Mark Twain once said, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” This quotation is the embodiment of Stephanie’s college admissions career. Stephanie’s roots run deep in the Pittsburgh area and, believe it, or not, in the world of football. She literally grew up on the “sidelines of life” watching her father, a former football player, youth coach, athletic director, and teacher guide his teams to the youth championships. What she could not anticipate then, but understands now, is how much of an indelible mark the speeches he gave to his players, the consummate professional ways he handled every situation and the lessons for a lifetime he taught them would leave on her life.

Her father believed in education, both in and outside of a classroom setting. He always told her “Stephanie, you can learn the most amazing things from the most unassuming people in life if you just pay attention.” As she moved through the various stages of her 30 year college admissions career, she found that he was correct. His passion for teaching and learning ignited a fire inside her which she continues to carry with her today. Her passion for education and guiding students compelled her to spend her entire career within the realm of college admissions, where she has honed her professional skills. Along the way, she has been recognized for her efforts which has now brought her to the “why” cross-roads of Mr. Twain’s quotation. Stephanie’s true reward of her career has been the opportunity to bear witness as her recruits have crossed the stage and accepted their degrees.

In those moments, her students have earned their metaphorical pens to begin authoring the chapters in the books of their lives. Those shared moments of pride are the culmination of the hard-work, dedication, and determination each of her students have brought to the respective campuses where she has honed her craft.  Stephanie’s talents for developing, maintaining and sustaining relationships continues to benefit Carlow University students. Her strength and tenacity for follow-through is a key hallmark to the excellent customer service she continues to provide and has become the thread she continues to weave through the tapestry of her admissions career.    While she has received numerous accolades over the span of her career, Stephanie is most devoted to the overall personal, academic and professional development and achievement of each and every student she is privileged to assist through the enrollment process.                                                                                       

Lastly, Stephanie works with traditional first-year undergraduate students who attended high school in the following areas:

  • Armstrong, Indiana, Jefferson, and Westmoreland Counties (Pa.)
  • Central and Eastern Pennsylvania
  • Mid-Atlantic (DC, DE, MD, NJ, VA)
  • South and Southwest (AL, AR, FL, GA, MS, NC, NM, OK, SC, TN, TX)

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts – Sociology, Seton Hill University, Greensburg, PA (1993)

Professional Memberships

  • Pennsylvania Association for College Admission Counselors (PACAC)
  • Potomac and Chesapeake Association for College Admission Counseling (PCACAC)

Research

Interests: The Ever-Changing Landscape of Higher Education In A Post-COVID World; The Evolution of Ageism In American Culture & Workforce; Communication Skills; General Marketing Techniques; Marketing Techniques In a Digital Society; Sales Strategies; Negotiation Skills; Non-Verbal Communication; Questioning Techniques; Building Rapport; Handling Objections; Persona Analyzation


Awards & Recognition

  • Carlow University STAR Award Recipient (August 2024) 
  • Certificate of Recognition for 20 Years of Dedicated Service (April 2021) 
  • Certificate of Recognition for 15 Years of Dedicated Service (November 2016)
  • Certificate of Recognition for 10 Years of Dedicated Service (November 2011)
  • Certificate of Recognition for 5 Years of Dedicated Service (November 2006)
  • Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Admissions Performance Above and Beyond to Support the Recruitment Team (September 2004, September 2003, September 2002)
  • Professional Accomplishment and Admissions Achievement Award (August 1999)
  • Outstanding Admissions Achievement Award for Exceeding Quarterly Class Plan (July 1999, July 1998, July 1997)
  • Outstanding Admissions Service Award for Most New Students Serviced (July 1999)
  • Outstanding Admissions Service Award for Highest Percent of Veteran Plans Achieved (July 1999)
  • Professional Accomplishment and Admissions Achievement Award (December 1998)
  • Outstanding Admissions Achievement Award for Exceeding Yearly Class Plan (December 1998)
  • President’s Club Award for Attaining Highest Producer Status (November 1998)
  • Outstanding Admissions Achievement Award for Excellence in Admissions (November 1998)
  • Crystal Award for Outstanding Admissions Achievement (July 1998)
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Carlow University prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator, Jackie smith at jmsmith@carlow.edu or 412-578-6050.