By Autumn Walden, Editor, AACRAO Connect, Content Strategy Manager, AACRAO
Professional associations are strengthened by the communities within them. The AACRAO state and regional associations play a vital role in advancing the profession—creating spaces where members can test ideas, share lessons from the field, and build leadership pathways close to home. Since 1959, AACRAO has recognized outstanding contributions across this network through its awards program, including the Elbert W. Ockerman State and Regional Professional Activity Award.
This year, that recognition goes to the New England Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers for NEACRAO Notes, a semesterly publication that gives members a platform to share their work and insights with colleagues across the region. From research findings and project successes to emerging trends and leadership reflections, the publication reflects NEACRAO’s belief that every professional in the field has a story worth sharing.
Accepting the award on behalf of NEACRAO is Joseph Wolk, its President-Elect, who previously served as Vice President of Professional Development and is Special Assistant to the Provost for Strategic Priorities and University Registrar at Bridgewater State University. In this conversation, we explore NEACRAO Notes, professional development, and how elevating member voices strengthens professional exchange across the region.
What/Who influenced your decision to get involved with State & Regional ACRAO?
Wolk: I’ve been part of NEACRAO since 2011. I was inspired to begin attending the annual conference to increase my network, knowledge, and get outside my comfort zone as a young aspiring leader. I’ve been a long-standing presenter for many years and was always encouraged to get involved. I had the opportunity to become VP of Professional Development for NEACRAO in 2024 and made it my mission to increase connection and learning outside the annual conference through monthly webinars and ultimately introducing NEACRAO Notes, our semesterly publication, which features the voice of our members from across the New England Region. Everything came full circle at the most recent annual meeting when I was elected President-Elect of the organization, something I take great pride in representing not only my institution, Bridgewater State University, but the New England Region.
What do you enjoy most about your work and/or involvement with your State & Regional ACRAO?
Wolk: I love how close the organization feels. In comparison to some of the other State & Regionals, we are a little bit smaller, but that also means we have the opportunity to get to know one another that much more. We take great pride in being the regional birthplace of higher education and try to embody that with everything we do as an organization. Being on the board has allowed me to build meaningful relationships with colleagues, strengthen my own leadership, and help shape the future of the region.
Have you encountered any unexpected or notable experiences along your professional path?
Wolk: I would say we all experience unexpected or notable things that bring us to where we are today. As the saying goes, “nobody wakes up and says, I’m going to be a Registrar when I grow up.” My professional journey has been filled with twists and turns, but I have also never been afraid to bet on myself and take a chance. That is what has gotten me to where I am today.
What do you aspire to accomplish in the future with AACRAO?
Wolk: Being a regional leader, I feel I’ve already learned so much and grown from my involvement with NEACRAO. In the future, I’d love to continue my work on the national level, helping to lead AACRAO in some sort of board membership capacity. I’m someone who loves a challenge, especially when I can put my own creative stamp on whatever it is I’m doing. I hope to use that creativity and share my vision for the future of AACRAO, focusing on networking, learning, connecting, and coming together as a community. Most importantly, in whatever may come in my future with AACRAO, I hope I can inspire someone to say, “If he can do it, why not me?” That is what leadership and mentoring are all about to me.
What advice would you give to help others find their S&R and community at AACRAO?
Wolk: Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Start by attending a webinar your S&R may offer. If you can attend their annual conference, even better! Getting involved is so much easier than folks may think, and doesn’t have to mean taking on a board role. You can make an impact by facilitating a conference session, presenting at the annual conference, or, if your organization offers the opportunity, writing for them. The connections you will make, the learning you will get from it, make it all worth it.