Dr. Marlo Waters

Office Location
AF Gray 211

Biography
Dr. Marlo Waters is a seasoned academic professional, with two decades of experience in Academic Administration and Registrar Operations in faith-based higher education. She believes in utilizing technology, structure, and innovation to support the academic work of the university, and her goal is to create effective systems and processes that facilitate student pathways to graduation. She is particularly energized by projects that incorporate a combination of big-picture visioning and detail-oriented tasks.

Dr. Waters has a passion for operations and for leadership from the middle; her academic research focuses on leadership skills and development for mid-level administrators in higher education. She utilizes structured change management processes for meaningful and sustainable change, and enjoys working with faculty through the shared governance process. She has extensive experience in data management, accreditation, and assessment, and was a participant in the 2019 cohort of the WSCUC Assessment Leadership Academy.

Dr. Waters has been married more than 20 years to Dr. Steve Waters, recently retired WPU mathematics professor. They enjoy a variety of activities including church involvement, intellectual pursuits, and travel; they are especially grateful whenever they can have time with their extended family and their four granddaughters.

Education 
Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership, Brandman University, 2015

M.S. in Education, Specialization in Leadership for Higher Education, 2008, Capella University

B.S. in Mathematics, Specialization in Pure Mathematics, 2005, Pacific Union College

Areas of Expertise/ Research Interests
Registrar Role and Operations, Student Advising and Degree Progression, Academic Advising, Organizational Leadership and Shared Governance, Systems Thinking, Curriculum and Program Development, Academic Policy, Data Management, Accreditation, Assessment

Publications
Hightower, L, and Waters, M. (2018). The role of experiential learning in teaching organizational leadership. The International Journal of Educational Organization and Leadership, 24(3): 1-15.

Waters, M. (2017). Reflections on the hard work of mentorship. In Zimar, H. & Montgomery J. (Ed.). Mentorship in higher education: Practical advice and leadership theories (pp. 135-144), Annapolis Junction, MD: AACRAO Publications.

Waters, M. (2017). Reflections on the hard work of mentorship. College and University, 92(2): 27-30.

Waters, M., and Hightower, L. (2016). A qualitative exploration of perspectives on the management and leadership role of the higher education registrar. College and University, 91(2), 20-30.

Professional Affiliations
American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) since 2006

Pacific Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (PACRAO) since 2006