Laurie Gray
Summary
Educational professional with strong background in guiding students towards academic success. Proven ability to develop strong relationships, foster team collaboration, and adapt to evolving needs.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of College Advising
Lausanne Collegiate School
Memphis, TN
07.2021 - Current
- Guide 9th-12th grade students and families through all aspects of the college search and application process.
- Meet regularly with students and parents to develop balanced college lists and application strategies.
- Write detailed letters of recommendation for seniors.
- Advise students on course selection and academic planning as it relates to college admission.
- Support 100 seniors and families in reviewing financial aid and scholarship offers.
- Communicate key timelines and deadlines related to testing, applications, and scholarships.
- Provide leadership and strategic oversight for Lausanne’s college advising program.
- Supervise the College Advising Coordinator and Assistant Director of College Advising, including annual performance reviews and ongoing professional support.
- Review and refine the college advising curriculum and program each year.
- Organize parent programs, workshops, and college essay support in collaboration with the English Department.
- Maintain advising timelines and resources for students and families.
- Build and maintain relationships with college admission representatives.
- Host college visitors on campus and attend relevant conferences.
- Work closely with faculty to support students through the advising process and guide teachers in writing college recommendations.
- Collaborate with the Registrar and Upper School leadership to verify graduation requirements and provide college placement data for school reporting.
- Manage the school’s college advising platform (SCOIR) and ensure accurate documentation of advising conversations and application progress.
- Train students, families, and faculty in the effective use of SCOIR.
- Maintain the college advising section of the school website in coordination with the Director of Communications.
- Coordinate college admission visits and supervise the junior college trip.
- Serve as a liaison with the athletic department regarding student-athlete recruitment.
- Support students applying for financial aid and academic scholarships.
- Participate in parent information nights and other school events.
- Collaborate with the Alumni Office to track and celebrate alumni college experiences and successes.
Vice President and Director of College Planning
Collegiate Funding Advisors
Memphis, TN
07.2019 - 06.2021
- Developed the College Planning department, acquiring all retail clients and establishing and/or maintaining relationships with high school counselors.
- Maintained previously established relationships with college admissions staff.
- Interacted with 40 students and parents each academic year to explain the college planning process as well as financial aid procedures.
- Prioritized schedules to meet goals of each individual family and overall customer satisfaction.
- Cultivated and strengthened relationships with all client families.
- Counseled students regarding the college search, admissions application and selection process.
- Advised students of financial aid opportunities and explained scholarship procedures.
- Advised students regarding course and program selection and its impact on college admissions.
- Assisted students with resume building, volunteer opportunities, job shadowing and interview skills.
- Created a new client meeting intake path detailing all scheduled meetings for each grade level.
- Wrote and created email sequences to send monthly reminders to all students and families.
- Trained and managed other counselors in the company as needed.
- Offered friendly and efficient service to all families, handled challenging situations with ease.
- Attended NACAC conferences.
College Counselor
Briarcrest Christian School
Eads, TN
04.2017 - 06.2019
- Advised 300 juniors and seniors throughout the college admissions process.
- Counseled students regarding course selection, class scheduling and registration.
- Reviewed transcripts to verify students met graduation or college entrance requirements.
- Wrote letters of recommendation.
- Planned all junior and senior meetings with students and parents.
- Senior buddy coordinator, managing monthly events for seniors and kindergarten student mentoring program.
- Attended counselor fly-in events at colleges and universities.
- Assisted guidance counselor with testing coordination.
- Served as AP Coordinator and Proctor.
- Planned and led college tours of approximately 30 students.
- Other duties as assigned.
Transfer Admissions Counselor/Events Coordinator
Christian Brothers University
Memphis, TN
10.2012 - 01.2015
- Contacted more than 200 prospective students via email and phone calls monthly.
- Planned and coordinated recruitment events for prospective incoming freshmen.
- Facilitated transfer student enrollment, working alongside Dean of Academic Services.
- Fostered excellent working relationships with local counselors in my territory.
- Position required non-traditional hours in the evening and some weekends.
Assistant Director of Admissions
Christian Brothers University
Memphis, TN
05.2008 - 01.2010
- Completed phone calls and email communication to generate prospective students and guide students through the admissions process.
- Explained admissions processes, educational programs, financial assistance and student services to over 325 potential students each admissions cycle.
- Developed and maintained a positive relationship with assigned applicants throughout every stage of the admissions process.
- Managed out-of-state territory which included traveling up to five weeks per academic year.
- Analyzed historical data to evaluate a plan for recruitment travel.
- Worked closely with the Associate Director of Admissions to manage all admissions counselors.
- Led admission team in evaluating applications, ensuring adherence to institutional standards.
- Collaborated with academic departments to align admissions goals with university objectives.
- Streamlined communication processes between prospective students and admissions office, enhancing responsiveness.
Financial Assistance Administrative Assistant
Christian Brothers University
Memphis, TN
02.2007 - 05.2008
- Transferred and directed phone calls, guests and mail to correct staff members.
- Prepared award packages for prompt delivery to incoming students.
- Supported Director of Financial Assistance and other staff by scheduling appointments and organizing itineraries.
- Worked with undergraduate admissions to coordinate prospective family appointments with the Director of Financial Assistance.
- Communicated with prospective families to complete necessary financial aid forms.
- Maintained office supplies inventory by checking stock and ordering new supplies as needed.
- Coordinated schedules and appointments for faculty, ensuring efficient time management across departments.
Education
Bachelor Of Science - Business Administration, Finance
Christian Brothers University
Memphis, TN2007
Skills
- Relationship building
- Verbal and written communication
- Student advocacy
- Academic advising
- Career guidance
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Academic planning
Timeline
Director of College Advising
Lausanne Collegiate School
07.2021 - Current
Vice President and Director of College Planning
Collegiate Funding Advisors
07.2019 - 06.2021
College Counselor
Briarcrest Christian School
04.2017 - 06.2019
Transfer Admissions Counselor/Events Coordinator
Christian Brothers University
10.2012 - 01.2015
Assistant Director of Admissions
Christian Brothers University
05.2008 - 01.2010
Financial Assistance Administrative Assistant
Christian Brothers University
02.2007 - 05.2008
Bachelor Of Science - Business Administration, Finance
Christian Brothers University