Kelly S. Simer
Pasadena,MD
Summary
Dedicated Higher Education leader with years of progressive experience in academic advising, pre-professional pathway development, student retention initiatives, orientation leadership, and cross-campus partnership building. Proven success in managing diverse student caseloads and designing holistic support systems that bridge the gap from community college to the university level and beyond. Expert in intrusive advising, cross-functional collaboration, and recruitment outreach. Experienced in campaign-based student outreach, data tracking, website development, and technology-driven communications.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Academic Advisor
University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)
01.2006 - Current
- Serve as the university’s primary Pre-Nursing Advisor, managing outreach for approximately 200 students and advising 100+ students each semester.
- Lead and advise the Pre-Nursing Society, coordinating campus visits from nursing programs, professional speakers, and student panels to strengthen career readiness and graduate school preparation.
- Act as liaison to the University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON), overseeing specialized Partnership Pathways for incoming freshmen (BSN) and current students (MSN-E).
- Partner with our Admissions Office to deliver engaging workshops designed to prepare both incoming freshmen and transfer students for the transition to UMBC, engage with students and their families during welcome events, and act as a Pre-Transfer Advisor for prospective allied health students
- Develop and manage comprehensive academic roadmaps for pre-professional cohorts, ensuring alignment between community college transfer credits, university requirements, and nursing school prerequisites
- Manage external communications platforms, including MailChimp campaigns and Calendly scheduling systems.
- Lead ENRL 101 workshops, cross-campus programming related to advising resources, understanding graduation requirements, and managing degree audits for both current and incoming undergraduates.
- Direct biannual Advising Campaigns connecting 400+ exploratory and allied health students with advisors; track engagement metrics and analyze outcomes to demonstrate campaign effectiveness.
- Co-developed the departmental website, leading content strategy and communications for students, faculty, and staff.
LRC 101A Instructor
University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)
01.2004 - 01.2014
- Taught a three-credit academic recovery course, 'Academic Success for Lifelong Learning,' supporting students in academic difficulty.
- Delivered curriculum focused on study strategies, metacognition, test-taking skills, learning theory, and academic resilience.
- Partnered with the Office of Learning Resources to align advising interventions with classroom instruction through coordinated outreach and targeted support.
Academic Advisor
University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)
01.2001 - 01.2006
- Advised students on major exploration, career alignment, and semester planning.
- Designed and launched the FUEL Program (For Undecided and Exploratory Students), providing structured decision-making frameworks and academic planning resources.
- Presented university policies and academic planning strategies at new student orientation and residence hall programs.
- Supported students facing academic suspension or dismissal by developing recovery plans aligned with university standards.
Orientation Coordinator
University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)
01.1999 - 01.2001
- Directed planning and implementation of comprehensive new student orientation programs.
- Coordinated cross-campus collaboration to deliver academic and student engagement programming.
- Supervised 16 student leaders (Orientation Assistants, Senior OAs, Assistant Coordinator).
- Oversaw course registration processes and supervised summer academic advising staff.
- Managed Access database systems for new student communications and registration tracking.
- Authored and implemented a comprehensive parent handbook to enhance family engagement.
Graduate Intern
University of Delaware
01.2000 - 12.2000
- Delivered daily admissions presentations to prospective students and families.
- Participated in Early Decision application review and committee selection.
- Responded to inquiries via phone, email, and campus visits.
Practicum Counselor
University of Delaware
01.2000 - 12.2000
- Counseled individuals on career options, facilitating informed career decisions under supervision of licensed psychologist.
- Interpreted Strong Interest Inventory and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator results, providing insights that guided college students in their career planning.
Education
Master of Education (M.Ed.) - Student Affairs Practice in Higher Education
University of Delaware
Newark, DE01-2001
Bachelor of Science - Geography & Environmental Systems
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Baltimore, MD01-1999
Skills
- Learning management systems: Blackboard
- Student information systems: PeopleSoft
- Virtual collaboration tools: WebEx, Zoom, Microsoft Teams
- Office software: Microsoft Office, Canva
- Digital content management: WordPress
- Curriculum development
- Workshop facilitation
- Data analysis
- Student engagement strategies
- Program coordination
- Public speaking skills
- Retention strategies
- Recruitment strategies
Timeline
Senior Academic Advisor
University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)
01.2006 - Current
LRC 101A Instructor
University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)
01.2004 - 01.2014
Academic Advisor
University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)
01.2001 - 01.2006
Graduate Intern
University of Delaware
01.2000 - 12.2000
Practicum Counselor
University of Delaware
01.2000 - 12.2000
Orientation Coordinator
University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)
01.1999 - 01.2001
Master of Education (M.Ed.) - Student Affairs Practice in Higher Education
University of Delaware
Bachelor of Science - Geography & Environmental Systems
University of Maryland, Baltimore County