Transfer Tea, An AACRAO Podcast

After receiving a thoughtful email from a listener, Loida explores a difficult but important question: What happens when one institution wants to partner, and the other doesn't?Building on a recent conversation about how universities can be better partners to community colleges, this solo episode examines the other side of the equation. Drawing on findings from her doctoral research with community college professionals across Texas, Loida discusses the realities of transfer collaboration, the barriers that emerge when institutions operate in silos, and why partnership cannot be sustained by one side alone.The conversation expands beyond traditional transfer to explore learning mobility, institutional alignment, and the growing need to recognize learning acquired through military service, workforce training, dual enrollment, prior learning assessment, and other pathways. Ultimately, this episode challenges institutions to move beyond good intentions and toward shared understanding, meaningful collaboration, and actionable outcomes that better serve students.If transfer is a promise, then partnership—and alignment—are how we keep that promise. Host:Loida González, Ed.D.Director, Recruitment & Enrollment ServicesTexas A&M University–Central Texas FMI on The Assembly: https://www.aacrao.org/events-training/meetings/the-assembly/balancing-access-and-accountabilityEmail us at [email protected]!

Innovation in higher education often moves slower than the students it’s meant to serve—but learning mobility demands something different. In this episode, Loida sits down with Lizzie from Edvisorly to explore how technology is reshaping the transfer experience, from credit articulation to real-time decision-making.Together, they unpack what it truly means to build systems that recognize learning as it happens, rather than forcing students to navigate outdated processes after the fact. This conversation challenges institutions to move beyond static agreements and into dynamic, student-centered ecosystems powered by data, transparency, and intentional design.Because in a world where students move faster than systems, technology isn’t just a tool—it’s the bridge between opportunity and access.  Host:Loida González, Ed.D.Director, Recruitment & Enrollment ServicesTexas A&M University–Central Texashttps://www.linkedin.com/in/loidagonz%C3%A1lezutley/ Guests:Lizzie AllisonChief Innovation Officer at Edvisorlyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lizzieallison/ To learn more about Edvisorly: https://www.edvisorly.com/FMI on The Assembly: https://www.aacrao.org/events-training/meetings/the-assembly/balancing-access-and-accountability Email us at [email protected]!

 In recognition of Global Advising Week, this episode of Transfer Tea explores the evolving role of advising in an era shaped by learning mobility, transfer complexity, and student-centered innovation. Loida sits down with Sabih, co-founder of Stellic, to discuss how one student’s vision—deeply inspired by the mentorship of Carnegie Mellon advisor Mark Stehlik—grew into a platform focused on helping students navigate clearer academic pathways.Together, they explore why advising has become essential infrastructure for student success, how technology can strengthen human connection rather than replace it, and what institutions must do to better support today’s increasingly mobile learners. From transfer pathways to degree planning and credit mobility, this conversation highlights why the future of higher education depends on systems that are both connected and deeply human. Host:Loida González, Ed.D.Director, Recruitment & Enrollment ServicesTexas A&M University–Central Texas Guest:Sabih Bin WasiFounder & CEO, Stellic

They’ve been on both sides of transfer—as students navigating the process and as mentors helping others through it. In this episode, Mimi and Mckenna share the tea on what transfer students actually experience, what support really matters, and where institutions still fall short. Now graduate students, they reflect on how those experiences shaped who they are today—and what both students and higher ed professionals need to understand if we’re serious about getting transfer right. Host:Loida González, Ed.D.Director, Recruitment & Enrollment ServicesTexas A&M University–Central Texas Guests:Mimi Guthrey, Graduate Student, M.S. in Clinical Mental Health CounselingColorado Christian UniversityMckenna Reinsch, Graduate Student, M.S. in Coastal and Marine System SciencesTexas A&M University–Corpus Christi

In this episode of Transfer Tea, Loida sits down with Ashley to unpack a critical question emerging from research and practice: Are universities truly being the partners they expect community colleges to be? Drawing on insights from Loida’s dissertation, the conversation explores gaps in communication, policy clarity, and shared responsibility that impact transfer students. Together, they challenge traditional assumptions about the transfer pipeline and reframe partnership as a mutual, ongoing commitment. This episode calls on institutions to move beyond expectations—and toward action that better supports students on their transfer journey. Host:Dra. Loida González UtleyDirector of Recruitment and Enrollment ServicesTexas A&M University- Central Texas Guest:Ashley Lattimore, MBADirector of AdvisingLone Star College

