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Leaders in Enrollment Advancing Diversity (LEAD)

ASCEND Leadership Development Program


Photograph from the 2023 SEM Conference in Seattle, WA of the 2023 - 2024 ASCEND Cohort.

Launched in 2019, ASCEND is a dynamic, strengths-based, nine-month hybrid professional development program designed for mid-career leaders across all spectrums of higher education who want to enhance their leadership capacity. ASCEND is uniquely guided by AACRAO’s Core Competencies and the Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) framework, with CliftonStrengths serving as a key tool for personal and professional growth. The program blends immersive cohort learning, coaching, hands-on SEM projects, and skill-building activities to equip you to lead change effectively, optimize enrollment, and elevate the learner experience at your institution.

ASCEND emphasizes applying real-world leadership practice. Scholars consistently report increased confidence, stronger strategic decision-making, and practical application of SEM principles that impact their daily work. The program fosters cohort connections, builds professional networks, and cultivates a supportive learning community, amplifying every participant’s unique strengths.

ASCEND Learning Objectives

  1. Advance Strategic Enrollment Management Expertise: Participants will gain experience in AACRAO Core Competencies—including change management, holistic and systemic thinking, data interpretation, and collaborative decision-making—to design and implement effective strategic enrollment management plans aligned with institutional goals.

  2. Leverage Personal Strengths for Leadership Excellence: Participants will identify and apply their top CliftonStrengths themes to enhance self-awareness, leadership confidence, and impact within their roles, fostering authentic and strengths-based leadership.

  3. Cultivate Collaborative Leadership Through Cohort Engagement: Participants will build productive peer networks, practice consensus-building, and engage in collective problem-solving within cohort activities and virtual/in-person sessions to expand relational and leadership capacities.

  4. Apply Change Leadership with Strengths-Based Agility: Using insights from CliftonStrengths, participants will enhance adaptability, resilience, and proactive change management skills to successfully lead and sustain institutional transformation in dynamic higher education environments.

  5. Demonstrate Executive Communication and Professional Presence: Participants will develop competency in articulating vision, strategic priorities, and professional brand through coaching and cohort feedback, preparing them to influence across institutional levels and serve as effective change agents.

  6. Drive Real-World Impact via Participant-Led Capstone Project: Participants will collaboratively create and implement a strategic enrollment management initiative that integrates AACRAO competencies with individual strengths, demonstrating applied leadership and operational effectiveness at their institutions.

Program Components

  • Hybrid Delivery: Participate in approximately 8 hours per month of virtual modules, readings, and interactive sessions designed to fit alongside professional responsibilities.

  • Expert Coaching: Monthly structured sessions with seasoned SEM leaders focused on refining your strengths and leadership style.

  • Peer Cohort Engagement:Early and frequent group activities both virtually and in-person to promote collaboration and build strong peer connections.

  • Capstone Experience:Apply your learning in a strategic enrollment management project that directly supports your institution while developing your leadership competencies.

  • Expanded Curriculum:Explore emerging areas like AI innovations, executive interviewing, budgeting, data analysis, and adaptive leadership.

  • Continuous Networking: Build connections at key AACRAO events and through ongoing alumni engagement.

Important Dates

October 22, 2025 - January 9, 2026
Application window

February 9, 2026
Notification of Cohort Acceptance

April 10, 2026
ASCEND Program Participant Fee Due

July 9, 2026
ASCEND Program Begins

November 1-4, 2026
2026 SEM Conference in Baltimore, MD—plan to participate in a full-day pre-conference session for current ASCEND Scholars.

April 4-7, 2027
ASCEND Program Concludes at the 2027 AACRAO Conference in Long Beach, CA

Give to the LEAD Fund

AACRAO Events 

Keep growing with upcoming AACRAO events and webinars.

View upcoming events

AACRAO Publications

Stay up to date on enrollment management issues and trends.

View publications


Blue and White Spelman Johnson Logo.

The ASCEND program is sponsored bySpelman Johnson.

What Will You Learn?

The ASCEND curriculum is designed to build on your unique strengths and advance your leadership capacity through future-focused, practical content:

  • SEM Core Concepts and Future Thinking
  • Federal Legislative Advocacy for Enrollment
  • Admissions Recruiting and Faculty Collaboration
  • Financial Aid as a Learner Success Tool
  • Budget Management and Change Leadership
  • Media Training for Enrollment Leaders
  • Retention Strategies and Environmental Scanning
  • ASCENDING Leadership Pathways

Capstone Scholar Experience

Gain hands-on, real-world experience by collaborating in small groups—guided by AACRAO consultants—to develop an implementable Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) plan. This signature capstone bridges AACRAO Core Competencies with your personal and professional strengths delivering meaningful outcomes for your institution efficiency and elevating your profile
as a strengths-based leader.

