”Meet a Consultant” is a new series of Connect articles for AACRAO members to get to know the experts at AACRAO Consulting and how they have helped institutions around the world.
Describe your role with AACRAO Consulting.
I was brought on as a full-time consultant hire and am now celebrating my three year anniversary with AACRAO Consulting. At this stage in my life, it was a great career move. Bob Bontrager (Senior Director of AACRAO Consulting and SEM Initiatives) is a big reason why. He was my boss once before and has been pivotal in the roles that I have had. My role as a managing consultant is that I am part of the leadership consulting team. Aside from working on a variety of projects, my role is also to train newer consultants coming in which has been fun.
Describe your career journey and how it brought you to AACRAO Consulting.
I have been working in higher education for 33 years at small, medium, and large institutions, serving in all enrollment management areas (orientation, admissions, registrar, financial aid, etc). My experience has been a big factor in what helps me to be a good consultant. I have been an AACRAO member for more than 20 years, volunteering on committees and serving as a chair for group one (admissions and enrollment management) and conference coordinator. I was also a VP for Admissions and Enrollment Management on the AACRAO board for three years.
What do you like most about being a consultant?
I love going to the different campuses, meeting with the staffs, and learning something new from each visit. I love working in higher education and with higher education professionals in general. This is my favorite part of the job.
What would you say are your biggest consulting strengths?
The feedback I receive from many of my clients is that they appreciate my ability to quickly assess and understand the situation. My ability to relate to clients and connect with them is also a strength. I am told I am direct but nice, respectful and professional.
What is the most interesting project you have worked on during your time here?
I worked on a long-term project where the institution was originally in total disarray. After the initial visit, I constructed a report of my findings and recommendations. After reviewing the report, the institution needed further assistance so I went in a week a month for an entire year. The project was long but I was able to help initiate and create significant positive change. We helped to remodel the space, rearrange staff and clean up processes and policies. The enrollment management division was originally the problem area for the whole campus and now they are the best practices example on campus. This project was very rewarding not only for me for the entire enrollment management division.
What is something that you learned while working for AC?
One thing that I wondered about was how I could stay current in the field since I was no longer going to be full-time on a campus like I used to be. However, I am now more current on a bigger, broader level than if I would have actually been on a campus. I have learned about so many enrollment practices and solutions on a global and national scale. In fact, I feel like I’m on the cutting edge of many new things such as technologies. It is a huge bonus when I go on campus and feel so connected and knowledgeable so I can better assist institutions to be more efficient.
What would you like to see for the future of AACRAO Consulting and/or what are some things you are excited about?
I am very excited about the business plan for growth and expansion. It is exciting that how we have become global. We could be very different a year from now.
If you would like more information about Michele Sandlin and the services that she offers, please do not hesitate to contact AACRAO Consulting at 202-355-1056.