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Rising Star Awards

The 2022 Rising Star Awards are sponsored by Slate by Technolutions and presented by the Affiliate Presidents Council to individuals and programs who exemplify excellence and dedication to serving the needs of students and those who guide them in the transition from high school to college.

This award encourages NACAC affiliates to look within their associations, identify and nurture those new members and programs that are deserving of this honor and also encourage the honorees to continue their professional development through membership in NACAC.


Congratulations 2022 Rising Star Award Winners!

 

Individual Recipients

Brandon Curry, Indiana ACAC 

Brandon Curry is a higher education enrollment management professional with over 8 years of experience. He is currently the Assistant Director of Recruitment & Admissions at Indiana University Fort Wayne and previously served at other institutions as both an admission counselor and social studies teacher. He serves on the Indiana ACAC Executive Board as Secretary and was a member of NACAC’s Ad Hoc Committee on Serving Next Generation College Counseling and Admission Professionals. Brandon is pursuing a Ph.D. in Global Leadership from Indiana Tech, holds an M.B.A. from University of Southern Indiana, an M.S.L. from Trine University, and a B.A. from Manchester University. He lives in Fort Wayne, IN and is very active in his community, which is exemplified by his service on the Executive Board of the Southwest Montessori Academy and the Board of the Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana. He enjoys spending time with his wonderful wife (Kelley), his dumb dog (Percy), and his ornery parrot (Houdini).

 

 

 

Kaylee Meade, Ohio ACAC

As a first-generation college student, Kaylee understands how daunting the college search can be. She was lucky enough to have an amazing admission experience that led her to become a tour guide. Her desire to help students has only continued to grow in her role as Director of Undergraduate Admission at Ohio Dominican University. Through her work at Ohio Dominican University and OACAC, she seeks to lighten the burden on students and professionals by improving the college search and application processes.

 

 


Program Recipients

 

International ACAC's Mentor Year Program

The Mentor Year Program’s mission is to provide a formal mentorship program where members build relationships with members in support of their professional development. In its inaugural year, the program supported members from 7 regions, 44 countries, and 94 institutions around the world. It provides a small, familiar community for professionals seeking growth through one-on-one mentee/mentor relationships, regular participant meetings, and monthly committee updates. Mentees will build their skill set, knowledge base, and resources for their own personal and professional development and for the benefit of the student populations they serve.

 

 

 

Minnesota ACAC's Anti-Racism Committee

The Anti-Racism Committee (ARC) exists out of necessity and functions as both a barometer and a promoter of equity within Minnesota ACAC. The committee questions and challenges existing systems of oppression and exclusion through work with the organization's annual strategic plan and approach to member recruitment and engagement. ARC members engage deeply with anti-racist ideas and materials while simultaneously working to uplift, equip, and empower those who have been historically marginalized and thus underrepresented in the admissions community and leadership positions.

 

 

Potomac & Chesapeake ACAC's PRIDE Month Series

PRIDE Month Series is a free, four-session virtual event which provides LGBTQ+ related education, insight, and social opportunities to all interested professionals who support and work with high school and college students. The series was first held in June 2021 and topics presented focused on how to better support LGBTQ+ students and to assist fellow colleagues with establishing and maintaining inclusive environments and practices. The subjects discussed include LGBTQ+ student panels, understanding identities and their spectrums, the transitioning process, inclusive technology practices within CRMs and other systems, and much more. We market this series to all ACAC’s and encourage them to attend, connect, and gain additional perspective on what LGBTQ+ students, colleagues, and friends need from us as trusted allies.

 

Past Award Winners

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