“Diverse” magazine named AACC’s dean of student engagement among its “Diverse Top 35 Women in Higher Education” in its Women’s History Month issue in March.

Dr. Tiffany Boykin ranked seventh on the annual list.

“I still don’t exactly know who nominated me,” Boykin said. “It was an absolute surprise, and an honor, to be considered.”

Boykin said her unique set of degrees may have contributed to her election. She has bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well as a Ph.D. and a law degree.

She practices law as the principal of Boykin Legal Solutions.

“I actually do use [the degrees] on a daily basis,” Boykin said. “I think that’s one of the things that may have contributed to me standing out as unique, because I’m using both the expertise and studies in higher education along with my expertise and understanding of the law.”

Boykin has worked for AACC since March 2016. Since then, she said, she has used her skills to improve lives of students on campus. She said her favorite part of her job is seeing the success of those she has helped.

“I get to see people come in, literally have a transformative experience and change their life,” Boykin said.

Boykin said she doesn’t want to see students who struggle financially have to forego buying textbooks or getting to school because of a lack of transportation.

“Basically, I just want to expand the services and support such that when you come to AACC, you truly do have that magical experience,” Boykin said. “My goal is to have more so that the students can have more.”