We introduce you to our Face of ACE, Robin Arnsperger Selzer, from the University of Cincinnati! ACE Women’s Network-Ohio continues to explore new and creative opportunities to communicate who we are, provide networking opportunities for Ohio women in higher education and to promote women’s professional advancement. Our new Faces of ACE posts will introduce you to women involved in the ACE Women’s Network-Ohio.
Name: Robin Arnsperger Selzer, PhD
Title: Assistant Professor, Division of Professional Practice and Experiential Learning
Education: • BA Sociology, University of Cincinnati • MA School and Community Counseling, University of Cincinnati • PhD Higher Ed Administration, Loyola University
1. How long have you been involved with the ACE Women’s Network-Ohio and in what capacity?
Two years. I attended conferences for two years, was awarded the Professional Development scholarship, invited to give the lunch keynote plenary on Leadership Journeys last year, served as the Institutional Representative for one year, and was appointed to the Executive Board in the summer of 2014. I serve on the Communications Committee and oversee our new Twitter account. Follow us on Twitter @ACEWNO!
2. What have you gained from your involvement in the ACE Women’s Network-Ohio?
It is an amazing group of powerful, smart, collaborative women leaders who truly care about women’s advancement in higher education. It provides networking, informal mentoring, education and friendship. I have learned that I am not alone in my ambition to rise to a greater calling as a woman leader in higher education; and there are women there to help one another reach our goals.
3. What are your research or academic areas of interest?
Issues of Race & Gender, Social Justice, Women’s Leadership
4. What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
• Early in my career, to “not pigeonhole myself.” • Later in my career, to “write and produce scholarship.” • And most recently as a newly appointed faculty member, to “keep my head down.”
5. Who has impacted you most in your career and how?
Mentors. Dr. Nancy Spence and Dr. Chris Bobel from UC’s Women’s Center – two different leadership styles that each taught me to believe I was capable of more than I thought I was. Dr. Larry Preston from Union Institute & University who helped me see myself as a scholar-researcher-teacher who could also lead concrete administrative projects. He also helped me realize there is no such thing as certainty.
7. What are you most looking forward to professionally or personally in the coming year?
I recently started a new role as a faculty member. Faculty culture seems so different. I am looking forward to relishing in my newfound freedom over my schedule, to being innovative in launching a new experiential learning track for pre-professional students, and to having more time to spend with my girls rather than being in an administrative role that requires a lot of nights and weekend work on campus.
8. What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of being a first-generation college student – who came from a high school where only 40 percent of us went to college and had a terrible ACT score while trying to get into college – and now having a Ph.D. from a well-respected program and multiple publications. I am most proud of being resilient and authentic.
9. Who do you most admire?
Really anyone who seems to have found an inner peace or balance – an ability to be in the present moment, to let go. I also admire survivors, in all of their various identities. There is something about a person who has had to overcome significant adversity and finds the strength within to rise up despite all challenges. I love survivor stories! I also admire people who live out their life calling. That requires an awareness that means someone has to have accomplished a lot of self work and continues to commit to their own personal growth.
