Two-time alumnus Crystal Wymer-Lucero ’07, ’19, director of Alumni Relations, has been selected to participate in the American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ (AASCU) 2025 Emerging Leaders Program (ELP). She was one of 37 outstanding academic and administrative professionals from across the country chosen for this year’s cohort — the largest in the program’s 10-year history.

ELP equips higher education professionals with the skills and mindset needed to advance into senior administrative roles through a blend of in-person and virtual programming focused on leadership, communication, project management, and change navigation.

“I’m honored to be selected for the prestigious AASCU Emerging Leaders Program and be among the next generation of leaders committed to advancing higher education,” said Wymer-Lucero.

The intensive, in-person component of ELP was held in Washington, D.C., on June 24-26. Throughout the year, participants will engage in interactive online sessions. Additionally, cohort members will lead a project or initiative at their home campuses under the guidance of a mentor and with support from a project advisor from the AASCU community.

ELP also encourages peer-to-peer learning. Participants are provided formal and informal ways to build intentional connections with each other, as well as with their advisors, mentors, ELP faculty and the AASCU community.

“One of the most inspiring aspects of the program is the community it builds — learning from peers across the country, exchanging ideas, and pushing each other to think differently about leadership in higher education,” said Wymer-Lucero.

With more than 20 years of experience in public higher education, Wymer-Lucero leads CSUSB’s alumni engagement team, overseeing strategic initiatives that foster lifelong connections between the university and its alumni worldwide. She manages volunteer leadership programs, regional and student engagement efforts, alumni marketing and digital outreach campaigns.

In addition, CSUSB Alumni Relations has achieved national recognition under Wymer-Lucero’s leadership, earning prestigious awards and setting industry benchmarks for institutional alumni engagement. Building on this success, Wymer-Lucero continues to contribute to the broader higher education landscape through her involvement with national organizations like AASCU.

AASCU is a higher education association that represents more than 500 regional public colleges, universities, and systems committed to a learning- and teaching-centered culture, underrepresented student populations, and driving regional economic and cultural development through research and innovation.