committed to advancing best practices and supporting one another through an evolving higher education landscape.
If elected, one of my primary goals would be to strengthen opportunities for engagement and professional development across the international education community. International education professionals are facing rapid changes related to global mobility, enrollment trends, credential fraud, evolving educational systems, technology, and geopolitical shifts. AACRAO is uniquely positioned to help members navigate these challenges by providing timely resources, practical guidance, and spaces for meaningful collaboration. I would work to support programming that is accessible, relevant, and responsive to emerging issues while encouraging participation from a broad range of institutions and professionals.
I would also prioritize the continued development and sharing of best practices within international admissions and credential evaluation. As institutions face increasing pressure to make efficient, equitable, and informed admissions decisions, AACRAO can continue to serve as a trusted leader in establishing standards, promoting ethical practice, and supporting informed decision-making. I believe it is important that AACRAO continue to bring together practitioners with diverse perspectives and experiences to help shape resources and guidance that reflect the realities of our evolving profession.
Another goal would be to foster stronger connections within the AACRAO international education community. Some of the most valuable aspects of AACRAO are the relationships and networks built through committees, workshops, annual meetings, and volunteer leadership opportunities. I would strive to support inclusive engagement, encourage mentorship and leadership development, and create pathways for newer professionals to become active contributors within the association. Sustaining a strong and connected volunteer community is essential to AACRAO’s long-term success.
I would approach this role with a collaborative leadership style grounded in listening, transparency, and service. The Vice President for International Education represents a broad and dynamic constituency, and I believe it is important to ensure members feel heard and supported. I would look forward to working closely with the Board, committee leaders, and AACRAO members to advance initiatives that strengthen the association and support the continued growth and relevance of international education within higher education.
AACRAO has had a meaningful impact on my professional development, and I would be honored to serve the association and its members in this leadership role.
Staci Bernhard serves as Assistant Director for Global Initiatives at Florida International University’s College of Business. With 20 years of leadership experience in admissions, recruitment, and international relations, she oversees all aspects of international student operations, driving strategic initiatives that enhance global engagement, operational efficiency, and the student experience. An active leader in the international education community, Staci is deeply engaged with professional organizations including AACRAO and TAICEP. She currently serves as Committee Group Coordinator for AACRAO’s International Committees Group, where she spearheads initiatives focused on professional development, collaboration, and advancing best practices in international admissions and credential evaluation. Staci is a Doctoral Candidate in the Doctor of Education program in Adult Education & Human Resource Development at Florida International University, underscoring her commitment to research, leadership development, and innovation in international education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and dual master’s degrees in Higher Education Administration and Global Strategic Communication.
share