Slated Position: President-Elect Candidate
Position Statement
I am running for President-Elect because I believe deeply in AACRAO, in the professionals who make this Association what it is, and in our collective responsibility to ensure that AACRAO remains strong, relevant, and responsive to the changing needs of our profession. AACRAO has been a defining part of my professional journey, and I am committed to giving back to an Association that has provided me with opportunities to learn, lead, serve, and build meaningful relationships throughout my career.
My service on the AACRAO Board has centered on strengthening leadership, organizational accountability, and the systems that allow our Association to thrive. As Chair of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee, I supported the Board’s oversight of the Executive Director’s performance and compensation and led the development of AACRAO’s first formal evaluation framework for the Executive Director, addressing a critical governance gap. I later guided a comprehensive overhaul of that framework to ensure its continued alignment with best practices and AACRAO’s strategic direction.
My experience as Vice President of Leadership and Management Development, Vice President at Large, Chair of the Nominations and Elections Committee, and contributor across Board committees has given me a broad understanding of AACRAO’s governance, strategic priorities, and, most importantly, the diverse needs of our membership. I have learned that effective leadership is not simply about holding a position. It is about listening, building relationships, identifying opportunities for improvement, and turning ideas into action.
If elected, my focus as President-Elect will center on three key priorities:
Developing AACRAO’s Next Generation of Leaders
AACRAO is strongest when members can see a place for themselves within the Association—not only as participants, but as contributors and leaders. I will continue working to create clear pathways for involvement so that members across career stages, institution types, backgrounds, and professional areas can see opportunities to contribute and lead within AACRAO. My contributions to AACRAO’s peer mentoring workgroup, which helped shape a formal peer mentor program, demonstrate my commitment to turning this priority into action. I want members at every career stage to have opportunities to connect, grow, contribute, and lead.
Advancing Strategic Alignment, Member Value, and Organizational Sustainability
AACRAO must remain responsive and adaptable as higher education and our profession continue to change. I will work in partnership with the President, Board, AACRAO staff, and membership to advance our strategic priorities while ensuring that our initiatives are impactful and sustainable. This includes demonstrating the value of AACRAO membership, balancing accessible, high-quality resources and professional development with financial sustainability, and ensuring that members and institutions understand the return on their investment in our Association.
Enhancing Professional Development and Knowledge Sharing
AACRAO’s ability to bring professionals together to learn from one another is one of our greatest strengths. I will champion innovative and accessible professional development through the Annual Meeting, workshops, webinars, publications, and emerging delivery models. Our programming must continue to address both the technical expertise our profession requires and the leadership challenges our members face, including technological change, enrollment pressures, access and equity, organizational change, and staff well-being.
My leadership approach is grounded in collaboration, authenticity, accountability, and respect for the people who make this Association possible. I believe leadership means creating spaces where diverse perspectives are welcomed, ideas become action, and others are empowered to lead.
AACRAO stands at an important moment. The challenges facing higher education require us to be thoughtful about our future while remaining responsive to the needs of our members today. I bring extensive Association experience, a record of turning ideas into sustainable improvements, and a deep commitment to the people and profession AACRAO serves. I am prepared to serve as a strategic partner to the President and Board while listening to and representing our membership.
It would be an honor to serve as your President-Elect and, ultimately, President. Together, we can continue building an AACRAO that develops leaders, delivers meaningful value, strengthens our profession, and remains an Association where members know that they belong, their voices matter, and their contributions can make a difference.
Thank you for your consideration.
Tiffani Robertson, Ph.D., is Director of Academic Services for the College of Business at Governors State University. She is a higher education leader with two decades of experience driving student success, transfer innovation, and enrollment strategy. She began her career as a student worker at DeVry University and progressed into increasingly senior roles, including Senior Transfer Credit Coordinator and Team Lead. While at DeVry, she earned her M.B.A. with a concentration in Marketing.
Robertson later served as the Coordinator of Articulation and Degree Audit at Northeastern Illinois University, where she led the development of the university’s first degree audits, articulation agreements, and transfer guides. In 2013, she joined Governors State University, where she has served as Admissions and Records Supervisor, Associate Director of Admissions, Associate Director for Enrollment Management, and, currently, the Director of Academic Services for the College of Business. In this role, she oversees enrollment, retention, and student engagement.
Robertson is also an adjunct faculty member at both Governors State University and Southern New Hampshire University, teaching courses in business and communication. In Spring 2024, she earned her Ph.D. in Educational Administration Foundations—Higher Education from Illinois State University.
A committed leader in professional organizations, Robertson is the current Vice President for Leadership and Management Development for the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO). Her prior service includes chair of the Nominations and Elections Committee, Chair and vice-chair of the Policies and Practices Committee, and membership in AACRAO’s Black Caucus, Women’s Caucus (as a founding member), and the Member Engagement and Outreach Committee. She is also the immediate Past President of IllinoisACRAO, where she previously served as District Chair-Elect, Equal Educational Opportunities Officer, and Communications Manager.
Interview with Zachary A. Pardos
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AACRAO Role: Vice President for Leadership and Management Development – Board of Directors
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