Biography

Since fall 1999, Laura has managed graduate studies in the College of the Arts, which begins with coordinating recruitment and admissions for 14 academic programs in three schools and concludes with degree certification. In this student services administrative position, she provides academic and human resource services support for a community of approximately 200 graduate students. She extends admission offers and guides students toward an easy matriculation; oversees the employment and evaluation of graduate assistants and the appointment of fellows; administers the graduate assistantship, fellowship and tuition waiver budgets; and coordinates and leads online and in-person advising workshops, degree certification and graduation processes.

Laura has 20+ years of professional academic and human resource experience at the University of Florida and is a member of The Association for Graduate Enrollment Management (NAGAP) and the Association of International Educators (NAFSA). Prior to joining the College of the Arts, she worked for the University of Florida's Division of Human Resources as an employee relations manager, served as office manager for the George A. Smathers Libraries Personnel Office, and held various support positions in UF's Admissions and Registrar offices. A graduate of the University of Florida, Laura earned her bachelor's degree in sociology, as well as a Master of Social Work degree from Florida State University. She has lived in Gainesville over 30 years and enjoys mentoring freshman, as well as meeting new graduate students; she is happy to recommend local restaurants and fun activities to do or see in town. She is an avid fiction reader, a persistent chef/baker, and long-walk dog walker; and attempts to stay a mindful mother to her young adult sons.

Laura can answer questions regarding the graduate admission process, general graduate academics, assistantships and fellowships, international visa rules, and graduation.