Sherma Lawrie
Joppa,Maryland
Summary
Service-oriented professional with experience in higher education, hospitality, and banking operations. Expertise in managing financial transactions and supporting institutional functions. Strong relationship-building and communication skills drive effective problem resolution. Collaborative team player with organizational and administrative strengths focused on enhancing customer experiences and contributing to organizational success.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Admissions Office Advisor
Walden University
Columbia, Maryland
06.2025 - 03.2026
- Reviewed applications and administered decision processes for individual schools to ensure fair evaluations.
- Evaluated admissions policies and procedures related to transfer of credit.
- Prepared official admissions and transfer credit determinations, facilitating accurate student placements.
- Assigned transfer of credit based on standards set by schools and notified relevant administrative offices.
- Supervised transportation of transfer awards into student information system after evaluations.
- Provided unofficial assessments of transfer credit to prospective students.
- Responded to inquiries from faculty and internal student service groups.
- Ensured adherence to institutional policies and standards during admissions processes to maintain compliance and integrity.
International Student Services Manager-PDSO
Metropolitan College of New York
Bronx, New York
06.2024 - 05.2025
- Managed international student services and ensured government compliance, supporting student success.
- Oversaw immigration support for F1 and other visa statuses, facilitating smooth transitions for international students.
- Acted as primary designated school official, maintaining compliance with F1 regulations.
- Completed stretch assignments to develop team skills and improve service delivery.
Senior Admissions Counselor
Metropolitan College of New York
Bronx, New York
09.2023 - 06.2024
- Achieved enrollment targets for undergraduate and graduate students through effective inquiry management.
- Collaborated with academic deans to create engaging program-specific presentations that attracted prospective students.
- Cultivated relationships with high schools, colleges, businesses, and community leaders, enhancing enrollment initiatives and outreach efforts.
- Hosted virtual and in-person information sessions to engage potential student audiences.
- Conducted campus tours for prospective students, their families, and friends to enhance engagement.
- Traveled for recruitment events, representing college at various outreach activities.
- Ensured accurate documentation of acceptance and enrollment in student files and databases.
- Mentored new hires in admissions department, promoting knowledge transfer and improving team integration.
Outreach & Admissions Counselor
Management & Training Corporation- Job Corps
Bronx, New York
09.2021 - 09.2023
- Conducted outreach activities with public service agencies and community organizations, successfully identifying eligible candidates for Job Corps program.
- Established networks with youth development agencies and community organizations, enhancing recruitment outreach efforts.
- Interviewed interested candidates, gathering essential information for evaluation.
- Arranged pre-enrollment orientations and scheduled tours of the center for prospective students.
- Prepared documentation on potential students, reviewing details with center as necessary.
- Maintained monthly goals established by PRH and management to ensure program effectiveness.
- Regularly reviewed and audited assigned areas for contractual compliance and effective service delivery.
- Developed detailed reports on outreach efforts and student recruitment strategies to inform future initiatives.
Multicultural International Admissions Counselor
University of the District of Columbia
Washington, District of Columbia
12.2016 - 11.2019
- Advised international students on legal immigration status and facilitated document processing to ensure compliance.
- Represented university at college fairs and community organizations to attract prospective students.
- Built relationships with prospective students, effectively guiding them through the admissions process to enhance their experience.
- Managed geographic territory by implementing recruitment plans and enrolling students.
- Communicated value of liberal arts education at high schools and community colleges nationwide.
- Conducted interviews and information sessions for prospective students and families on campus.
- Counseled students and parents on academic programs, admissions requirements, and financial aid options.
- Evaluated admissions applications and supporting documents, providing recommendations to optimize candidate selection.
Admissions & Academic Advisor
University Of Maryland Global Campus
Largo, Maryland
03.2013 - 12.2016
- Guided prospective undergraduate students through complete enrollment process by engaging in consultative dialogue to uncover needs and concerns.
- Built rapport with prospective students while providing comprehensive information on UMGC programs and admissions requirements, enhancing their understanding and engagement.