Transfer isn’t broken because people don’t care — it’s broken because processes go unexamined. In this episode of Transfer Tea, Loida sits down with Alex Aljets to talk about why institutions must continuously assess and map their processes if they truly want to serve students well. From transfer credit articulation to adult learner applications to onboarding communications, they explore how well-intentioned systems often create invisible barriers. If you believe student success requires more than good intentions, this episode is for you. Host:Dra. Loida González UtleyDirector of Recruitment and Enrollment ServicesTexas A&M University- Central TexasGuest:Alex AljetsProcess Improvement StrategistAljets Consulting, LLCLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexaljets/Email: [email protected] Join us at The Assembly this July! FMI: https://www.aacrao.org/events-training/meetings/the-assembly

As higher education expands its commitment to access, Prison Education Programs (PEPs) are playing an increasingly critical role in creating equitable pathways for learners. But what happens when education must function without Wi-Fi, laptops, student portals, or even consistent communication? In this episode of Transfer Tea, we explore the operational, ethical, and mobility challenges institutions face when delivering academic programs inside correctional facilities. From academic integrity and FERPA compliance to transcript management and credit portability, we unpack what it truly means to uphold rigor and equity in paper-based environments. If learning mobility is about continuity of opportunity, then it must include students whose movement is restricted. This conversation challenges higher education professionals to rethink infrastructure, policy, and design — and to ensure that opportunity does not stop at a prison wall.

What happens when learning is recognized—but doesn’t fully move?In this episode of Transfer Tea, we explore the complexity of Joint Services Transcript (JST) credit through the lens of learning mobility. While JSTs document rigorous military training and occupational expertise, many service members discover that awarded credit doesn’t always translate into meaningful degree progress. Why does this gap exist—and what does it reveal about our systems?Joined by military and veteran services experts, we examine the difference between credit recognition and credit applicability, the institutional barriers that slow mobility, and the knowledge gaps that impact military-connected learners. Together, we challenge higher education to move beyond awarding credit toward designing systems where learning truly travels with the learner. Host:Dra. Loida González UtleyDirector of Recruitment and Enrollment ServicesTexas A&M University- Central Texas Guests:Abby Kinch, Ph.D.Chief of Staff & Vice President of ResearchStudent Veterans of America Coby Dillard, MA-HSC, CCMDirector of Military and Veterans AffairsUniversity of Texas at Tyler James DaltonDirector of Military and Veteran ServicesTexas A&M University- Central Texas

Learning rarely follows a straight line—and higher education is being challenged to move with it. In this episode of Transfer Tea, Quintina Barnett Gallion joins the conversation to break down what learning mobility is, why it matters, and what it means for today’s learners. We explore how learning mobility goes beyond transfer to include prior learning, workforce and military credit, and cross-institutional movement—and how AACRAO is leading the work to ensure learning is trusted, portable, and allowed to move. Host:Dr. Loida Gonzalez UtleyDirector of Recruitment and Enrollment ServicesTexas A&M University- Central [email protected] Guest:Quintina Barnett GallionAssociate Executive Director, Strategy [email protected] FMI on Learning Mobility: https://www.aacrao.org/our-work/learning-mobility Join us @ The Assembly this summer! FMI: https://www.aacrao.org/events-training/meetings/the-assembly Email us at [email protected]

In this season-opening episode of Transfer Tea, I share reflections from the Strategic Enrollment Management Conference and an intro for a new season centered on learning mobility. The episode explores why higher education must continue to adapt as learners face changing policies, costs, and pathways. Listeners are introduced to learning mobility as a way of making sure learning counts—wherever and however it happens. This episode sets the tone for conversations ahead about transfer, credit, policy, and systems designed to help learners move forward, not start over. Host:Dr. Loida González UtleyDirector of Recruitment and Enrollment Services Email us at [email protected] www.aacrao.org

