3 minute read
Georgia Southern University
from NAGAP Perspectives
by nagapgem
Q A &
Incoming Vice President Naronda C. Wright, MEd, Graduate Admissions Coordinator, College of Graduate Studies at Georgia Southern University
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?
I was originally just looking to find a job in the town I lived in after moving to Georgia, and I applied to Georgia Southern University for an administrative specialist position in graduate admissions and fell in love with higher education. After being hired in the position, I was quickly immersed into the world of higher education and then the recession of 2008 hit us all, and I realized how much education was a retreat to so many looking for ways to improve themselves and make them more marketable in such an uncertain time. Being in my position made me realize that I needed to finish my undergraduate degree and, shortly after completing my undergraduate degree, I jumped right into my graduate program and earned my M.Ed in Higher Education Administration. Here I am 14 years later, and I still love what I do as a graduate enrollment management professional, and I am in the second semester of my pursuit of a doctorate degree in higher education leadership.
Tell us about your current role in graduate enrollment management. What do you enjoy most about it?
Currently, I serve as a graduate admissions coordinator in the College of Graduate Studies at Georgia Southern University. What I enjoy most about my position is being able to help the students we serve. I love working with a student to get them admitted to a program that will enhance their professional and personal lives, then seeing them walk across the stage at graduation. The feeling that I played a small role in their accomplishment is wonderful.
How long have you been involved in NAGAP, and what led you to becoming involved?
I have been a member of NAGAP since 2010 and actively involved since 2012. I had a past supervisor that encouraged our office to take part in professional development offered by the association. After initially attending conferences and a Summer Professional Development Institute (PDI), I felt the need to get more involved. In 2014, a call went out for volunteers to be a part of the annual conference planning committee, and I submitted a letter of interest and was selected. That involvement led to my desire to continue to grow in being an active member of NAGAP and eventually led to my leadership roles within the association.
What are you most excited to work on or accomplish in your new role as vice president?
First, I would like to say thank you and share that I am humbled by the confidence our membership has in me to elect me to the secretary position for 2020-2022 and now vice president for the 2022-2024 board cycle. I am excited to continue to promote NAGAP and the wonderful opportunities for professional development for those working in graduate enrollment management (GEM). I look forward to working alongside my fellow board members and the membership to position NAGAP to be the first thing that crosses GEM professionals’ minds when they are looking for professional development opportunities and connections that will prove valuable over the years.
What do you like to do for fun?
For fun I like to watch sports, ANY kind! I am a huge football and basketball fan, but I will watch pretty much any kind of sporting event. Other than sports I love to travel, especially with my family. n
