Dr Tammy Aagard

Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management at University of Florida

President-Elect Position Statement

Throughout my career in Admissions and Academic Records, AACRAO has been my source for information, training, and engagement. AACRAO has provided me opportunities to develop my presentation skills and share information with colleagues.  My experience in leadership in RMACRAO gave me a glimpse into the workings of the AACRAO Board of Directors.  Through AACRAO, I have made lifelong friends and have colleagues around the world. I have called upon my AACRAO colleagues on numerous occasions for advice on policies and procedures. I have also used the AACRAO resources to guide best practice in my various positions and to provide sound advice to leadership at my institutions or state.

It has been my privilege to serve on the AACRAO Board as the VP for Admissions and Enrollment Management. While on the Board, I served as the AACRAO Board sponsor for 4 workgroups who were working concurrently on issues that face our membership including Student Success; Admissions Career Path; Criminal History and Beyond the Box; and Veterans Reporting. Shepherding these efforts along has been very fulfilling especially given the outcomes and recommendations that are coming out of these efforts. These recommendations will have direct impacts on AACRAO membership in dealing with very important issues.

In addition, I have worked extensively as chair of the Compensation Committee to empower the Executive Director to create short and long-term goals for the office that align with the Strategic Plan, rather than responding to shifting priorities with new Compensation Committee membership.  This stability continues to foster growth of the Executive Director and the staff.  I also served on the Strategic Planning Committee with a specific emphasis on Student Success.  I am currently on the Finance, Investments and Audit committee.  This experience will give me even more insight into the financial side of the Association. In addition, I am currently on the Governance Committee.  Service on all of these committees has prepared me well for the workings of the Board in support of the Association.

As I think about the role of the President of AACRAO, it both excites me and terrifies me.  I have observed leaders from afar for many years and the past three years I have seen this role up close. It is an important position on the Board. The President-Elect works closely with the Program Chairs for the next annual meeting. Professional development is extremely important to me and the annual meeting is an important part of providing professional development to our members. I have observed people transition from the President-Elect role into the President’s seat. The President must have a vision for the association; be able to articulate it to the Board and the membership; and inspire people to get on board.  My experience on the Board gives me a history and context that would inform my vision for the association.

Leadership is core to who I am.  I studied it for my doctorate and I continue to read about leadership.  I see the world through a leadership lens and work to provide sound leadership in everything I do. It is inspiring to see many AACRAO leaders who have taken on this important presidential leadership roles with no thought of themselves, but truly for what they can give to the Association.  If elected, I would work to be one of those leaders.  It is not about me, but it is about AACRAO.

Thank you for considering me.