In this episode, we’re joined by a fellow higher education professional who walked the halls of Capitol Hill alongside us during Hill Day. Together, we reflect on why advocacy matters—even when the outcomes aren’t immediate, the process is complex, and our calendars are already full. What keeps us showing up, asking questions, and telling our students’ stories? Let’s unpack it.  Host:Loida González UtleyDirector, Recruitment and Enrollment ServicesTexas A&M University–Central Texas Guest:Justin SchilkeDeputy RegistrarRice University Links:AACRAO Advocacy: https://www.aacrao.org/advocacyAACRAO Hill Day: https://www.aacrao.org/events-training/meetings/aacrao-leadership/leadership-group/hill-day

In this special Admit It! and Transfer TEA crossover episode, hosts Alex Fronduto and Loida González Utley sit down to discuss one of the most persistent challenges in higher education—bridging the divide between freshman and transfer admissions. Drawing from national data and institutional experiences, they examine why these two areas often operate in silos, the impact that disconnect has on students, and what innovative models are emerging to close the gap. The conversation explores institutional culture, communication, pathways, and practical strategies for creating a more seamless student experience from recruitment to graduation.Hosts:Loida González UtleyDirector, Recruitment and Enrollment ServicesTexas A&M University–Central TexasDr. Alex FrondutoAssociate Teaching Professor & Faculty Program Lead, M.Ed in Higher Education AdministrationGraduate School of Education, Northeastern University

In this episode of Transfer Tea, we explore the tension between student responsibility and institutional responsibility when it comes to navigating policies and processes. Inspired by a institutional policy  workshop from Student Ready Strategies, we discuss reactions, lessons learned, and how institutions can rethink policy design to be more student-ready. Tune in as we unpack practical takeaways and challenge ourselves to reflect on who we expect to adapt—students or our systems. Host:Loida González UtleyDirector, Recruitment and Enrollment ServicesTexas A&M University–Central TexasGuests:Cassandra HeathUniversity RegistrarBiola UiversityDiana FyarAssociate Registrar of Transfer and Degree AuditUniversity of Tennessee at Chattanooga  Links:Student Ready Strategies: https://www.studentready.org/AACRAO: www.aacrao.org Email us at [email protected]!

In this episode of Transfer Tea, we sit down with Isaiah Vance, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Advising & Transfer Initiatives at the Texas A&M University System,  to explore how university systems are driving innovation in transfer. Isaiah shares how NASH is working with institutions across the country to reimagine transfer pathways, scale best practices, and ensure more equitable outcomes for students navigating the higher education pipeline. Listeners will walk away with:Insights into the unique role university systems play in transforming transfer.Real-world examples of initiatives advancing transfer student success.A broader perspective on how collaboration across campuses and systems can create lasting change. Host:Loida González UtleyDirector, Recruitment and Enrollment ServicesTexas A&M University–Central Texas Guest:Isaiah VanceAssistant Vice Chancellor for Advising & Transfer InitiativesTexas A&M University System Links:AACRAO: www.aacrao.orgNASH: www.nash.eduThe Center for Post Secondary Improvement: https://nash.edu/cpi/

What happens when higher ed systems stop working in silos and start transforming transfer together? In this episode, Juliette Price of the National Association of System Heads (NASH) spills the tea on how Networked Improvement Communities (NICs) are helping universities rethink transfer through collaboration, data, and equity-driven innovation. Tune in to hear how systems across the country are using improvement science to close transfer gaps, amplify student voices, and finally move from talk to action. HostLoida González UtleyDirector, Recruitment and Enrollment ServicesTexas A&M University–Central [email protected] GuestJuliette PriceSenior Improvement Science CoachNational Association of System [email protected] us at [email protected]! NASH Website: https://nash.edu/The NASH Improvement Mode: https://www.insidehighered.com/opinion/columns/beyond-transfer/2022/12/21/nash-improvement-model

In "Direct Flight: PTK’s Nonstop Route to Transfer," we explore how Phi Theta Kappa is transforming the transfer landscape with its new direct admissions initiative. By partnering with four-year institutions, PTK is removing application barriers and offering eligible students a streamlined, stress-free path to their next campus. Tune in to learn how this bold move is reshaping opportunity and access for high-achieving community college students across the country. Host:Loida González Utley,Director of Recruitment and Enrollment Services Texas A&M University- Central [email protected] Guest:Heather YushSenior Director of College RelationsPhi Theta Kappa Honor Society [email protected] FMI on PTK’s Direct Admission: https://www.ptk.org/youre-in-phi-theta-kappa-leads-national-efforts-to-direct-admissions-for-transfer-students/Register for #TechTransfer2025 : https://www.aacrao.org/events-training/meetings/technology-transfer-conference

