We're pleased to introduce AACRAO's most recent Research Advisory Board member, Darcy Briggs, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs at the South Dakota School of Mines, whose professional background and interests align perfectly with the goals of the advisory board. In her role, she will provide feedback and ideas to AACRAO's Director of Research, Dr. Wendy Kilgore, on research topics of interest to the membership. Additionally, as an advisory board member Ms. Briggs may serve as an occasional source of practice expertise for inquiries from members and to provide
feedback on survey/research design.
In preparation for this announcement, Ms. Briggs was kind enough to answer a few questions about her history, goals, and motivation for joining AACRAO's Research Advisory Board, read on to learn more about our newest board member.
Can you tell us more about your professional background?
I began working in higher education more than 25 years ago and have gained experience at a variety of colleges and universities including public, private, four-year, and two-year institutions. My career in higher education includes experience in both student affairs and academic affairs, which has made me keenly aware of how academic offerings, student services, and departmental initiatives should align with institutional goals and priorities and larger higher education system, and/or state strategic goals. I am cognizant of how all divisions and departments of an institution are interwoven and when efforts across campus are coordinated and planned strategically, they can lead to a robust offering of services, initiatives, and academic programs ultimately designed to increase student success, fulfill the mission of the institution, and contribute to the greater good.
I have held leadership roles for over 15 years and in that time have experienced enrollment fluctuations, funding changes, departmental and organizational changes, a global pandemic, philosophical shifts about how to best support students, and increased legislative interest in higher education. Each of these has certainly presented challenges, but they have also held the potential for disruptive innovations and experiencing them taught me so much. Further, they deepened my appreciation for and commitment to engaging in professional development opportunities to effectively navigate this dynamically changing field.
Why did you choose to apply for the Research Advisory Board?
My interest in serving on the Research Advisory Board is twofold. First, I appreciate AACRAO as a professional association, and value the breadth of resources and information made available to professionals in the field. And secondly, I have a strong desire to make a positive contribution to the research endeavors at AACRAO that will allow members to best lead their institutions and serve their students.
Throughout my career, I have worked in and led areas directly connected to the work of AACRAO. These areas include Registrar’s Office, enrollment management and enrollment services, financial aid, graduation, admissions, transfer credit evaluation, articulation agreements, and prior learning. AACRAO is a tremendous professional resource and I greatly value the materials and information made available.
Higher education is a complex field that is both steeped in tradition and undergoing rapid changes. To successfully navigate these two extremes, I believe that the most effective leaders in higher education are those who stay informed about current and evolving issues. As a higher education professional, I appreciate the relevant, timely, and important topics AACRAO Research has explored and would value the opportunity to be a resource for the membership to inform future research topics.
Any past research you've worked or collaborated on?
My past research work is limited, and an area I seek to further develop. The two primary research endeavors I have engaged in were for my doctoral dissertation and related to the student outcomes associated with participation in a First Year Experience program at a prior institution. My doctoral dissertation explored the preferred leadership styles of students at a community college. The First Year Experience program research sought to determine if there were changes to Key Performance Indicators for students who participated in the FYE program, compared to those who did not.
In addition to those limited research activities, I have extensive experience collaborating with internal and external constituents, creating and implementing assessments, gathering and analyzing data, and identifying insights gained from that data analysis.
Visit AACRAO's Research Advisory Board page to learn more about AACRAO research, the process, and submit
your application to join the advisory board as spots become open.