- Addressed student concerns on finances, grades, degree plans, and instructor issues through effective communication via telephone, email, and face-to-face meetings.
- Applied critical thinking skills to support diverse learners in navigating challenges and achieving educational goals.
- Conducted proactive outreach to students with recruitment team via telephone and email.
- Maintained accurate information on academic programs, course selection, requirements, policies, and deadlines.
- Accurately documented and tracked student and applicant information in CRM system.
- Guided new employees through training and onboarding processes to enhance their skills. through training, onboarding, shadowing, and empowerment.
Admissions Advisor
Career Technical Institute
Washington, District of Columbia
11.2012 - 03.2013
- Executed high volumes of outbound calls and managed inbound inquiries, effectively guiding prospects through the enrollment process.
- Identified prospect leads, addressed objections, and drove registration successfully.
- Secured student referrals and developed a robust pipeline of leads.
- Cultivated relationships with students and employees, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.
- Conducted regular follow-ups with students prior to classes, ensuring readiness and addressing concerns with professionalism.
- Evaluated daily activities against performance standards, consistently surpassing personal sales goals.
- Maintained in-depth knowledge of curriculum objectives, training methodologies, and school policies.
- Exhibited accountability and commitment to excellence in support of school’s mission.
Guest Service Manager
Club Quarters Hotel
Washington, District of Columbia
03.2007 - 11.2012
- Coordinated member service desk operations, enhancing guest satisfaction at business hotel.
- Resolved guest concerns by analyzing situations and making informed decisions, improving overall guest experience.
- Managed five to six guest service representatives; submitted biweekly payroll and scheduled according to occupancy.
- Conducted interviews, hired, and trained staff in accordance with hotel policies.
- Monitored quality issues, investigated complaints, and implemented training to elevate service standards.
- Planned arrangements for VIP guests and long-term contracts to ensure satisfaction.
- Ensured compliance with brand standards while managing staff performance.
- Balanced room inventories and ensured revenue collection.
Teller
Bank of America
Washington, District of Columbia
03.2006 - 03.2007
- Managed daily cash drawer, accurately handling cash, check deposits, withdrawals, and loan payments.
- Balanced cash drawers with 100% accuracy, ensuring financial integrity.
- Built rapport with walk-in clients, effectively resolving account inquiries to improve client retention.
- Identified client financial needs, cross-selling banking products that contributed to branch referral growth.
- Guided clients through mobile and online banking platforms, enhancing self-service adoption and client satisfaction.
- Verified identification and adhered to security protocols to prevent fraud.
Education
Master of Arts - Distance Education-Policy & Management
University of Maryland Global Campus
Largo Maryland05-2016
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology & Anthropology
University of The District of Columbia
Washington District Of Columbia12-2011
Skills
- Student Enrollment Management
- Customer Relationship Management
- Case Management
- Community Outreach
- Cross-Cultural Communication
- Problem Solving
- Attention to Detail
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Multitasking & Time Management
- Team Collaboration
- Leadership & Staff Training
- Relationship Building
- Equity and inclusion
Timeline
Admissions Office Advisor
Walden University
06.2025 - 03.2026
International Student Services Manager-PDSO
Metropolitan College of New York
06.2024 - 05.2025
Senior Admissions Counselor
Metropolitan College of New York
09.2023 - 06.2024
Outreach & Admissions Counselor
Management & Training Corporation- Job Corps
09.2021 - 09.2023
Multicultural International Admissions Counselor
University of the District of Columbia
12.2016 - 11.2019
Admissions & Academic Advisor
University Of Maryland Global Campus
03.2013 - 12.2016
Admissions Advisor
Career Technical Institute
11.2012 - 03.2013
Guest Service Manager
Club Quarters Hotel
03.2007 - 11.2012
Teller
Bank of America
03.2006 - 03.2007
Master of Arts - Distance Education-Policy & Management
University of Maryland Global Campus
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology & Anthropology
University of The District of Columbia