Brew your favorite cup because you do not want to miss this one! In this exciting episode of Transfer Tea, we welcome two incredible transfer champions: Loida Gonzalez Utley and Heather Adams from Transfer Nation!  Together, they spill the tea on everything you can expect at the upcoming AACRAO Technology & Transfer Summit – the must-attend event for anyone passionate about transfer, mobility, and innovation in higher ed. From bold conversations on AI and equity, to tools that can help institutions better serve transfer students, Loida and Heather give us an insider’s scoop on sessions, networking, and why this summit is a game-changer for transfer professionals everywhere. *The AACRAO Technology and Transfer 2025: A Learning Mobility Summit will be held IN PERSON at the Crystal Gateway Marriott, Arlington, VA (across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.)  Heather Adams, Ed.D.Director, Special Initiatives at SOVAFounder & CEO of Transfer Nation Loida González UtleyDirector of Recruitment & Enrollment Services at A&M- Central TexasCo-Chair of AACRAO’s Technology and Transfer Summit Registration Link: https://community.aacrao.org/s/lt-event?id=a1kTP000007Onl7YAC

Research indicates that transfer students often perform as well as, if not better than, their peers who start at four-year institutions. However, misconceptions about the rigor and value of community college education persist. Faculty can challenge these biases by recognizing the strengths transfer students bring and advocating for institutional policies that facilitate credit transfer and academic integration.By fostering a supportive environment and actively participating in the transfer process, faculty members can help dismantle systemic barriers, ensuring that transfer students are not only admitted but also thrive in their pursuit of a bachelor's degree. This proactive approach is essential for institutions aiming to uphold diversity and equity in a post-affirmative action landscape.Host:Loida González UtleyDirector of Recruitment and Enrollment Services Texas A&M University- Central [email protected] Guests:Dr. Celina Benavides Tenured Professor of PsychologyOxnard [email protected] Dr. José MaldonadoAssociate ProfessorOxnard [email protected] Resources:Harvard Kennedy School Publication: https://studentreview.hks.harvard.edu/disrupting-the-supreme-court-decision-how-universities-can-increase-diversity-in-a-post-affirmative-action-climate/ FMI: www.aacrao.org Email Transfer Tea at [email protected]

In this episode of Transfer Tea, we explore how automation is transforming transfer articulation in higher education. Joined by members of the AACRAO SPEEDE Committee, we discuss technologies like OCR, XML, and EDI that are streamlining the management of student data and improving processes. Tune in to learn how these innovations are helping institutions enhance efficiency and better serve students.Host:Loida González UtleyDirector of Recruitment and Enrollment ServicesTexas A&M University- Central [email protected] Guests:Patrick SearsRegistrarSouthern Illinois University [email protected] Matthew BemisSr. Associate University RegistrarUniversity of Southern [email protected] Doug HolmesManager, eTranscriptsOntario Universities’ Application [email protected] Resources:AACRAO SPEEDE Committee: https://www.aacrao.org/people/aacrao-speede-committeeSPEEDE: https://www.speedeserver.org/Postsecondary Electronic Standards Council (PESC): https://pesc.org/FMI: www.aacrao.orgEmail Transfer Tea at [email protected]

The University of North Carolina (UNC) System focuses on exploring innovative approaches to improving the transfer process for students. This initiative aims to address barriers and create smoother pathways for community college students and others transferring to four-year institutions within the UNC system. The discussions often include topics such as improving credit transfer policies, enhancing student support services, and fostering collaboration between community colleges and universities to ensure students’ academic and social success. This episode highlights efforts to make the transfer process more equitable, efficient, and student-centered, ultimately helping to increase graduation rates and support student success across the system. Host:Loida González UtleyDirector of Recruitment and Enrollment ServicesTexas A&M University- Central [email protected] Guests: Dr. Eric FotheringhamAssistant Vice President for Transfer Student Success & PartnershipsUniversity of North Carolina System Jami H. DawkinsTransfer programs CoordinatorUniversity of North Carolina System UNC: https://www.northcarolina.edu/students/transfer/ FMI: www.aacrao.org Email Transfer Tea at [email protected]

