Robert Aaron

Dr. Robert W. Aaron serves as Executive Director of Student Affairs Assessment and Planning at Northwestern University and Instructor in the Higher Education Administration and Policy program. He leads assessment initiatives for 25 Student Affairs units and teaches graduate-level courses. His work spans over two decades in higher education with roles in assessment leadership, student orientation, and fraternity/sorority management.

Education includes a PhD in Higher Education from Indiana University Bloomington, MA in Higher Education & Student Affairs from Ohio State, and BA in Music from University of Rochester. His research focuses on assessment methodologies, creativity in identity development, and strategic planning in student affairs.

Key contributions include publications on strategic planning assessment frameworks, entry-level professional competencies, and ePortfolio pedagogy. He collaborates with national organizations like NILOA (National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment) and has presented widely on assessment practices. Active in advancing assessment literacy across higher education institutions.

Professional service includes managing national surveys on student experiences and directing first-year programs. His work emphasizes closing the assessment loop through actionable institutional improvements. No formal awards are listed, though his impact is evidenced through widespread adoption of his frameworks.