Vicky Medlock
Emory University
Interim Senior Associate Vice President, Operations and Advancement Strategy

Years in aasp
I am a proud founding member of aasp.  I didn’t make the first gathering of the handful of amazing colleagues who birthed aasp, but I became an aasp volunteer soon after.

Your volunteer roles with aasp
While I enjoy being active with a few professional associations, aasp holds a special place in my heart. Currently, I serve as the chair of the Scholarship Committee and as a member of the Summit Logistics Committee, and I always enjoy participating as an awards judge. Over the years, I’ve held several volunteer roles, but I’m especially proud to have served as aasp President in 2012 and 2013. It’s been incredibly rewarding to give back to a community that has given me so much.

What motivates you to volunteer with aasp?
It’s the people I’ve met and the continuous opportunity to grow and learn. The aasp community truly welcomes everyone and is dedicated to serving the greater good through the work we all do—regardless of our individual roles. I’ve been inspired by so many during my aasp journey, and I’m more than happy to give my time to an association that has played a role in every success (and every learning opportunity) along the way. We are an open, sharing, and caring community—and that’s exactly why I love being an aasp volunteer.

Which events have you attended?
This one is tough because I’ve attended every aasp Summit—except for one—and each one holds incredible memories. But if I had to pick just one standout memory, my shoutout goes to David Lawson and Lori Hood Lawson for their unforgettable keynote at the 2018 Summit. Dressed as Captain Kirk and Princess Leia, they tackled the topic of governing AI and harnessing its power in such a fun, engaging, and insightful way. They were even kind enough to reprise the presentation at an aasp regional conference I hosted when at Rollins College. They’re just fabulous!

The one Summit I missed was due to an emergency health situation with my husband—thankfully, he’s just fine now. But I still smile remembering that even from his hospital bed, he told me I should go, knowing how much I love the conference. Of course, I stayed home to support him, but it just goes to show how special and meaningful this association and annual conference has become in my life.

How have you benefited professionally and/or personally by volunteering with aasp?
How much space do we have? First and always—it’s the people! I’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating: this community is incredibly generous in sharing their experiences and knowledge. I often tell my colleagues, “I don’t need to know the answer—I just need to know the people who do.” Volunteering has opened the door to so many meaningful conversations within our profession. In my opinion, networking is one of the most valuable things we can do, both for our personal growth and for the benefit of our organizations. The people I’ve met along my aasp journey have helped me find new paths to consider—whether tackling a challenge, exploring something new, or even stepping into entrepreneurial ventures.

Other than your volunteerism with aasp and your career, what are your interests/passions?
I’m finally getting smart enough—after all these years—to prioritize international travel in my personal life. I’ve made a commitment to take at least one international trip each year, and the experience of exploring new cultures, people, and places has been absolutely amazing. Closer to home, local weekend or day trips have always been a passion. My husband and I have made it a point to explore someplace new almost every weekend for nearly all of our 31 years together. There’s such joy in the unexpected—stumbling upon hidden gems, unique local spots, or beautiful scenery you never knew existed in your own backyard. That sense of discovery continues to inspire and energize me.