In this episode we continue the conversation about Transfer Virginia and what it hoped for the future.   Host:Loida González UtleyDirector of Recruitment and Enrollment ServicesTexas A&M University- Central [email protected] Guests: Dr. Micol HutchinsonInterim Vice Chancellor for Policy and Instructional Support ServicesVirginia’s Community College System Patricia ParkerFormer Director of Transfer VirginiaPrincipal of P.M. Parker Consulting, LLC Transfer Virgnia: https://www.transfervirginia.org/ FMI: www.aacrao.org Email Transfer Tea at [email protected]

If you have been following transfer news, you may have come across the transfer work being done in the state of Virginia. In this two-part episode we will learn more about what inspired Transfer Virginia, how it came to be, and what it is now. Host:Loida González UtleyDirector of Recruitment and Enrollment ServicesTexas A&M University- Central [email protected] Guests: Dr. Micol HutchinsonInterim Vice Chancellor for Policy and Instructional Support ServicesVirginia’s Community College System Patricia ParkerFormer Director of Transfer VirginiaPrincipal of P.M. Parker Consulting, LLC Transfer Virgnia: https://www.transfervirginia.org/ FMI: www.aacrao.org Email Transfer Tea at [email protected]

Every summer, AACRAO invites field professionals in the registrar, admissions, and recruitment fields to share their expertise with congressional representative in Capitol Hill. Join us as we share our professional and personal experiences at this year’s Hill Day, highlighting our favorite moments.Host:Loida González UtleyDirector for Recruitment and Enrollment ServicesTexas A&M University- Central [email protected] Guests:Dr. Tara KentDirector, Office of the RegistrarAmerican Music and Dramatic [email protected] Audra McQuarieVice President, RegistrarUniversity of [email protected] FMI: www.aacrao.orgEmail Transfer Tea at [email protected]

Join us as we attempt to unravel the meaning and purpose of accreditation, how it has changed over the past few years, what different terminology means, and how it has impacted credit mobility.   Host:Loida González UtleyDirector for Recruitment and Enrollment ServicesTexas A&M University- Central [email protected] Guest:Dr. Marc BookerVice Provost of StrategyUniversity of [email protected] FMI: www.aacrao.org Email Transfer Tea at [email protected]

Set the table, it’s tea time…again! On this first episode, learn about being an upper level institution. Get to know your host, Loida González Utley, a leader in higher education and advocate for transfer students. Discover some of the upcoming episodes that we are brewing and get ready to explore this unique population that we call “transfer students” and hear from some thoughts from our members at the AACRAO Annual Meeting. Host:Loida González UtleyDirector for Recruitment and Enrollment ServicesTexas A&M University- Central [email protected] Guests:Arely DuarteDr. Philip Hunt FMI: www.aacrao.org Email Transfer Tea at [email protected]

Join Loida as she reflects on the first season of Transfer Tea, including what she learned, the guests that appeared, the ever-evolving role of transfer in higher education, and the notion that every higher education professional is an educator. She also looks forward to season two and all the topics that she and you, the audience, will get to explore and discuss. 

Fall recruitment season is over and in this episode, we gather transfer recruitment professionals for some post-recruitment tea. Join us as we discuss life on the road, what we have learned this recruitment season, and the complexities of recruiting non- traditional students. Host:Loida González UtleyAssistant Director for Transfer RecruitmentTexas A&M University- Corpus [email protected] Guest:Clarisa DeLaFuenteSenior Transfer SpecialistUniversity of Texas at San [email protected] Jonathan McKissackAssistant Director, Student RecruitmentPrairie View A&M [email protected] Note: One guest lost connection early in the interview: Annie GarciaSenior Transfer Admissions CoordinatorUniversity of Texas at [email protected] FMI: www.aacrao.org Email Transfer Tea at [email protected]

