#United States #Spokane #Student Success #University of Phoenix #PACRAO

University of Phoenix at the PACRAO Annual Conference

The recent PACRAO Annual Conference, held from November 9 to 12, 2025, in Spokane, Washington, witnessed significant contributions from leaders at the University of Phoenix. With a central focus on advancing the practices of professionals in enrollment and academic services, the event gathered educators and administrators from the Pacific region's higher education institutions.

The Pacific Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (PACRAO) is a respected nonprofit organization representing over 350 institutions. These include 2-year, 4-year, and graduate schools, with a combined membership of roughly 1,500 admissions officers and registrars. The PACRAO conference serves as an ideal forum for sharing insights, best practices, and strategies pertaining to student success and institutional effectiveness.

Enhancing Educational Practices

Dr. Marc Booker, vice provost of strategy at the University of Phoenix, emphasized the institution's commitment to advancing best practices in higher education. He stated, “Our participation in PACRAO reflects our commitment to enriching the educational landscape and improving how we serve students.” His session titled "Strategies to Maximize Outcomes as an Influential Leader on Campus" provided attendees with actionable insights about leadership impact within academic settings.

Deslie Ghiorzi, the admissions and evaluation college articulation manager, delivered a presentation on building transfer pathways, emphasizing the importance of enhancing student mobility. The session, “The Art of Articulation: Building Bridges for Student Mobility,” discussed how effective articulation processes can facilitate smoother transitions for students between institutions. Additionally, Ghiorzi led an engaging discussion on “Why Healthy Habits Matter: Energy, Resilience, and Well-Being,” concentrating on health and wellness strategies that promote academic success.

Collaborative Approaches for Student Support

In the realm of academic support, Joe Tate, senior director of program and policy implementation, presented “Comparing & Evaluating Academic Policies to Promote Student Success,” which highlighted the importance of academic policy in fostering a conducive environment for learning. The interplay between registrar roles and student success was a pivotal theme as attendees explored research on best practices and institutional challenges.

Furthermore, Daja McCleve and Audra McQuarie co-presented “Faculty Accommodations Dashboard: Enhancing Awareness, Supporting Students,” which illustrated how dashboard technologies can increase faculty awareness of student needs, thereby improving support for those requiring accommodations. Their collaboration underscores a commitment to inclusive practices within the educational framework.

Kris Thrasher, manager of admissions and evaluation, discussed advancing transfer evaluation processes through innovative technology. His presentation, “Enhancing Transfer Evaluation with OCR: Challenges and Successes in Admissions,” examined how Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology can bolster accuracy in transcript evaluations, leading to better outcomes for students moving between institutions.

Nurturing Future Leaders

In addition to presentations, University of Phoenix leaders contributed to the PACRAO Leadership Development Institute (LDI), aimed at honing the skills of aspiring leaders in the field. This program focuses on equipping professionals with the necessary tools to navigate changing student demographics and advance initiatives centered around student success.

Conclusion

The University of Phoenix's presence at the PACRAO Annual Conference exemplifies its ongoing dedication to the continuous improvement of higher education practices. As institutions strive to meet the evolving needs of today's learners, engagements such as PACRAO provide essential platforms for collaboration, learning, and shared success. Educators are encouraged to adopt and implement these insights in their institutions, ensuring a brighter future for students navigating their academic journeys.