Posted on July 30, 2024 by Katelyn Juarez
Ana Rodriguez earns SEM Endorsement
Dr. Ana K. Rodriguez, Director of Freshman Recruitment at UTSA and Educational Leadership and Policy Studies alum, earned the Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) Endorsement from the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers (AACRAO).
AACRAO’s SEM Endorsement Program is a highly competitive, self-paced 12-18 month professional development opportunity designed for enrollment service professionals seeking career advancement.
Rodriguez is among an elite group of 77 individuals internationally and is the seventh individual from the state of Texas to earn the SEM endorsement, and her name will appear in the national registry.
With over 19 years of experience working in higher education, Rodriguez has made significant contributions across various areas, including P-20 programming, housing, registrar services, athletics, admissions, recruitment, and enrollment management. She earned a bachelor’s degree in New Media Communications in 2009, a master’s degree in Digital Communications in 2014, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership in 2018, all from UTSA.
The encouragement of two leaders at UTSA that completed the program inspired Rodriguez to pursue the SEM Endorsement. "I also wanted to better understand how to utilize data and planning to better advocate for historically underrepresented populations," said Rodriguez. "With this endorsement, I am able to combine analytical nature of enrollment planning with my strong background in building community and relationships."
Rodriguez’s dedication to student service and her commitment to mentoring historically underrepresented student populations motivated her to pursue this endorsement, "My goals are to continue in higher Education and giving back."
"As a three-time Alum, UTSA opened the world of education to me when I thought it was not possible," Rodriguez said. "Being a low income, first gen student, I grew up thinking I did not fit the mold of the traditional college student. UTSA made a space for me and helped me change that mindset. I want continue showing students that education is a valuable investment."
The SEM endorsement confirms Rodriguez’s expertise in strategic enrollment management, equipping her to address both current and future challenges in the field. This credential provides a strong foundation in enrollment management functions and is internationally recognized for enrollment management professionals.
Founded in 1910, AACRAO is a nonprofit, voluntary, professional association of 15,500 higher-education professionals who represent approximately 2,300 institutions across more than 40 countries. AACRAO’s mission is to provide professional development, guidelines, and voluntary standards for best practices in records management, admissions, enrollment management, administrative information technology, and student services.
— Katelyn Juarez