Coming up with innovative transfer strategies is one thing, but implementation of them is another. What does it take to create buy-in and gain the support you need to make concepts come to fruition? Join us as we speak with Josie who has experience different types of transfer implementation at several institutions throughout her career. As she takes on her new role of improving the transfer articulation processes at the University of Notre Dame, she leads with one thing in mind- transfer student success.  Host:Loida González UtleyAssistant Director for Transfer RecruitmentTexas A&M University- Corpus [email protected]:Josie MartinezAssistant Registrar, Transfer SpecialistUniversity of Notre Dame

Transfer admissions and articulation in a critical part of the transfer students’ journey. How can we make equitable transfer policies so that institutions can become more transfer (credit) friendly? Dr. Marc Booker shares knowledge gained through his 22+ years of experience as a transfer advocate and explains some of the ongoing trends in transfer admissions.  Host:Loida González UtleyAssistant Director for Transfer Recruitment Texas A&M University- Corpus [email protected] Guest:Dr. Marc BookerVice Provost, Strategy at University of Phoenix AACRAO Faculty, Transfer Articulation [email protected]: www.aacrao.orgEmail Transfer Tea at [email protected]

Listen to the voice of transfer professionals as they reflect on a variety of topics at the Annual Conference in Aurora, Colorado. Our conversations include the operation within transfer centers, transfer retention, coursework equivalencies, international transfers, tribal colleges and their transfer education, as well as our own identity. Host:Loida González UtleyAssistant Director for Transfer Recruitment Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi Guests:Dr. Wendolyn DavisDirector of the Undergraduate Admissions Transfer CenterUniversity of TennesseeCourtney Brown University RegistrarThe University of Alabama in HuntsvilleMorgan Brooke Donovan-HallDirector of Transfer AdmissionsThe University of Massachusetts AmherstNicolette Weston Transfer and Admissions Program AdministratorAmerican Indian College FundsArely Duarte HeirasCoordinator, Registrar’s Office University of North DakotaEmail: [email protected]

AACRAO’s annual Technology and Transfer Summit is rapidly approaching. The Chair and Co-Chair of this event spill the tea on what to expect this July. Through conversation with our guests, you can hear more about the summit, trending transfer issues, and get a sneak preview about some of the presentations that will take place.Host:Loida González UtleyAssistant Director for Transfer Recruitment Texas A&M University- Corpus [email protected]:Seth Marc KamenAACRAO [email protected] Dr. Wendolyn Davis, DirectorOffice of Undergraduate Admissions Transfer CenterThe University of Tennessee- Knoxville [email protected]        Technology & Transfer Summit Website: https://www.aacrao.org/events-training/meetings/technology-transfer-conference Email Transfer Tea at [email protected] 

Portia LaMarr (HEARD co-host), Loida Utley (Transfer Tea), and Sarah Reed (For the Record co-host) took a moment at the AACRAO Annual Meeting to record this cross-podcast conversation. Hear them talk about opportunities for connection between professions (e.g., financial aid, registrar, and admissions); where they feel seen (and where they haven’t); and how they have learned to advocate for themselves. Oh, and Portia’s unwavering commitment to figuring out what birds people are. It’s a great conversation!

In this episode, Loida covers common questions regarding Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society of degree-seeking students. To get the inside scoop, Loida invites Phi Theta Kappa CEO and President Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner to share her perspective. She and Loida then discuss:the current state of global transferwhat it means to be a transfer championthe role that PTK plays in supporting transfer studentscultivating a sense of community and building pathways for success

AACRAO Executive Director Melanie Gottlieb joins Loida as they discuss the role AACRAO has played in bringing exposure and thought leadership to the transfer experience.Melanie starts by explaining how her own experience and perspective has informed her approach to transfer. Loida and she then discuss the role AACRAO has played in improving the transfer process in higher education,  the state of transfer now, where it is heading as the higher ed landscape continues to shift with an ever increasing amount of 'non-traditional' learners and educational pathways popping up.

Set the table, it’s tea time! On this first episode, learn about the catalyst for the creation of a space specific to the transfer student population. Get to know your host, Loida González Utley, a leader in higher education and advocate for transfer students. Discover some of the upcoming episodes that we are brewing and get ready to explore this unique population that we call “transfer students.” Host:Loida González UtleyAssistant Director for Transfer Recruitment  Texas A&M University- Corpus [email protected]: www.aacrao.orgEmail Transfer Tea at [email protected] by: Doug McKenna