Endeavors Update!

Welcome to the new Endeavors SUNYCAP blog! Where you can catch up with the latest SUNY Admissions news, see what your colleagues are up to and submit your own experiences in higher education.  Interested in submitting an article to Endeavors? Contact Riley Sullivan by emailing Riley.Sullivan@flcc.edu. 

Remember, if you receive a grant or scholarship to attend a SUNYCAP conference, you must give back to the organization. One way of doing so is by submitting an article to Endeavors. 

Articles should be 500-1,250 words in length, providing information of interest to your peers. Feel free to include a color head shot of you, so that we can post your photo with your article. The article should touch on your personal experiences but also relate to broader issues affecting academe and college admissions. In other words, if you've got something to say about the job market, the tenure track, the interview process, counseling, committee work, work/life conflicts, or some other aspect of your life as an admissions representative, and you'd like to use your personal experience to make the point, that's what we're looking for. 

Please reach out with any questions you may have about Endeavors. 

Happy May 1st! 

Meet the Executive Board

Joshua Gregory, President-Elect

If you accepted your nomination, please explain why you are interested in running for this position.

-I have served on the SUNYCAP E-Board in one capacity or another for over 11 years now. I have enjoyed every minute and am truly passionate about this organization. It has helped me mature as a professional in many ways. I have had to opportunity to work with some of the true all stars of SUNY. I thank each and every one that I have had to chance to work with over this 11 years on the E board that has led me to accepting this nomination today. I am nervous and anxious for the next 3 years and having the opportunity to serve in a different capacity on the E-Board. 

If you accepted your nomination, please briefly discuss the skills/experience that you could bring to the SUNYCAP Executive Board.

-I think the biggest thing I bring to the table is familiarity with the E-board. Serving for over 11 years now I have had the opportunity to work under some great presidents, some I consider very good friends and mentors. I hope to be able to reach out to them at any time to ask questions or seek guidance. Being in the admissions field for over 13 years I have made this a career and I plan to stay in the field as long as it will allow me to. So I cannot say that I have one thing in particular that has led me to be ready for this position, but years of watching some great leaders and hope I have learned something and can repeat what that have taught me.

 If you accepted your nomination, please state the number of years you have worked in Admissions.

-13

If you accepted your nomination, please state the number of years you have worked in SUNY Admissions.

-12

If you accepted your nomination, please list any previous SUNYCAP involvement that you have had.

-September 2005- New Professionals Orientation, February 2006- 2015 Co-chair of Nominations & Elections Committee, June 2008- First ever winner of the Larry Appel New Professionals Award, June 2008-2011 Special Missions Representative, June 2011 –2015 Technology Center Representative, July 2009- Co chaired first ever SUNYCAP Golf tournament held at SUNY DELHI, June- 2010-2012 Pre-conference institute attendee, 2005-2017 New Professionals Orientation attendee (currently known as SUNY Admissions Orientation), 2014- Recipient of the Dave Truax Service award, 2015-2017 SUNYCAP Vice President, 2005-2016-Confrence Attendee, 2015-2017- Conference planning committee

Angela Wesley, Secretary

If you accepted your nomination, please explain why you are interested in running for this position.

-I am currently acting as Secretary for SUNYCAP and enjoy the role! I would love to stay involved in SUNYCAP for professional development opportunities and connecting with my peers in Higher Education.

If you accepted your nomination, please briefly discuss the skills/experience that you could bring to the SUNYCAP Executive Board.

-I enjoy constantly learning, and earning a seat on the Executive Board will allow me to continue to develop professionally. I am also an organized professional, which is a required skill of the secretary of any organization.

 If you accepted your nomination, please state the number of years you have worked in Admissions.

-3

If you accepted your nomination, please state the number of years you have worked in SUNY Admissions.

-1.5

 If you accepted your nomination, please list any previous SUNYCAP involvement that you have had.

-SUNYCAP Member, SUNYCAP Secretary June 2016 - present 

Rebecca Ott, University Center Representative

If you accepted your nomination, please explain why you are interested in running for this position.

-I am interested in running for this position again because I have learned a lot serving on the E-board over the past 2 years and would love to run again! From planning SAO to working on the conferences the leadership, planning, and relationships I have built while in this position are unforgettable experiences. I enjoy meeting professionals from all across the SUNY system and building more relationships in the SUNY family!

