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Aaron Morrison
Assistant Director, Institute for Leadership & Service at Valparaiso University
Professional Background
Aaron Morrison has created a distinguished career in the non-profit sector focused on higher education. As the Assistant Director of the Institute for Leadership & Service at Valparaiso University, Aaron is deeply invested in empowering students through leadership development and life coaching. His commitment to fostering student development through innovative program development has been instrumental in creating enriching co-curricular experiences for students, particularly first-year college students, who often face significant transitions in their educational journeys.
Before this role, Aaron honed his skills as an Academic Coordinator for the TRiO Student Support Services at the University of Southern Indiana. This position allowed him to apply his passion for student success and data-driven decision-making to assist students in navigating higher education challenges. Through his various roles, he has developed a robust understanding of crisis management, which is crucial for supporting students in various situations.
Aaron also served in several capacities at Princeton Theological Seminary, where he split his time between being a research assistant focusing on planning and assessment and lending his expertise to the Online Curriculum Build Team. These experiences have equipped him with unique insights into the integration of academic leadership within theological studies.
Education and Achievements
A strong foundation in education underpins Aaron's professional endeavors. He earned a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Theology/Theological Studies from Princeton Theological Seminary, where he delved into the intricate relationship between faith and education. His academic journey continued with a second M.A. in Higher Education Administration & Student Development from Taylor University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude, signifying his commitment to excellence in higher education.
Prior to this, Aaron completed a Bachelor of Science and Arts (B.S., B.A.) at Indiana Wesleyan University. As a John Wesley Honors Scholar, he graduated Cum Laude, majoring in Pre-law/Political Science and Economics with a concentration in History. This diverse academic background has provided Aaron with a broad perspective on societal issues and has enriched his approach to student development.
Notable Skills and Specialties
Aaron Morrison is recognized for his versatility across various domains. His specialties include leadership development, life coaching, career preparation, and implementing effective crisis management strategies. Furthermore, he emphasizes the importance of spiritual formation among college students, ensuring that their emotional and spiritual needs are met alongside their academic pursuits.
He has a profound understanding of the liberal arts and believes in its transformative capacity to enrich lives. This ideology drives his initiatives aimed at enhancing student experiences and supports his mission to advocate for the liberal arts in education.
The StrengthsQuest profile that Aaron has cultivated highlights his unique attributes: Connectedness, Input, Restorative, Woo, and Belief. These strengths showcase his ability to connect with individuals on a personal level, engage with new information and ideas, and approach challenges constructively, all while remaining steadfast in his beliefs about the importance of education and personal growth.
Achievements
Throughout his career, Aaron has not only contributed to the institutions he has worked for but has also impacted the lives of countless students. His efforts in program development have led to enhanced services that assist students in their personal and academic journeys, resulting in improved retention rates and student satisfaction across various institutions.
Aaron's active involvement in public speaking engagements reflects his dedication to encouraging discourse on higher education and student development. His ability to articulate complex ideas in an accessible manner has made him a sought-after speaker at conferences and workshops, where he shares his insights on leadership and student services.
In addition to his professional roles, Aaron’s online presence on platforms such as Twitter and Chronicle Vitae serves to connect with a wider community interested in progressive education strategies and student empowerment. These channels not only amplify his voice but also allow him to engage with fellow educators, students, and leaders dedicated to enhancing the landscape of higher education.
Conclusion
Aaron Morrison stands as a beacon of leadership in higher education, driven by his passion for student development and the liberal arts. His extensive educational background and diverse professional experiences showcase his dedication to improving the student experience, while his skills in crisis management and co-curricular programming highlight his ability to navigate the complexities of modern education. As he continues his work at Valparaiso University and in the higher education community at large, Aaron remains committed to advocating for meaningful change within the field, making him a vital asset to any educational institution dedicated to fostering transformative learning environments.