The AACRAO ASCEND program is a leadership development initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of enrollment management professionals. Combining leadership training with practical, real-world projects, ASCEND provides scholars with the tools and support necessary to excel both personally and professionally. Scholars engage in creating strategic enrollment management (SEM) plans, solving institutional challenges, and developing the leadership skills required to lead effectively in higher education.
One of the distinguishing features of the ASCEND program is its coaching model. Each scholar is paired with an experienced professional who serves as a coach, guiding them through the various phases of their leadership journey. These coaches offer not only professional advice but also personal support, helping scholars navigate their professional challenges and grow in their roles.
What Coaches Do
ASCEND coaches offer personalized support and guidance to scholars as they work through the program. For many coaches, the decision to participate is driven by their own leadership strengths and a desire to help the next generation of leaders succeed.
"One of my Clifton Strengths is Maximizer. I love to maximize the leadership ability of those around me," explained Tammy Aagard. "Coaching in the ASCEND program is a way to develop the next generation of leaders in enrollment management." Aagard views coaching as an opportunity to provide scholars with a safe space to work through career challenges while building essential leadership skills.
Many coaches find that their relationships with scholars extend beyond the official duration of the program. As Aagard noted, "This year, as with other years, has been great. I absolutely love the connection that forms and can remain after the program ends."
Why Coaches Coach
A common thread among ASCEND coaches is a desire to give back to the profession by supporting up-and-coming leaders. For Clayton Smith, serving as an ASCEND coach is a way to repay AACRAO for the opportunities it has afforded him throughout his career. "It is my way of giving back to AACRAO for all it has given to me over the years," he said.
Similarly, Michelle Brown-Nevers felt compelled to share her wealth of experience with others. "Having so much experience, I thought it would be great to share my experiences with others to help keep our profession alive and make the jobs of those who come behind me smoother," she explained.
Connie Shipman-Newsome echoed these sentiments, noting that her decision to become a coach was driven by a desire to make an impact on higher education professionals in diverse fields. "The opportunity to be an ASCEND coach spoke to my desire for impact in diverse positions in the field of higher education administration," Shipman-Newsome shared. "I realized that, with my passion for leadership development and best practices, I might just have something to offer."
Coaching Impact
For many coaches, their time spent mentoring ASCEND scholars has been a deeply rewarding experience. The chance to watch scholars grow and succeed—both during the program and afterward—brings tremendous satisfaction.
"This year, as with other years, has been great," remarked Tammy Aagard. "I absolutely love the connection that forms and can remain after the program ends."
Michelle Brown-Nevers has also enjoyed witnessing the professional growth of the scholars she has coached. "So far, I have coached three scholars and am coaching another now. Two of the three scholars have grown in their specific professions, and I see the others growing as well," she said. "We continue to stay connected."
For
Connie Shipman-Newsome, the opportunity to engage with both scholars and fellow coaches has been a highlight. "It has been rather rewarding, engaging, and fun," she shared. "I have enjoyed getting to know the other coaches and learning from the scholars." Shipman-Newsome emphasized that the relationships built during the program often last well beyond the cohort’s conclusion, creating a lasting sense of community.
Profile Building
ASCEND offers its scholars a combination of theoretical and practical learning experiences, with a strong emphasis on real-world application. Scholars are tasked with completing projects that address actual challenges they will encounter in their careers.
"The projects ASCEND gives its scholars are real-life cases," explained Michelle Brown-Nevers. "It prepares them for actual issues and opportunities they will encounter."
In addition to the projects, the program offers leadership development training, current insights on enrollment management, and opportunities to collaborate with other scholars and coaches. This combination of elements allows scholars to build their professional profiles and advance in their careers.
"Scholars learn which questions to ask, how to engage with leaders on their campuses, and how to leverage the knowledge of their coaches and other scholars in their network," explained
Tammy Aagard. It is not uncommon for scholars to secure promotions or new roles even before they complete the program, a testament to the program’s real-world value.
Clayton Smith also emphasized the transformative impact of ASCEND. "ASCEND is making a big difference in the professional and personal lives of its scholars, leading some to take the next step in their careers, with others gaining new positions while expanding their networks," he said.
Advice for Future Scholars
The ASCEND program challenges scholars to stretch themselves, and coaches encourage participants to embrace the process of growth rather than striving for perfection. "Give yourself grace as you work through the program," advised Tammy Aagard. "Perfection is not a prerequisite for entering the program or completing the capstone, but use this opportunity to continue the perfecting process."
Clayton Smith offered a similar message, stressing the value of the program’s challenges. "If you want to grow, ASCEND is the place for you," he said. "But be ready to stretch yourself, as ASCEND will both challenge and inspire you."
For
Connie Shipman-Newsome, active participation is key to getting the most out of the program. "Delve into the readings, the discussion prompts, and the questions from your fellow scholars and coaches," she advised. "Even if your goal is not immediate promotion but to grow stronger in your current role, know that your future self will thank you for being part of the ASCEND Leadership Development Program."
Michelle Brown-Nevers encouraged scholars to maintain connections with their coaches and fellow scholars, highlighting the importance of these relationships in their professional journey. "Stay connected with each other and your coach. Use your coach and their experience to help you," she advised.
How to Get Involved
As ASCEND continues to evolve, it remains a vital resource for those in higher education who wish to make a meaningful impact. For current and future scholars, the program offers not only professional growth but also a lifelong community of support and mentorship. Visit our ASCEND Program page to stay up-to-date on the program.