Meet Aaron Guerrier, Graduate Student Recruiter
This spring, the Office of Graduate Admissions (OGA) had the pleasure of welcoming Aaron Guerrier, M.Ed., to our team as a Graduate Student Recruiter. Aaron has played a critical role in our office, supporting admitted graduate students throughout their decision-making journey. As Aaron’s time in the OGA comes to an end, I had the opportunity to ask him about his career in higher education, his time at Tufts, and what’s in store for him next!
The following is an interview conducted via email with Aaron Guerrier, who responded to questions in writing.
Can you share a bit about your educational background?
As a Boston native, I attended the Academy of the Pacific Rim Public Charter School in Hyde Park. It was there in 2016 that I received the Posse Foundation Scholarship, a full-tuition award designed to foster strong leaders from diverse backgrounds who can tackle complex social issues. I believe that’s when my academic journey truly took off! I then went on to Centre College in Danville, KY, where I earned a B.S. in Economics and Finance with a minor in Social Justice. Most recently, I graduated from the Harvard Graduate School of Education with an M.Ed. in Education Leadership, Organizations, and Entrepreneurship, focusing on Higher Education.
What led you to your current career path?
It’s funny; before working in admissions, I was living in Germany—a complete 180! Like most folks in this line of work, I was an ambassador in the admissions office at Centre, giving tours, doing lunch visits, overnights, and so on. When a position opened up, my then-director recruited me to the team, and the rest is history. I honestly thought I would only do admission work for a year or two as I transitioned back home and figured out what I wanted to do, but I ended up falling in love with the work. I love being able to connect with students and families, helping them realize their goals and understanding their passions. Higher education can be a vehicle for change, and positioning students to be the drivers is what keeps me motivated to continue doing this day in and day out.
What is your role and main responsibilities in the OGA? What have you enjoyed most about your time at Tufts?
I’m a Graduate Recruiter for OGA, specifically for the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and I support the Assistant and Associate Directors in outreach to admitted students. My day-to-day involves conducting regular outreach via phone calls, scheduling Zoom meetings, and answering questions through email and text messages. What I’ve enjoyed most is establishing ongoing relationships with admitted students, serving as a point of contact for them as they navigate the graduate school process. It can be confusing to figure everything out all at once, so helping students identify whom they need to talk to or guiding them through specific processes brings me joy. Another of my responsibilities, as well as another source of joy, is designing strategies to enhance our outreach efforts for admitted students. It’s satisfying to reflect on where we are, where we hope to be, and develop methods that make our process inclusive and equitable. That’s where the magic happens, in my opinion, and getting to do that with a lively group of folks is always a great time. A fun sidebar—my weekly visits to Tufts Main Campus in Medford are always a treat! Being “in the thick of it” with the team and building authentic relationships is what keeps me going; the Tufts Library Rooftop Garden isn’t half bad either!
Aaron Guerrier, M.Ed.
What first sparked your interest in higher education and admissions work, specifically? What do you think makes this work meaningful, impactful, or rewarding?
Receiving the Posse Foundation scholarship was a turning point for me. In that moment, I gained a new perspective on higher education and its significance, not only for me but also for my family. I didn’t particularly know what I wanted to do after high school. While I recognized that college was the next step, I didn’t fully understand the process or what to look for moving forward. The folks at the Posse Foundation, along with the counselors at Centre, made that transition seamless. Now, being on the other side, what I find meaningful is replicating that experience: demystifying the college landscape and bridging information to make higher education more accessible. It feels like a full-circle moment. It’s impactful to know that I am part of shaping the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers. College should be open and accessible to everyone who aspires to attend, and it’s rewarding to realize that through my actions, we can get one step closer to achieving that goal.
How does inclusivity and equity shape the scope of your work as an admissions professional?
I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity for a college education, regardless of appearance or background. Our differences make us unique and enable us to create significant change. The melting pot of ideas, traditions, and cultures positions us for great innovation. We should embrace that ethos instead of shying away from it. Within each of us lies a leader, a trailblazer, who, equipped with the right tools, can turn the impossible into reality. This motivates my work. It’s what inspires me to wake up every morning and keeps me awake at night. The limitless possibilities of what the next generation can achieve and how I and other admission professionals can shape the future into something remarkable drive my mission for greater access and success in college admissions. It helps me stay focused on the end goal; alignment is key, and without it, the kind of purpose-driven impact I strive for would falter.
What’s next for you, and what are you most excited about? What kind of impact do you hope to have in your future work?
My next stop is Colgate University, where I will serve as an Assistant Dean of Admissions! I’m excited for this next chapter in many ways. I’ll have the opportunity to learn in a new institution, collaborate with an amazing team, and immerse myself in a new community. Of course, challenges will arise during this transition, but I’m ready to tackle whatever comes my way. What I appreciate most is Colgate’s commitment to student success and treating all learners as whole individuals; that kind of alignment with my future goals will make the job that much easier. Although I’m sad to leave Tufts and the Jumbo community, I hope to make the same impact at Colgate as I did here: making college accessible and easy. If there’s any way I can help even one more student realize their dreams and open the doors to making those dreams come true, then I’ve done my job and will leave fulfilled.