By Tara Kent, Ph.D. Director, Office of the Registrar, AMDA
It was a crisp 61 degrees on September 26, 2023—a perfect fall day in New York City. I was at my desk, fully absorbed in the tasks that fill my day, when an unexpected email from AACRAO popped up. The email was a congratulatory notice for my acceptance into ASCEND. Now, if you've never heard of ASCEND, don't worry—I hadn't either. ASCEND is a 9-month hybrid leadership program that propels mid-career higher ed professionals from underrepresented backgrounds into strategic executive roles, offering immersive learning, coaching, and career development.
Let's rewind three or four months. I applied to the program without fully grasping what I was stepping into. Honestly, I'd forgotten all about it—can you blame me? If you work in higher ed, you know how things pile up, and some things just slip through the cracks. Hard to believe, right? Especially in the registrar's office! But trust me, we're trained to catch those things with our good eye.
Imagine my surprise when I saw that email. Wait, what? I got in? I was just as caught off guard as you might be right now. But here's what I've learned in my higher ed career: nothing happens by accident. I was meant to be in this program, even if I didn't see it at the time. So, come along with me as I take you on a journey through my ASCEND experience—one that has been transformative in ways I never could have predicted.
Building Connections and Gaining Knowledge
There's a treasure trove of gems in the ASCEND program, and one of the brightest has been the chance to attend not just one but two SEM conferences. One on the West Coast and another on the East Coast. As an ASCEND participant, you get free access to these conferences, packed with professional development sessions.
The first SEM conference took place in Seattle, Washington, where we got to meet our cohort in person for the first time. Yes, you heard that right—there were others just like me who may or may not have fully realized what they'd signed up for. But what made this experience special was the diversity of the cohort. This wasn't just a gathering of professionals from the same backgrounds. These were individuals from admissions, student affairs, and beyond—representing institutions big and small. Each brings a unique story, and you'll gain valuable insights from real-life experiences shared.
The next SEM conference will be held in Boston, Massachusetts, this November. It's not just a chance to reconnect with the cohort but to gain more knowledge and strengthen those crucial networks. As anyone in higher education knows, it takes a village to make things work. These conferences are packed with learning opportunities, but what really stands out is the emphasis on networking. It's front and center, and honestly, it's where the magic happens. Another bright gem of the program is being assigned a coach who is honest, empowering, and impactful—someone I can reach out to at any time. You leave with more than just knowledge—you leave with connections that could shape your career for years to come.
The Self
One of the most valuable lessons I gained from this program was learning more about myself. You might be thinking, "At this point in your life, you don't know who you are?" But understanding yourself and what you bring to the table is a lifelong process. Let me explain.
I took the Clifton Strengths evaluation, and to be honest, I was both surprised and a little disappointed. We focused on our top five strengths, and mine didn't include flashy words like "strategic," "analytical," or "command." My top five were learner, focus, achiever, arranger, and adaptability. At first, I felt a little defeated. But I quickly realized I hadn't fully understood the value of these strengths.
Think about it: if I'm leading, isn't the desire to learn—resulting in confidence and mastery—a powerful trait? Shouldn't I have the focus to guide myself, my team, and my institution? Achieving goals is critical, especially in higher ed, where success is non-negotiable. And being able to organize complex situations while adapting on the fly? That's essential leadership. Now, I see the value in what I once thought was average. I recognize my strengths and areas for growth. My top five strengths don't mean I lack other skills—they just highlight where I need to put in extra effort.
The SEM Plan
The capstone is another standout feature of the program, as it involves developing a SEM plan. If you're unfamiliar with SEM plans, don't worry—I was too at first. However, working in the registrar's office, I quickly realized how crucial it is to understand their relevance. Remember when I quoted Hillary Clinton saying, "It takes a village"? That's true for our institutions, too. Every department impacts enrollment management since students engage with all areas, from facilities to institutional research. Understanding how we all contribute to both enrollment and retention is key, as students are the heart of our institutions. I won't go into more detail—just know you'll dive into this fully when you join the next ASCEND cohort, and there are no spoilers here!
Meet the Experts
It's time to wrap this up, but before I go, let me highlight one more gem: the expert guest speakers and AACRAO celebrities who share insights you didn't even know you needed. Some takeaways you'll implement right away, while others will be stored in your treasure chest for later use. Trust me, their advice will come in handy. You might find yourself reflecting on Jack Miner's insights on public relations, Rachelle Hernandez's tips on change management, or Dr. Cedric Howard's guidance on environmental scans. There's so much to absorb, but I'll stop here—I don't want to be the "spoiler alert" of this 9-month journey!
This ASCEND journey has been nothing short of transformative. From the unexpected joy of learning more about myself through the Clifton Strengths evaluation to the invaluable networking opportunities and the deep dives into SEM plans, each experience has been a gem in its own right. The chance to attend SEM conferences on both coasts and engage with brilliant guest speakers has enriched my professional toolkit in ways I didn't anticipate. This program is a treasure chest of knowledge, connections, and growth, and while I'm not revealing all the secrets, I can say this: it's a nine-month adventure that will leave you better equipped to lead, inspire, and make an impact.