Why Choose ASCEND?

ASCEND empowers you to understand and harness your strengths, drive innovation, and build a professional support system, all while mastering the leadership competencies essential for today’s higher education environment. This program champions effective, connected, and resilient leaders who make lasting institutional and learner-centered impact.

  • Areceli Moreno (Cohort 5): My ASCEND experience was incredibly meaningful. It pushed me to reflect, grow, and embrace my leadership voice while building a supportive community passionate about student success.
  • Tony Strode(Cohort 4): ASCEND boosted my confidence in enrollment management and inspired me to aim higher. It offered valuable connections and collaboration that helped me succeed in my capstone project.
  • Angi Long (Cohort 4): It was a year of growth where I better understood how my work links to university goals. Connecting with leaders going through similar challenges was one of the biggest takeaways.
  • Dr. Tara Kent (Cohort 4): I gained a deeper understanding of my strengths, learned strategic leadership with intention, and feel equipped to make an impact in higher ed. I highly recommend ASCEND to anyone wanting to grow professionally and personally.
  • Johnika Nixon (Cohort 2): ASCEND is an accelerated bridge that distinguishes itself from other programs that guides leaders chart their professional path by encouraging each to reframe their skills as strengths and engage collaboratively from that lens.  
  • Jessika Harris (Cohort 1): ASCEND was transformative both professionally and personally. Though I wanted a stronger sense of community, the program enriched my skills and expanded my network for growth.
  • Tamika Davis (Cohort 1): I experienced positive personal and professional growth in a safe, supportive space where I could learn, ask questions, and assess decisions alongside peers.

2026-2027 Cohort Program Cost - $2,550

 Value
StrengthsFinders$600
SEM 2026 Conference$1,700
Books and Materials$200
Personal Program Coach$2,250
Monthly Virtual Education Sessions + AACRAO/SEM Badges
$1,400
2027 Annual Meeting Conference (est)*
$940
Total Value     $7,290

 

  • ACCESS TO FACULTY

    Faculty will lead the cohort through a year-long curriculum that incorporates the essential competencies required to take the next step in enrollment management leadership. The curriculum design will incorporate theAACRAO Professional Competencies and Proficiencies and leverage existing professional development opportunities offered by AACRAO.

  • ACCESS TO COACHES

    Coaches will be assigned to each participant as additional support and guide customized to the individual needs and goals of the participant. Those admitted to the program will participate in monthly cohort meetings plus no less than one hour meeting with their coach.

We invite you to learn more about the ASCEND Leadership Development Program.

JOIN THE EMAIL LIST

AACRAO ASCEND Spotlights

Bethany Parmer ASCEND Cohort 4

Thinking About Applying for ASCEND Cohort 7? Ask an Alum

Nov 24, 2025

After delivering a standout TED-style talk at the 2024 Conference for SEM, Bethany Parmer of College of Southern Idaho hosts a webinar on December 3, designed to help prospective ASCEND applicants understand the program from the inside.

AACRAO ASCEND Bridget Jones Cohort 5

Cohort Learning in Theory and Practice: A Success Story

Sep 15, 2025

For Bridget Jones, a recent graduate of ASCEND Cohort 5, the program widened her scope of understanding strategic enrollment management from the context of four-year institutions to community colleges and prepared her to earn an internal promotion.

Kristina Rosales, ASCEND Cohort 5

How to ASCEND in Your Career Path: A Success Story

Jul 18, 2025

Kristina Rosales, a recent ASCEND alum of Cohort 5, transitioned to a new leadership role approximately four months after completing the ASCEND Leadership Development Program.

AACRAO ASCEND Leadership Development Withdrawal Policy

Participants who withdraw from the ASCEND program before the start date will receive a full refund minus a 15% processing fee. After the program begins,  no refunds will be issued. Transfers or deferments are not permitted.

In rare circumstances, AACRAO may withdraw a participant from the ASCEND program for reasons such as lack of progress, unprofessional behavior, three or more unexcused absences, or unresponsiveness to program coaches, the coordinator, or other staff. Participants may also be withdrawn for conduct that violates AACRAO’s policies or core values. In these cases, no refund will be issued.


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