With over two decades of dedicated service at Texas A&M University, Sara has built a career focused on advancing student success, improving retention, and supporting first-generation and transfer students throughout their academic journeys. Sara brings expertise in enrollment management, student development, and academic advising, with a proven track record of creating inclusive pathways for historically underserved student populations. Her collaborative work with faculty, staff, and campus partners has played a critical role in shaping policies and programs that foster a supportive and equitable learning environment.
Jim Farmer is an enrollment management professional with 19 years of experience in higher education admissions, student success, and operations. At Shawnee State University, he oversees undergraduate, graduate, and international admission. Jim specializes in guiding first-generation students through the admissions process, improving student outcomes through one-on-one engagement, and solving complex challenges related to student information systems.
2025 SEM-EP Graduate
Capstone: Increasing Exposure and Enrollment Through Direct Admissions: A Pilot Plan for Local High Schools
Li is an accomplished higher education leader with more than a decade of expertise in enrollment management, student services, international partnerships, and alumni relations. Since joining Sofia University in 2021, she has served as Associate Vice President of Strategic Enrollment, International and Alumni Affairs, and Designated School Official (DSO). She also chairs the university’s Strategic Enrollment Management Planning (SEMP) Committee, where she plays a pivotal role in advancing institutional enrollment strategies. Li holds an MPA in Public Sector Management and Leadership from California State University, Northridge, and an MBA in Executive Management and Entrepreneurship from the California Institute of Advanced Management. In addition, she is a Certified Life Coach, combining professional expertise with a deep commitment to student success. Her career spans leadership of multi-continent teams and the expansion of enrollments across multiple institutes. She has guided thousands of students worldwide in navigating critical academic and career decisions. Her professional experience in national and regional accreditation, compliance, articulation, student counseling, and Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) regulations provides extensive knowledge of best practices for recruiting, enrolling, and serving diverse student populations across the globe.
Capstone: Strategic Enrollment Management Plan
2025 ÐãÉ«Ö±²¥ Elections Candidate - Vice President for Access and Equity
Position Statement:
2025 ÐãÉ«Ö±²¥ Elections Candidate- Vice President for Admissions and Enrollment Management
Joining Southeast Missouri State University’s Office of Admissions in July 2003, Lenell Hahn has over 22 years of experience in higher education admissions and recruitment. She began serving as director of admissions in January 2013. On April 1, 2025, she was named the Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management and Admissions expanding her leadership role to support the offices of the Registrar, Online and Graduate Services.
Lenell provides leadership for the development and implementation of effective strategies to attract and enroll new students, as well as advocate for access to higher education. Leveraging technology in the recruitment and admissions process has been key to the enrollment success Southeast has experienced. Implementing Element451 in 2020 significantly enhanced SEMO’s engagement with future Redhawks through every stage of the funnel.
Her educational background includes an associate of arts degree from Three Rivers College and bachelor of science in business administration (BSBA) and master’s in business administration (MBA) from Southeast Missouri State University. She has completed professional certifications and trainings in enrollment analytics and customer service excellence. Over the last 22 years, Lenell has presented at numerous state and national conferences to share her knowledge with other professionals.
“Southeast challenged me but also believed in me when I was a student. The relationships I built with faculty and staff were key to me seeing the potential in myself and encouraging me to get involved and take on leadership roles. From being a founding member of Omicron Delta Kappa's chapter at SEMO to winning first place in the Delta Epsilon Chi national competition to traveling abroad visiting four countries in Europe, these experiences have shaped who I am today. My commitment is to help others see the impact a college degree can have on their life and close the gap in them achieving their dreams.”
2025 ÐãÉ«Ö±²¥ Elections Candidate - 2026-2027 N&E Committee Member
I am honored to be nominated for the ÐãÉ«Ö±²¥ Nominations and Elections (N&E) Committee. This role aligns with my professional journey and represents an exciting opportunity to contribute to the future of higher education leadership. Over the past 15 years, I have worked across many higher education institutions, with deep expertise in student recruitment, records management, academic policy, and compliance—critical areas that directly impact our students’ educational experiences.
My current role as Law Registrar at North Carolina Central University School of Law has sharpened my skills in educational planning, degree auditing, curriculum management, and graduation clearance. This role has reinforced my commitment to accuracy and confidentiality while advocating for students at every stage of their academic journey. My previous experience in admissions leadership further complements this perspective; I have successfully developed strategic recruitment plans and fostered collaborations among diverse stakeholders to enhance student access and retention.
If elected to N&E, my goals will be to
With a career devoted to student success, maintaining academic integrity, and promoting inclusive access to higher education, I am genuinely excited about the possibility of shaping the next generation of ÐãÉ«Ö±²¥ leadership. We can create an environment where every member feels empowered to contribute to our shared mission.
Thank you for your consideration.
Associate Registrar at the University of Iowa with over a decade of experience in higher education administration, including roles in registrar services, academic advising, and financial aid. Successfully implemented initiatives promoting student retention and streamlined academic processes. Passionate about fostering inclusive academic environments, I advocate for access and equity in higher education, championing a student-centric approach to policy development. Since 2019, I have served UMACRAO and ÐãÉ«Ö±²¥ in various committees and leadership positions, driving key initiatives and fostering collaboration.
