Susan Poli-Smith

A D D R E S S , P H O N E N U M B E R A N D E M A I L A VA I L A B L E U P O N R E Q U E S T

Career Summary: Higher education strategic leader with a proven track record of exceeding departmental goals and
objectives for over 20 years. Successfully forged important partnerships with all facets of the university including but not
limited to faculty, staff, departmental chairs, coaches, students and alumni.
Areas of Expertise:
Admissions
Retention

Advising
Management

Public Relations
Public Speaking

EXPERIENCE
LAWRENCE TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL AID
January 2016 to Present
Responsible for managing, directing and implementing all policies and procedures for the Office of Financial Aid
NORTHWOOD UNIVERSITY
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS/TRAINER/MANAGER
November 2012 to January 2016
Responsible for recruitment of 25-30% of the freshman class annually, goal incrementally increased every year
Exceeded projected goals over 30% on an average over the past four years
o In addition to responsibilities listed under Assistant Director
o Hire and train recruiters/counselors
o Supervise recruiters and ensure compliance with new processes, procedures and university policies
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS/REGIONAL RECRUITER
July 1991 Nov.2012
Responsible for cultivating, generating and maintaining relationships with students and parents regarding the admissions process
Initiate, plan and execute dynamic university events on and off campus to prospective, admitted and committed students to
help students matriculate to campus
Present to groups as large as 300 on the college admissions process, financial aid and how to make an intelligent decision
regarding higher education
Supervise Metro-Detroit recruiters while maintaining organization of my 95 high schools and territory
Develop and implement strategies for achieving the Universitys enrollment targets in the specific program area(s)
Coordinate, participate in, and oversee a variety of specialized functions, such as alumni events, recruitment events, transfer
equivalency, competitions, publications, etc.
Evaluate applications for admission and advise on appropriate majors
Use of Client Relationships Management: CRM; Recruiter, Student Systems: Ellucian, Image Now, ACT
Prepare proposals for the development and implementation of new admissions processes
Meet with prospective students and their parents, alumni, secondary schools, vocational-technical schools, and community
colleges to promote the University and conduct follow up changes
Serve as liaison with designated University units in an effort to keep abreast of changes in programs, enhance recruitment
initiatives, etc.
UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT MERCY
ADMISSIONS COUNSELOR
Marketed, and recruited students for traditional and non-traditional programs.
Counseled students to evaluate transcripts and transfer of credits
Spear headed student recruitment programs
Supervised and trained student campus ambassadors, tour guides and orientation mentors
Recruited high school and transfer students
Presented to large groups on the admissions and college transition process
Worked with a large population of non-traditional students transitioning back to college
EDUCATION
Siena Heights University; Adrian, MI
Pursuing: Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership
3.957 GPA

February 1990 to July 1991

Projected Graduation 2017

Central Michigan University; Mt. Pleasant, MI

Bachelor of Arts
Major: Commercial Recreation and Facility Management Minor: Management
Student Phone-a-thon caller for Annual Giving Campaign

December 1989
September 1986-1989