If you accepted your nomination, please briefly discuss the skills/experience that you could bring to the SUNYCAP Executive Board.

-Being that I have already been on the board serving in the same position, I know what is expected of the position and now that I have been through a cycle I feel I can improve on the tasks and event planning of the position. Last year, I even created a "to do list" for SAO to have all tasks outlined so University Center Reps are not guessing on what needs to be done.

If you accepted your nomination, please state the number of years you have worked in Admissions.

-5

If you accepted your nomination, please state the number of years you have worked in SUNY Admissions.

-5

If you accepted your nomination, please list any previous SUNYCAP involvement that you have had.

-Past University Center Rep, SUNY Admissions Orientation Coordinator, moderated sessions before that, and worked on SUNYCAP conference set up at Niagara Falls. 

Sarah Fitzgerald, University Center Representative

If you accepted your nomination, please explain why you are interested in running for this position.

-I am honored to be nominated and interested in running for University Center Representative. SUNY has been apart of my life since I graduated from high school and attended a SUNY school. After undergraduate and graduate school I accepted my first job at a SUNY school, two years later I took my current position at SUNY Poly. After four years in SUNY admissions, I am excited for the opportunity to grow professionally. Participating in the SUNYCAP Executive Board I look forward to sharing my ideas and passion I have for the mission of SUNY. I also hope to learn from other SUNY admission professionals. 

If you accepted your nomination, please briefly discuss the skills/experience that you could bring to the SUNYCAP Executive Board.

-Skills and experience that I could bring to the SUNYCAP Executive Board include four years of SUNY Admissions experience. I have worked professionally at two SUNY colleges and am a graduate of a third. Each college was in a different sector providing me with a holistic view of SUNY. I have been intimately involved in enrollment marketing, which has allowed me to develop skills in web design, graphic design, and higher education marketing best practices. My organizational skills, passion for SUNY, attention to detail, and communication skills are additional skills I will if elected, bring to the SUNYCAP Executive Board. 

 If you accepted your nomination, please state the number of years you have worked in Admissions.

-4

If you accepted your nomination, please state the number of years you have worked in SUNY Admissions.

-4

If you accepted your nomination, please list any previous SUNYCAP involvement that you have had.

-SUNYCAP Conference Attendee for two years, SUNYCAP Workshop Committee Member, Currently working toward SUNYCAP Leadership Institute Certificate

Danielle Armentano, University College Representative

If you accepted your nomination, please explain why you are interested in running for this position.

-I am excited for the opportunity to represent both SUNYCAP and The College at Brockport as a University College Representative. When I joined this organization three years ago, I was very new to my career in higher education. The connections I've created, the relationships I've made and the experiences that I've had have been extremely rewarding. My goal in this role is to create better relationships and increase SUNYCAP enrollment with the University Colleges in SUNY, as well as give back to an organization that has given me so much.

If you accepted your nomination, please briefly discuss the skills/experience that you could bring to the SUNYCAP Executive Board.

-For the last two years, I have served as the Co-Chair for the Nominations and Elections Committee and have been a member of the Conference Planning Committee. At my own institution, I am passionate about serving current and prospective students as the Supervisor of Admissions Ambassadors and as a Mentor for College Bound. With my experience in supervising, leadership and communication, I feel that I can bring my positive attitude and drive to an already wonderful team of people.

If you accepted your nomination, please state the number of years you have worked in Admissions.

-3.5

If you accepted your nomination, please state the number of years you have worked in SUNY Admissions.

-3.5

If you accepted your nomination, please list any previous SUNYCAP involvement that you have had.

-Nomination and Elections Committee Co-Chair 2015-present, Conference Planning Committee Member 2014-present, Attended New Professionals Orientation in 2014 and attended again when it became SUNY Admissions Orientation in 2016, SUNYCAP Conference Workshop Moderator 2016 and 2017, SUNYCAP Conference Attendee 2014-present

Megan Croft, College of Technology Representative

If you accepted your nomination, please explain why you are interested in running for this position.

-After working in Admissions for 7 years at a private college, I joined the SUNY Admissions community a little over 2 years ago. Working at Morrisville State College has been a wonderful experience so far. In the past 2 years, I have enjoying meeting and getting to know my colleagues from other SUNY institutions and have also had an opportunity to attend my first SUNYCAP conference (Saratoga - June 2016). I feel that I am already a strong advocate for the SUNY Colleges of Technology. I understand what makes our institutions so unique and I also understand the challenges that we face. I hope that this position will provide me with a better opportunity to continue to get to know my SUNY colleagues and to truly immerse myself in the SUNY community.