Elissa has contributed the following presentations at annual meetings:
And she was also on the following ÐãÉ«Ö±²¥ podcast episodes:
I am excited to run for a position on the ÐãÉ«Ö±²¥ Nominations and Elections Committee because I believe I can contribute meaningfully to the organization's future direction. As a current member of the Black Caucus and Vice-Chair for the Professional Access and Equity Committee, I am committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within our profession. If elected, I will work toward the following goals:
As Vice-Chair of the Professional Access and Equity Committee, I have had the privilege of working on initiatives that encourage entry into the profession and promote the involvement of underrepresented groups. This experience has prepared me well for the additional responsibilities of the chair and vice-chair positions on the Nominations and Elections Committee, which include planning and preparing the nominations, voting, and elections processes. I am ready to take on these responsibilities and contribute to the continued success and growth of ÐãÉ«Ö±²¥.
I am committed to ensuring that ÐãÉ«Ö±²¥’s leadership remains diverse, accountable, and aligned with the needs of its members. I would be honored to serve on the Nominations and Elections Committee and work collaboratively with others to strengthen ou
Associate Director of Graduate Admissions, Sam Houston State University and NAGAP Director of Education
Naronda Wright, Ed.D., currently serves as the Associate Dean of Graduate Student Services at Georgia Southern University where she oversees graduate student services, prior to that she served as the inaugural Director of Graduate Admissions at Augusta University, where she was tasked with developing & creating the graduate admissions office. Dr. Wright has nearly 18 years of experience in graduate enrollment management and has been deeply immersed in the realm of graduate education from prospect to alumni.
Beyond her institutional commitments, Naronda is actively involved in NAGAP, a leading professional association dedicated to Graduate Enrollment Management professionals. Dr. Wright has played pivotal roles at both the regional chapter and the national board, currently serving as the association President. She is the first African American president of the association.
Originally from South Carolina, Dr. Wright holds her undergraduate degree from Columbia College, a master's degree from Georgia Southern University, and a doctoral degree in Higher Education Leadership from Clark Atlanta University.
Nathan Fuerst is the Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment at the University of Connecticut, where he leads a wide range of areas that shape the student journey—from Admissions and Financial Aid to Residential Life, Dining Services, Student Health & Wellness, and more. His work touches all UConn campuses and is centered on creating a welcoming, student-focused experience from first interest to graduation and beyond.
Nathan is driven by a deep commitment to putting students first. Whether it’s improving how students connect with services or strengthening support across the student experience, his leadership is guided by the belief that every interaction matters.
He joined UConn in 2011 as Director of Undergraduate Admissions and has held several leadership roles since. In 2018, he was named Vice President following a national search, and in 2023, his role expanded to bring student life and enrollment efforts together under one umbrella—strengthening UConn’s holistic approach to student engagement.
Originally from Nebraska, Nathan began his career at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and holds both a BA and MBA from there. He currently serves on the boards of the Coalition for College and New Haven Promise and is actively involved in a number of university-wide initiatives focused on access, inclusion, and student success.
Denise Wiggins, Ed.D., has over a decade of leadership in higher education, helping students with college readiness, career counseling, and obtaining certifications. She has supported various educational programs and led cross-functional efforts around diversity, equity, and inclusion learning content. Dr. Wiggins also brings years of experience and expertise in adult learning and development.
Representing Diversity or Lack-Thereof: An Analysis of DPT and PTA Education Program Websites
Amy S. Nowacki, Ph.D., has seventeen years of experience as an applied biostatistician in the areas of basic, translational, and clinical biomedical research. She is an expert in study design, data collection, data analysis, data visualization, and interpretation of results. Dr. Nowacki is also a statistical educator and education researcher, where she explores the communication of statistical ideas/concepts by physicians in both research and patient care, as well as the development of educational resources that enhance statistical training and ease teacher workload.
Gregory M. Kline, P. T., D.P. T., Ed.D., M.B.A, is an Associate Professor of Physical Therapy and Program Director in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Hanover College. Dr. Kline is the current President of the Ohio Physical Therapy Association. He has presented at local, state, and national conferences on interprofessional education, education pipelines, and student success initiatives.
Rachel S. King, J.D., is the Director, Educational Equity, Title IX Coordinator, and Section 504 Coordinator at the Cleveland Clinic. She also serves as the Assistant Dean of Students for the Cleveland Clinic School of Health Professions. The first person in her role, Ms. King, addresses discrimination and harassment in Cleveland Clinic’s educational programs, and supports and leads engagement and belonging efforts across education. Ms. King has more than 20 years of experience representing institutions of higher education and serving in various policy-making roles. Ms. King has published and presented nationally on topics related to engagement and belonging, including microaggressions, providing feedback across identity differences, Title IX in academic medicine, and disability accommodations in healthcare settings.
Mari Knettle, P. T., D.P. T., Ed.D., is the Medical Director of Health Professions Education for Cleveland Clinic, the Dean of the Cleveland Clinic School of Health Professions, and Assistant Professor of Medicine, Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Dr. Knettle provides leadership for student education in more than 60 health professions across the Cleveland Clinic enterprise. Her primary areas of scholarship include engagement and belonging in health professions education, as well as education as a talent pipeline through partnerships between clinical and academic institutions.
Megan Murphy, M.P.A., is the Assistant Registrar at Harford Community College. She is in her third year of employment at HCC and previously worked for five years at the University of Delaware, where she served as an academic program coordinator and then an admissions coordinator in the College of Health Sciences. She currently serves on the college’s Curriculum Work Group and Advising 2.0 Committee, and is a Tri-Chair for Commencement. She has presented at the 109th ÐãÉ«Ö±²¥ Annual Meeting, the 94th Annual MSACROA Conference, as well as other local conferences. Megan received her master’s in Public Administration and her bachelor’s degrees in Art Conservation and Art History from the University of Delaware.
The Causes and Effects of Course Withdrawals
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