Cindy A. Garcia
Albuquerque
Summary
Experienced higher education administrator with over 15 years of progressive leadership in medical school admissions and academic advisement. Proven expertise in strategic planning, policy development, team supervision, and program management. Adept at ensuring compliance with accreditation standards, fostering diversity initiatives, and advancing operational excellence in complex academic environments. Committed to innovative recruitment, data-driven decision-making, and building collaborative relationships with institutional stakeholders.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Supervisor, Academic Advisement & Admissions
University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Office of Admissions
Albuquerque, NM
03.2016 - Current
- Lead the strategic planning, policy development, and oversight of the School of Medicine (SOM) and BA/MD admissions programs.
- Direct daily operations, managing staff and ensuring alignment with institutional goals and accreditation standards (LCME).
- Develop and implement innovative recruitment and outreach strategies to attract a diverse applicant pool.
- Oversee the review and evaluation of applications, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies.
- Manage admissions data analysis, produce comprehensive reports, and present findings to leadership and committees.
- Lead efforts for accreditation readiness, including liaising with legal and compliance teams.
- Coordinate and facilitate admissions committees, ensuring fair and transparent selection processes.
- Cultivate partnerships with community organizations, including regional Native American outreach programs and workshops.
- Supervise the development and maintenance of admissions policies, procedures, and documentation.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to optimize the admissions process, including software and technological advancements.
Admissions Operations Specialist
University of New Mexico School of Medicine
Albuquerque, NM
08.2010 - 03.2016
- Managed admissions processes, coordinated interview logistics, and developed admissions materials.
- Conducted pre-med advisement sessions and coordinated recruitment outreach efforts at regional events to enhance program visibility.
- Oversaw maintenance of comprehensive records while conducting in-depth analysis of application trends. Compiled detailed reports to guide strategic decision-making. Led initiatives to track and report application trends effectively.
- Oversaw design and implementation of admissions software and tools to optimize workflow and improve user experience.
Coordinator, Student Admissions
University of New Mexico School of Medicine
Albuquerque, NM
07.2008 - 08.2010
- Provided comprehensive pre-med advising to support students in achieving their medical school aspirations.
- Conducted pre-medical advisement workshops aimed at guiding students through application processes presenting to over 150 potential applicants per year.
- Guided and trained student employees in their roles to enhance productivity and teamwork.
- Represented organization at recruitment events across New Mexico, promoting UNM School of Medicine and fostering connections with prospective applicants.
- Oversaw budget allocation for departmental activities, ensuring optimal resource utilization across programs.
- Entered data, generated reports, and produced tracking documents.
Enrollment Representative
University of New Mexico School of Medicine
Albuquerque, NM
07.2006 - 07.2008
- Evaluated applications against established criteria, including prerequisites, residency status, MCAT scores, and GPA thresholds, to facilitate admissions process.
- Engaged with customers in person, via phone, and through email daily to address inquiries regarding application processes and admission requirements for the School of Management.
- Oversaw logistics for room assignments and meticulously captured minutes during admissions committee meetings.
Other Roles
Different Employers
- Adjunct Faculty, University of New Mexico University College | 2010–2012 (Fall semesters only)
- Administrative Assistant, University of New Mexico Department of OB/GYN Clinical Trials | 2004–2006
- Administrative Assistant, University of New Mexico Department of OB/GYN Residency Program | 2001–2004
- Camp Counselor | 2001–2002
- Student Employee, UNM Research & Study Council | 2000–2001
Education
Master of Health Administration - School of Public Administration
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM05-2019
Bachelor in Liberal Arts - Liberal Arts
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM05-2015
Skills
- Admissions Policy & Compliance
- Data Analysis & Reporting
- Team Supervision & Development
- Diversity & Community Outreach
- Accreditation & Regulatory Standards
- Process Optimization & Technology Integration
- Problem-solving
- Customer service
- Teamwork and collaboration
Accomplishments
- UNM SOM Office of Education Annual Excellence Staff Award Recipient
- AAIP/AAMC 2018 American Indian/Alaska Native
- Physicians Summit Panelist
- UNM Staff Council Star Award (2017 & 2018)
- UNM Management Academy Graduate (2012/2013)
- HSC Pug Burge Staff Award (2012)
- UNM Staff Council Precinct 21 Representative (2015–2018)
Timeline
Supervisor, Academic Advisement & Admissions
University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Office of Admissions
03.2016 - Current
Admissions Operations Specialist
University of New Mexico School of Medicine
08.2010 - 03.2016
Coordinator, Student Admissions
University of New Mexico School of Medicine
07.2008 - 08.2010
Enrollment Representative
University of New Mexico School of Medicine
07.2006 - 07.2008
Other Roles
Different Employers
Master of Health Administration - School of Public Administration
University of New Mexico
Bachelor in Liberal Arts - Liberal Arts
University of New Mexico
LEADERSHIP, STRATEGY, AND POLICY DEVELOPMENT
- Spearheaded the planning of regional pre-admissions workshops and outreach initiatives.
- Developed policies aligning with LCME standards, improving the integrity of admissions processes.
- Facilitated admissions committee operations, including agenda development and decision workflows.
- Collaborated with legal and compliance teams to ensure adherence to applicable regulations.
BOARD AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
- AAIP/AAMC 2018 American Indian/Alaska Native Physicians Summit Panelist
- UNM Staff Council Star Award recipient
- UNM Management Academy graduate
- Published research on Native American recruitment strategies