If you accepted your nomination, please briefly discuss the skills/experience that you could bring to the SUNYCAP Executive Board.

-I am very knowledgeable about the college admissions process and current trends in higher education due to my 9 years of experience working in admissions at both private and state institutions. Throughout the years I have been a member of SUNYCAP, NEACAC, NYSACAC, and NACAC and have attended multiple conferences/workshops/trainings for professional development. I have strong communication skills, I'm very detail oriented, and I'm extremely organized.

If you accepted your nomination, please state the number of years you have worked in Admissions.

-9

If you accepted your nomination, please state the number of years you have worked in SUNY Admissions.

-2

If you accepted your nomination, please list any previous SUNYCAP involvement that you have had.

-N/A

Riley Sullivan, Community College Representative

If you accepted your nomination, please explain why you are interested in running for this position.

-When I first started in Admissions I was encouraged by many colleagues to get involved with SUNYCAP due to the many professional growth opportunities the organization offers. If elected as Community College Representative, I feel I can continue to encourage admissions professionals to get involved and continue to grow in the field of Admissions. I would be honored to continue to give back to this wonderful organization that has given so much to me.

If you accepted your nomination, please briefly discuss the skills/experience that you could bring to the SUNYCAP Executive Board.

-As someone who started as a student at a community college and now works for a community college, I feel I can bring a unique prospective to the SUNYCAP Community. Over the past 3 years working in Admissions I am confident in my ability to bring organization, teamwork and enthusiasm to a leadership role. I am passionate about promoting growth in the admissions field and I feel I have the ability to encourage other Admissions Professionals to become more involved in the SUNYCAP organization.

 If you accepted your nomination, please state the number of years you have worked in Admissions.

-3

If you accepted your nomination, please state the number of years you have worked in SUNY Admissions.

-3

If you accepted your nomination, please list any previous SUNYCAP involvement that you have had.

-I've been apart of SUNYCAP for almost 3 years now and I've been involved in a number of different efforts. I currently co-edit the SUNYCAP electronic newsletter, Endeavors which features articles from SUNY Admissions Professionals. Additionally, I have served on the Conference Planning Committee for the past two SUNYCAP Conferences and I attended SUNY Admissions Orientation in 2014. 

Brittany Morawiec, Special Mission Representative

If you accepted your nomination, please explain why you are interested in running for this position.

-I have always wanted to be more involved with SUNYCAP and I think the special mission representative would be the perfect way to blend my passion for working with transfer students and special populations. I hope to grow professionally as well, by gaining knowledge from my SUNY colleagues.

If you accepted your nomination, please briefly discuss the skills/experience that you could bring to the SUNYCAP Executive Board.

-For the past three years I have been very involved and passionate with transfer student initiatives. I am currently one of the co-chairs who plans and implements the New York State Transfer Articulation Association. On my campus I have worked to increase the attention spent to transfers before and during their transition. I have worked to revamp our transfer scholarship opportunities and have created new programming to better serve the population. The insight and knowledge I have gained through my relationships with professionals, both on the public and private side, can be shared with others in the field to better support our special populations.

If you accepted your nomination, please state the number of years you have worked in Admissions.

-3

If you accepted your nomination, please state the number of years you have worked in SUNY Admissions.

-3

If you accepted your nomination, please list any previous SUNYCAP involvement that you have had.

-I have presented at the conference last year and this year I intend to help with the conference on the logistics side.

The Colleague Corner

The Colleague Corner

By Laura Morcone, Associate Director of Admissions at SUNY Orange

A new look at our friends and colleagues throughout SUNY.  Get to know one another. Whether it be a familiar face, or someone you have never met, that is what I am trying to do.

Meet Meylin Andares

Meylin was the first person I met “on the road” when I first got hired at SUNY Oneonta. The first fair I did was at Kellenberg HS in Nassau County, Long Island, and Meylin was a table next to me (representing SUNY Albany).  We introduced ourselves, and then our friendship took off as I quickly knew everything about Meylin in just about 5 minutes (she is not shy).

She invited me, along with about 10 other counselors, to Champs (which was across the street) for food and drinks.  She is magnetic, and I know you will see why. She has been in her new job at SUNY Central for less than 1 year, and she is already making a difference.

