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2025 ̽»¨Â¥ Elections Candidate - 2026-2027 N&E Committee Member

Position Statement:

I’m running for the ̽»¨Â¥ Nominations and Elections Committee because I believe our profession's future depends on bold, inclusive, and mission-driven leadership. As a long-time ̽»¨Â¥ member and Dean of Enrollment Management at a community college, I’ve seen the profound impact this association has on institutions, professionals, and—by extension—students. I aim to ensure ̽»¨Â¥’s leadership reflects the diversity, experience, and innovation of our membership.

My mission is advancing student success through strategic innovation, and I bring that commitment to ̽»¨Â¥. I lead with integrity, equity, and collaboration, and I believe these principles should guide our leadership selection.

If elected, my goals are:

1. Ensure Equity and Inclusion in the Nominations Process: Advocate for a fair approach that values diverse perspectives and strong representation from all institution types.
2. Elevate Emerging Leaders: Expand our leadership pipeline by identifying creative, resilient professionals.
3. Promote Transparency and Member Engagement: Support open communication and increase member involvement in the nomination and voting processes.
4. Strengthen ̽»¨Â¥’s Long-Term Vision: Identify leaders aligned with ̽»¨Â¥’s values to address evolving challenges in enrollment and academic services.

̽»¨Â¥ has been pivotal in my professional development, providing mentors, peers, and ideas that have shaped my practice. I’m eager to give back by helping build a stronger, more inclusive future for our organization.

Thank you for your consideration.

Bio:

Steve Downing is currently the Dean of Enrollment Management at Bellevue College, a role he has held since 2022. He has been a part of Bellevue College’s enrollment services team since 2001, serving in various capacities over his 23 years in higher education, with a focus on community college admissions and registration. As Dean, Steve leads strategic initiatives to enhance student access, persistence, and success. He is deeply committed to fostering a student-centered approach and is passionate about leveraging technology to support students throughout their educational journey, ensuring that systems and processes meet their needs effectively. 

Steve has been involved at the state and regional level by serving in leadership roles for both PACRAO and WaACRAO. Additionally, Steve is currently a Co-Chair of Volunteers for ̽»¨Â¥ 2025 in Seattle. 

Steve holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of California, San Diego, and a Master of Science in Student Affairs and Higher Education from Indiana State University.