Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
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Sharron Starling

Seattle,WA

Summary

Dynamic admissions leader with a proven track record at Cornish College of the Arts, excelling in student enrollment projections and prospective student outreach. Successfully increased enrollment rates through strategic recruitment initiatives while fostering team-based problem resolution. Expertise in financial aid processes complements strong mentorship abilities, driving team performance and enhancing applicant experiences.

Overview

36
36
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Admission

Cornish College of the Arts
05.2008 - 11.2024
  • Conducted regular evaluation of admission policies and procedures, making necessary adjustments to maintain alignment with institutional objectives.
  • Served as primary contact for coordination of application screening and tracking, visit and interview arrangement and marketing communications.
  • Increased enrollment rates by developing and implementing strategic recruitment initiatives.
  • Served as a liaison between prospective students, families, faculty, and administration throughout the admissions process, facilitating seamless communication among all parties involved.
  • Mentored and provided professional development opportunities for admission staff, leading to enhanced performance and personal growth within the team.
  • Devised and implemented strategic recruitment plan with consideration to both long and short term goals.
  • Led training sessions for staff on best practices in admissions processes, enhancing consistency among team members.
  • Organized successful campus events such as open houses and information sessions to showcase what the institution has to offer its students academically and socially.
  • Coordinated efforts with financial aid office to provide comprehensive assistance and guidance for applicants seeking funding opportunities.
  • Managed a diverse team of admissions professionals, fostering a collaborative work environment focused on achieving departmental goals.
  • Advised applicants on prospects for admission and strategies for meeting academic and extracurricular credentials.
  • Collaborated with marketing teams to create compelling promotional materials that showcased the unique qualities of the institution.
  • Utilized advanced CRM software solutions to manage prospect inquiries efficiently, leading to increased conversion rates from inquiry-to-application stage.
  • Maintained thorough knowledge of industry trends and legislative changes affecting higher education admission policies, ensuring compliance at all times.
  • Oversaw budget management for the admissions department, utilizing resources effectively while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
  • Enhanced partnerships with feeder schools through regular outreach activities designed to strengthen connections between institutions while promoting mutual benefits for both parties involved.
  • Established strong relationships with high schools and community colleges to promote the institution''s programs and attract potential applicants.
  • Implemented data-driven decision-making strategies to optimize recruitment tactics and improve overall results.
  • Evaluated applicant qualifications and assessed their potential fit within the institution, ensuring a diverse and talented student body.
  • Contributed to overall institutional success by actively participating in cross-functional initiatives aimed at improving student experience, academic offerings, and campus life.
  • Collaborated with faculty, staff and students to identify and address institutional challenges.

Associate Director of Admission

Cornish College of the Arts
05.1992 - 05.2008
  • Maintained full knowledge of institution's catalog to fully explain course offerings and select programs to best fit each potential student's needs and goals.
  • Explained admissions processes, educational programs, financial assistance, and student services to potential students and families.
  • Assisted prospective students with admissions by processing paperwork, arranging and conducting campus tours and conducting follow-up activities.
  • Delivered engaging presentations at college fairs and conferences, highlighting institutional strengths and attracting potential applicants.
  • Coordinated and participated in campus recruitment events, orientation programs and open houses.
  • Coordinated with financial aid office to develop and implement scholarship programs aimed at attracting high-achieving applicants from diverse backgrounds.
  • Managed application review processes during peak seasons, ensuring all deadlines were met while maintaining high standards of evaluation quality.
  • Developed training programs for new hires, standardizing best practices across the department and improving overall efficiency.
  • Mentored junior admissions staff, fostering professional growth and improving overall team performance.
  • Enhanced campus visit experience for prospective students through carefully planned open house events and personalized tours.
  • Served as a liaison between academic departments and the admissions office, facilitating communication on program-specific requirements for applicants.
  • Established strong relationships with high school counselors, leading to increased referrals and applications from targeted schools.
  • Organized and facilitated admissions events, including webinars, workshops, and information sessions, enhancing institutional visibility among prospective students.
  • Conducted comprehensive reviews of applicant profiles to ensure a diverse and talented incoming class.
  • Implemented strategies to increase student recruiting, engagement and retention.

Admission and Financial Aid Counselor

Cornish College of the Arts
05.1990 - 05.1992
  • Managed a caseload of students throughout their application journey, ensuring timely completion of all required paperwork related to admission and financial aid applications
  • Provided financial aid counseling to enrolled and prospective students.
  • Authored presentations and documentation for distribution to prospective students.
  • Collaborated with fellow counselors to develop strategies for improving overall efficiency and effectiveness of the department''s operations.
  • Counseled students and parents about financial aid options and program details.
  • Explained very technical financial information to applicants in easy to understand language.
  • Communicated with prospective students to illustrate available financial aid opportunities.

Admission Counselor

Saint Joseph's College
06.1988 - 01.1990
  • Coordinated campus visits for prospective students and their families, showcasing the institution''s facilities, programs, and resources.
  • Increased enrollment rates by organizing and participating in college fairs, open houses, and information sessions.
  • Enhanced applicant experience by providing personalized guidance and support throughout the admissions process.
  • Delivered engaging presentations about the college/university at various off-campus events such as high school visits or conferences.
  • Provided exceptional customer service by responding promptly to inquiries from prospective students via phone, email, or social media channels.
  • Developed strong relationships with high schools and community organizations to promote the institution''s programs and offerings.
  • Collaborated with faculty and staff to develop targeted recruitment strategies for prospective students.
  • Conducted thorough evaluations of applicant transcripts, test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation to determine eligibility for admission.
  • Contributed to a positive campus culture by assisting with orientation events for new students.
  • Reviewed admissions applications and evaluated student credentials.
  • Facilitated information sessions that demystified admissions process, leading to increased applications.
  • Tailored admission counseling sessions to address unique concerns and aspirations of each prospective student.
  • Conducted thorough evaluations of applicant materials to ensure fair and consistent admission decisions.
  • Participated in national college fairs, effectively promoting institution and attracting wider pool of applicants.
  • Educated students on college admissions process and scholarship requirements.

Education

Biomedical Sciences/ Chemistry Minor

Montana State University
Bozeman, MT
06-1987

Skills

  • Student enrollment projections
  • Team-based problem resolution
  • Prospective student outreach
  • Financial aid expertise

Affiliations

  • Pacific Northwest Association for College Admission Counseling
  • National Association for College Admission Counseling
  • National Portfolio Day Association

Timeline

Director of Admission

Cornish College of the Arts
05.2008 - 11.2024

Associate Director of Admission

Cornish College of the Arts
05.1992 - 05.2008

Admission and Financial Aid Counselor

Cornish College of the Arts
05.1990 - 05.1992

Admission Counselor

Saint Joseph's College
06.1988 - 01.1990

Biomedical Sciences/ Chemistry Minor

Montana State University

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Sharron Starling