Meet AACRAO's newest SEM-EP evaluators

AACRAO’s Strategic Enrollment Management Endorsement Program’s (SEM-EP) team welcomes three new evaluators. Each of AACRAO's new SEM evaluators brings with them a unique perspective and a wealth of experience. Meet Jennifer McClure, Patricia M. Pothour, and Brenda Schumann.

Regarding SEM-EP's newest evaluators Christopher Tremblay, SEM-EP Directory, said “Jennifer, Tricia and Brenda bring a wealth of experience and expertise to this volunteer role. They also represent different types of colleges so we will benefit from their perspectives as they review our learners’ work and offer feedback.”

Jennifer McClure Ph.D., Managing Director of Enrollment Services at Elgin Community College.

Dr. McClure brings fresh ideas, an aura of excitement, and more than 25 years of higher education experience with her as she begins her role as an SEM-EP Evaluator. 

“I really enjoy the field and I really enjoy the people that are involved with it. I feel like the endorsement program helped expose me to other areas that I didn't have much knowledge about..." "...It allowed me to get more in-depth in my understanding and ask better questions."

In speaking on the impact of SEM on campus McClure explored the varied ways in which SEM touches every part of the student journey in addition to the Admissions and Registrar's Office,  from Equity & Diversity to Marketing and Retention SEM plays a role throughout.

"...What I really like about SEM is that...it really is student-centric and it really does put the students at the heart of things.”

When not focused on enrollment management McClure loves to spend her time outdoors hiking, attending sporting events, and enjoying time with her family.

Patricia M Pothour, Director of Enrollment Management, Graduate Management Programs at U of I Tippie College.

“I completed the program last spring and what I really enjoyed were the field visits...I found those to be really insightful and gave me an opportunity to really ask questions that you don't always get to ask colleagues."

Ms. Pothour sees an increased level of community and collaboration as being a focus of SEM moving forward. With organizations like AACRAO and its sister organizations on the state level providing higher ed professionals with a platform from which to promote enrollment management. 

“SEM is being recognized, and there has been more attention being put on the importance of collaboration...” "...In my years I have definitely seen more communication and collaboration...out of necessity SEM has risen to a level of awareness among leadership."

In her free time, Pothour considers reading her "go-to" hobby, but she also enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, fishing, and hiking.

Brenda Schumann, Deputy University Registrar & Director of Operations and Compliance at the UT at Austin.

“I think SEM is going to be even more important than it ever has been...SEM as a field or a mindset is definitely evolving and changing as the world has changed. It's something we all need to be aware of as we help students on their degree path to graduation."

Schuman brings with her more than 20 years of experience in higher education and enrollment management. In addition to her engagement with AACRAO Schumann is also very involved with her State and Regional associations (TACRAO and SACRAO).

In addition to her work, Ms. Schuman is also in the process of her doctoral dissertation proposal, but enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and the outdoors when she can.