Editor's Note: "Voices on the Board" is a series of interviews with the ̽»¨Â¥ Board of Directors. Get to know the volunteer professionals who are elected by our membership to oversee the mission of ̽»¨Â¥. Voting Members: Don't forget to vote in this year's ̽»¨Â¥ Elections.
By Corey M. Sjoquist, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Admissions & Recruitment, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Max Xiong is the Senior Associate Registrar, Rochester Institute of Technology, and the Vice President of Finance on the ̽»¨Â¥ Board of Directors. His career has included working in admissions and registrar roles in the Midwest, all the way to the East Coast, to HawaiÊ»i, and now in New York. Along the way, he has forged meaningful relationships and always makes time to connect with colleagues at ̽»¨Â¥ events.
There are many key reasons that Xiong chose to serve on the ̽»¨Â¥ Board of Directors:
To give back to the higher education community, following the example of those who gave him opportunities.
To make meaningful improvements, just as he does in his work on campus. For example, small improvements to smooth a process or much larger improvements to support student success.
To help others grow in the profession while attracting others to work in the field. He believes advancing the work of those in admissions and registrars is essential to the future.
And specifically, as Vice President of Finance, Xiong has the opportunity and privilege to help ̽»¨Â¥ shape its fiduciary responsibility and strategic goals, allowing the organization to work for its members.
Testing the Waters
Throughout his career, Xiong has adopted bits and pieces of leadership styles from different individuals along the way. For example, when Xiong worked at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County, Steve Smith was the registrar. Smith provided opportunities for professional advancement but also encouraged him to get involved with . That engagement with CAPACRAO started with the communications committee and eventually transitioned to the treasurer. Smith continued to identify opportunities for Xiong, encouraging him to apply for new positions that would utilize his talents. Xiong appreciated how Smith used an intentional leadership style that included a clear and strategic approach. Now, while working with offices, Xiong often incorporates what he learned from Smith to help others reach their full potential and strategically lead offices to a strong future.
Xiong states he was “testing the waters” to see what he wanted to do, where he wanted to be, and where he would fit. Supervisors and mentors, such as Smith, who is also the founding President of CAPACRAO, as well as UMBC Registrar Pam Hawley and ̽»¨Â¥ President Cassandra Moore, recognized his potential, took him under their wing, and introduced him to new opportunities. They encouraged him to say “yes” when asked to engage, especially in the most unexpected moments.
Continuing Engagement
Early in his tenure on the Board of Directors, Xiong witnessed how the Board had advanced equity and inclusion. He points to the identity-based caucuses that foster visibility, belonging, and connection within the profession. The ̽»¨Â¥ caucuses provide space for members to share their experiences, build communities, and engage in professional development. His personal engagement with the LGBTQIA+ caucus raises issues impacting that community and educates the profession on how to better serve students and staff. The goal is for ̽»¨Â¥ members to use the knowledge to influence change on their campuses.
As a regular attendee at ̽»¨Â¥ events and state and regional conferences, Xiong thrives around others who share the same passions for student success, equity, and inclusion. He confesses to being an introvert disguised as an extrovert. Those who share the same passions energize him, but at the end of the day, he prefers a quiet, peaceful place to recharge.
Making Time to Connect
Xiong advises ̽»¨Â¥ members, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds and communities, to seek out connections and be open to learning and growing from opportunities. This may require you to take the first big step and reach out of your comfort zone to join a committee at the national, state, or regional level.
I encourage you to connect with Xiong. His career has afforded him a wealth of experiences that he is willing to share. For many years, Xiong and I have connected during a coffee or meal break at the ̽»¨Â¥ Annual Meeting. Trust me, he always has a good story to tell. Finally, thank you to Max Xiong for serving as the ̽»¨Â¥ Vice President of Finance.