Q&A with NAGAP Committee Chairs with Katie-Ann Mason, EdM, Bridgewater State University

Q A &

with NAGAP Committee Chairs

Katie-Ann Mason, EdM, Chair of the Chapters Committee

In a nutshell, what does your committee work on (or are responsible for)?

The Chapters Committee provides chapter mentorship and support for chapter initiatives. We keep chapters informed of NAGAP initiatives and activities and collaborate with chapter presidents to encourage future NAGAP membership and leadership participation, and engagement from chapter leaders and members.

What led you to your career in graduate enrollment management (for instance, how did you find your first role in GEM? Why have you continued in this field since?)

My first role in GEM was part-time as an admissions representative for the Boston University School of Social Work. I applied after a year exploring the field of Social Work. While I did enjoy helping people, I missed the energy of a college campus. I was very active as an undergraduate student. I was an RA, Peer Health Educator, and Senior Interviewer for Undergraduate Admissions. Recalling these experiences, I began to seek postings in the higher education field and took the part-time role to get my foot in the door. I was a server at a diner after a two-hour commute home each day to make ends meet. Thankfully after 5 months they promoted me to full-time. I remain in this field because I understand that higher education opens the door for people to support themselves doing something they truly love. It never gets old being a part of the process that propels people toward their future.

Tell us about your current role in graduate enrollment management. What do you enjoy most about it?

In my current role as associate director of graduate admissions at Bridgewater State University I help manage the application and review process. I work to create efficiencies in processes, I meet with students and host Graduate Application Workshops, but my favorite part of my role is projects. I have the privilege of taking on many projects that seek to eliminate barriers to application or admission. When a project is able to change a policy or requirement, I know I am making an impact.

How long have you been involved in NAGAP, and what led you to becoming involved?

I attended my first NAGAP Annual Conference in April 2015. That was also my first year as an official member through my institution. I had participated in NEGAP since 2011 and been on the Board and those who came before me naturally were becoming more involved and active in NAGAP activities and then leadership. Colleagues in the field who had been attending were also sure to encourage me to go and participate. My participation is the product of their strong ambassadorship.

What are you most excited to work on or accomplish in your committee chair position?

I am most looking forward to using my time as chair to support chapter leaders and strengthen the link between them and NAGAP and chapter members and NAGAP. I think it is important that we get the word out about how NAGAP membership and PD opportunities will be valuable and necessary to GEM professionals in this new landscape.

What do you like to do for fun?

I love the theatre. For fun I enjoy seeing plays and musicals as often as possible. When I can I like to participate in arts & crafts. Coming up I am doing a Hocus Pocus 2 cookie decorating class. And I am always happy snuggling up on the couch with my family to watch a movie with some popcorn.

What is one thing you would want people to know about you and GEM?

While I am a higher education professional, I believe that there are many different paths to success and many different paces. It is critical that individuals weigh all their options when considering the way forward for them and most importantly that we remember it is never too late to start down a new path toward a new dream.

What is one thing about you people would never suspect?

Hmmm, although I consider myself to be somewhat adventurous, I am a picky eater. n