What is your current title?

My title is Director of Enrollment Management and Student Success for SUNY System. I focus on providing resources to underrepresented populations in order to secure a college education.

When did you start?

I started in June 2016.

Coming from U Albany, how has admissions-related work assisted you in the transition into your new role?

My time at UAlbany Undergraduate Admissions helped me to learn the vast framework behind higher education. This has allowed me to gain a unique perspective which can be applied to my new role. This includes recruitment, networking and understanding what a student needs to be successful. 

What do you miss most about not being in admissions anymore?

What I miss most are my colleagues, Admissions peers and most importantly the students. I would also have to include traveling to high schools and helping students/families with the college application process. Being a part of getting students accepted into UAlbany/EOP Program has been highly fulfilling to me. 

What are your long-term goals for this new job?

Some of my long-term goals include developing new initiatives across SUNY System, assuring underrepresented students have the best resources available to them and bridging the gap between campuses and non-profit organizations. 

What has been one defining moment in your professional career?

One of the most defining moments of my professional career has been successfully achieving the increased EOP freshmen class size by 250 students. This accomplishment helped broaden my skills and ability to do more as a higher education professional. 

What does your typical day look like?  Is there such a thing?

An average day consists of meetings, site visits, conference calls and webinars. This includes after work networking events. 

What professor/staff member had the most impact on you during college, and why?

The staff member that had the most impact on me during college was Cesar Sanchez. Cesar was the New York City Admissions representative for UAlbany. He recruited me as a high school senior to attend the University. Afterwards, he remained a mentor assisting me in many ways. He encouraged me to apply as a tour guide which introduced me to the world of Admissions. 

What are you most proud of professionally?

What I am most proud of professionally is my leap from Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions to Director of Enrollment Management and Student Success. My new role allows me to create change on a much larger scale

What are you most proud of personally?

What I am most proud of personally is being an immigrant. My parents brought me here from Managua, Nicaragua to have a better life and more opportunities. They worked hard, instilled the importance of an education and taught me the simple motto, "One person can make a difference". 

For fun:

If you become President of the United States someday, what is the first thing you would do?

If I would be President of the United States one day, the first thing I would do is to hold a national vote in order to pressure Congress to pass the Dream Act. This would be my first act as President due to my experience as an immigrant, becoming a citizen and following the American Dream. 

SUNYCAP Leadership Institute Grad

                    

Kyle Fennell
Senior Admissions Counselor & Events Coordinator

SUNY Potsdam

           

As I enter my 6^th year in Admissions at SUNY Potsdam, I have evolved, developed and grown in many ways since starting as an Admissions Counselor at the University in December 2012.  As I transition into a new role as the Admissions Events Coordinator and supervisor of our student ambassadors, I feel that the professional development that I have experienced as a member of SUNYCAP, University College Rep on the SUNYCAP Executive Board, in addition to the recent completion of my SUNYCAP Leadership Institute (SLI) Certificate in Enrollment Management, has contributed greatly to the success that I have achieved in the Admissions field thus far.

       The SUNYCAP Leadership Institute is committed to the professional growth and development of Admissions professionals, who have expressed interest in serving as future leaders in our profession.  The overall goal is to blend and manage initiatives that will assist in the development of future leaders, who in return will be retained, challenged and enriched through professional opportunities.  The SLI program is taught by experienced enrollment and Admissions professionals, from both within and outside the SUNY System, and covers a wide range of topics, including student recruitment, financial aid, and strategic enrollment planning and retention.

            Five workshops are required for program completion, in addition to two electives, all of which are offered at the annual SUNYCAP Conference every June, and at drive-in programs.  The five required courses include: How to Write a Strategic Enrollment Plan; Budget Writing; Institutional Research; Marketing and Promotion; and Human Resource Issues.  Other requirements to obtain the SLI Certificate include having a minimum of three years of Admissions experience, in addition to being a member of SUNYCAP.  Upon completion of all program requirements, graduates are awarded a Certificate in Enrollment Management.

            I would highly recommend working toward obtaining your Certificate in Enrollment Management, as I recently completed it in June 2017, and was recognized at the annual conference.  It is a great opportunity that will open up doors to your future success in higher education and the Admissions profession.  If you are interested in learning more about the SUNYCAP Leadership Institute, I encourage you to visit: http://www.sunycap.org/programs-and-events/sunycap-leadership-institute/.