By Autumn Walden, Editor, AACRAO Connect, Content Strategy Manager, AACRAO
Professional associations thrive when they create spaces for people to learn across roles, institutions, and perspectives. Since 1959, AACRAO has honored that spirit through its awards program, recognizing individuals and organizations whose work strengthens higher education communities.
This year’s Elbert W. Ockerman State and Regional Professional Activity Award recognizes the Oklahoma Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers for a milestone initiative that brought the state’s higher education community together in an unprecedented way. To mark its 100th anniversary, OACRAO helped lead the creation of the Oklahoma Higher Education Super Conference, a landmark event that convened nearly 400 professionals from across admissions, registrar services, financial aid, advising, institutional research, and more.
Accepting the award on behalf of the association is Kyle Gregorio, the 2025–2026 OACRAO President and Assistant Registrar at Oklahoma State University. In the interview that follows, we discuss the power of the state and regional and cross-organizational partnerships, and how to find your community at AACRAO or with your local ACRAO.
What/Who influenced your decision to get involved with State & Regional ACRAO?
Gregorio: I attended my first Oklahoma Fall Conference in 2016 as a new Assistant Registrar because I was told I was going. I found a group of people facing the same issues I was facing and immediately saw the value of the Oklahoma ACRAO group. I was influenced to join the Executive Committee by Past OACRAO President Janet Kelley. We were facing a turnover in the Executive Committee, due to retirements and people leaving Oklahoma for positions in other states. At the time, at least half of the Executive Committee members needed to be filled for the next year. So, I answered the call to get involved as the Vice President of Records and Registration.
What do you enjoy most about your work and/or involvement with your State & Regional ACRAO?
Gregorio: I enjoy the networking and connecting with colleagues from around the state. It is valuable to know that there are colleagues whom I can call and ask for advice or help, or to just vocalize an idea that I have been thinking about.
Have you encountered any unexpected or notable experiences along your professional path?
Gregorio: I never thought I would ever be President of anything, but here we are. I have grown through opportunities that I never knew existed, and part of that is through AACRAO.
What do you aspire to accomplish in the future with AACRAO?
Gregorio: To maintain and cultivate relationships outside of the state of Oklahoma. It has been a very valuable asset of my first two Annual Meetings.
What advice would you give to help others find their S&R and community at AACRAO?
Gregorio: Don’t be afraid to talk to people. I am a natural Introvert, so I find it difficult to engage people. However, I made the decision to get to know at least one person at the Annual Meeting, and that helped me to find “my type of people.” I found out that the issues (and successes) that we face are not just limited to our institution or state. It is great to find like-minded people facing and overcoming the obstacles that I face. To hear of successes and accolades from the various AACRAO members helps to inspire me to be better and to keep having the grand ideas that will move our profession forward.