Throughout her career, Carol has brought together her  passion for education, retail, and student advocacy into a legacy that has impacted collegiate retail. Her journey began in traditional retail but found its true expression in the university setting, where she realized that campus stores were more than places of transaction—they were spaces for intellectual engagement, student support, and building community. She is an ardent believer that campus stores should be perceived, not just as financial entities but as vital contributors to the academic environment.

Carol’s pivotal role in selecting Campus Store Standards as a major project and strategic focus for the NACS Foundation exemplifies her deep commitment to both the Foundation and the campus store industry. As a member of the Foundation Board Executive Committee, Carol recognized that campus stores needed a clear framework to solidify their roles as essential contributors to student success and campus engagement. Her vision and advocacy were instrumental in positioning the Campus Store Standards as a key strategic focus, ensuring that stores are empowered with industry-specific education, research, and tools to thrive. Carol’s service on the board went far beyond that of a traditional volunteer; she worked tirelessly to bring this transformative initiative to life, embodying the Foundation’s mission to equip campus stores as vital participants in higher education. Through her leadership, Carol not only demonstrated a sustained commitment to the Foundation’s work but also ensured that its vision of empowering independent campus stores for the future was actively realized.

Carol’s impact grew as the NACS representative to the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS). Her dedication to advocating for campus stores within the broader context of higher education transformed perceptions at CAS, where she championed the complexities and essential role these stores play in student life. Her work on the Campus Store Standards stands as a testament to her visionary leadership. By integrating these standards into the NACS Foundation’s strategic plan, Carol ensured that campus stores will be recognized not just for their financial contributions but for their role in student success and campus engagement. Her efforts have laid the foundation for a future where campus stores are seen as assets and key contributors to the academic mission of institutions.

Carol's leadership extends beyond her work on standards. As a past president of the NACS Foundation Board of Directors, she has always been an advocate for continuous improvement and innovation in collegiate retail. Her vision, mentorship, and ability to inspire those around her have shaped the careers of countless individuals within the industry. Her involvement with CAS has not only raised the profile of campus stores within higher education but also highlighted their vital role in addressing broader issues such as student welfare, food insecurity, and housing challenges.

Carol’s contributions have left an indelible mark on the NACS Foundation, and her work continues to benefit students, faculty, and campus communities across the nation. She is not only a leader but a trailblazer, whose commitment to education, advocacy, and service has reshaped the landscape of collegiate retail.

Her visionary leadership, devotion, and transformative impact on the NACS Foundation and collegiate retail make her more than deserving of this recognition.