Technology & Transfer Virtual Summit

Chris Buonocore, Director of Student Success Initiatives at CUNY Lehman College 

Chris has nearly 15 years of experience and holds an MSED in Higher Education Administration from Baruch College of the City University of New York. He is currently the Director of Student Success Initiatives at Lehman College, CUNY. Chris is responsible for coordinating advising efforts across campus, including leading the implementation of EAB Navigate. He is an expert in Peoplesoft and Degree Works data and strategy, especially as it relates to working with transfer students. Chris also serves on the ACT grant project management team (via Ithaka S+R) and coordinates development and training as the business owner of Transfer Explorer.

Dr. Wendolyn Davis (Co-Lead), Director for the Undergraduate Admissions Transfer Center at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville 

Wendolyn leads the Transfer Recruitment team, Evaluation and Articulation team and serves as a TRNS 201 – Transitioning to Rocky Top instructor. Her current engagement in AACRAO includes serving in multiple leadership roles, including chair-elect of the Nominations and Elections committee, chair-elect of the Black Caucus, and this Summit. She is also a past president of the Michigan ACRAO. Dr. Davis holds a Ph.D. in Organization and Management, an MBA in Human Resource Management, a BS in Applied Psychology, and an Associate Degree in General Studies. Her prior experience includes TRiO Programs, Child Welfare (International and Domestic), and Workforce Development

Seth Marc Kamen (Co-Lead), AACRAO Consultant

Seth has more than 20 years of experience in higher education, holding leadership and advisory positions in admissions, transfer, articulation, military student engagement, adult students, prior learning assessment, retention, curriculum, and new program development. He has experience in enrollment-related technologies, strategic enrollment planning, implementing process improvements, and providing training and development. With a special focus on transfer and the non-traditional student, he often writes and presents for AACRAO and other national organizations. He is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Higher Education from Frostburg State University. 

Portia LaMarr, Product Manager, Office of Technology and Digital Innovation at The Ohio State University 

Portia has worked in higher education for over 10 years, holding roles in scheduling and degree audit. While learning and working in higher education, she has maintained the focus of student and regained a focus in technology and has become a Product Manager within the Office of Technology and Digital Innovation, assisting in enhancing the student experience through our web and mobile applications. In addition to student work, she also works in fostering an environment of diversity and inclusion and served as the Chair of her former department’s Diversity and Inclusion Council, co-host on AACRAO’s podcast H.E.A.R.D. (Higher Education and Real Diversity) and serves as the AACRAO Black Caucus Social Media Vice Chair.

Rhonda Shields, Associate Registrar for Operations, Compliance, and Degree Services at Morgan State University 

With over two decades of experience in higher education, Rhonda has developed expertise in instructional design, organizational management, strategic planning, and project management. Her passion for lifelong learning and creating successful student environments drives her to utilize technology to support transfer students. Throughout her career, Rhonda has held various roles, including policy administrator, adjunct instructor, academic advisor, and trainer. She is an advocate for the use of technology in higher education and has made significant contributions to the advancement of technology for transfer students. Currently, Rhonda serves on the Maryland Higher Education Commission's Student Transfer Advisory Committee, which addresses transfer-related issues and modifies policies.

Loida currently serves as the Assistant Director of Transfer Recruitment. In her 8 years of experience in higher education, her focus has been in foreign credential evaluation and serving the transfer student population. She holds a B.A. in Spanish, an M.A. in Cultural Studies, and is currently pursuing her Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership. As a proponent of educational equity, Loida is an active member of AACRAO and contributes through research and practice to with hopes of inspiring inclusive and innovative change.