Spotlight on NAGAP Chapters Part II: Regional Chapters - S5 E5

In the second episode of our two-part chapters mini-series, we talk with NYGAP Chapter president Jaclyn Napoleon and TXGAP Chapter president Victor Lopez. Jaclyn and Victor tell us about the benefits of being part of a regional chapter and how to get involved. We also talk about all the existing regional chapters, so if you aren’t already part of one, this is your chance to learn more!

About the guests:

Victor Lopez is currently the Assistant Director for Graduate Professional Education & Extended Learning Initiatives at Baylor University, a role he has held since December 2020. In this capacity, Victor is instrumental in managing and expanding credit/non-credit certificate offerings at Baylor, demonstrating his expertise in program development and strategic planning within the higher education sector.

In addition to his professional role, Victor is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Educational Administration at Texas A&M University, showcasing his commitment to advancing his knowledge and expertise in the field of education. Furthermore, Victor plays a key role in the Texas Association of Graduate Admissions Professionals (TxGAP Chapter), where he serves as the President. 

Jaclyn Napoleon has been the Director of Graduate Recruitment and Admissions at the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy at the University at Albany (SUNY) for the past 8 years. Jaclyn earned her MS in College Student Personnel from Western Illinois University and her BA from Geneseo (SUNY). Prior to her role at Rockefeller, Jaclyn served in the Undergraduate Admissions offices at UAlbany for 12 years and the College of Saint Rose for two. 

In her current role, Jaclyn is responsible for managing marketing, communication, outreach and recruitment efforts, the application process, funding decisions, combined degrees and event management for prospective master’s and PhD students in the fields of Public Administration, International Affairs, Political Science and Criminal Justice. An active member of the campus community, Jaclyn has served on the Graduate Academic Council and Strategic Enrollment Committee on campus and is employed as a seasonal essay reader for Bright Horizons College Coach. 

Jaclyn began her involvement in NYGAP in 2016 and then took on the role of Treasurer of NYGAP in 2019. She was elected Vice-President in 2021 and President in 2023. 

This episode was hosted, produced, and edited by Lauren McGowan.

Learn more about NAGAP, the Association for Graduate Enrollment Management, at www.nagap.org.