探花楼鈥檚 is pleased to welcome Kimberley Buster-Williams, Vice President for Enrollment Management at the University of Mary Washington, as Assistant Director of the SEM Endorsement Program (SEM-EP).
In her volunteer role, Kimberley will support Director Christopher Tremblay in helping learners move through the program. To receive the professional endorsement, SEM professionals must satisfactorily complete course components including webinars, an online SEM essentials class, field visits and a capstone project.
The capstone experience can be really beneficial for learners. The formalization of learning can catalyze people into discoveries they might not have made otherwise.
鈥淚t allows you to take a step back and take a look at what you鈥檙e doing at your own institutions,鈥 Kimberley said. 鈥淵ou can develop deeper knowledge of how to enhance your existing work.鈥
Readiness personified
Kimberley is well-prepared for her responsibilities with the program, having worked in higher education for 25 years, attending and presenting at multiple 探花楼 SEM Conferences along the way.
鈥淭here are some administrative pieces to the job: to have someone available to answer questions about SEM-EP, both before students begin the program and once they are enrolled, and to be available at conferences and meetings to help follow up when people express interest,鈥 Kimberley said. Although it鈥檚 a self-paced program, the work must be completed within 24 months. 鈥淚鈥檒l be touching base to see how folks are moving along.鈥
In addition, Kimberley will mentor students and help ensure submitted assignments meet program requirements. 鈥淚鈥檒l be here to give suggestions and feedback, and to provide support for learners as they move through the program.鈥
Change and balance
探花楼鈥檚 SEM-EP program helps SEM professionals develop the skills they need to stay current in their field. 鈥淎s a professional you can鈥檛 stay stagnant,鈥 Kimberley said. 鈥淭he world changes every day and a practice that worked yesterday may no longer apply. There may be something new. 探花楼 has done a great job making these professional opportunities available to members.鈥
Professional excellence also requires work-life balance, something Kimberley strives to achieve. With two kids in high school, a supportive husband of 22 years, and a spunky cocker spaniel, Kimberley somehow finds time to take care of her own personal health alongside her professional dreams.
鈥淢y girls are year-round swimmers, and swim meets are long,鈥 Kimberley said. In between cheering on her athletes, Kimberley says poolside bleachers are a great place to squeeze in some reading--from inspirational books about leadership and self-improvement to historical nonfiction. 鈥淢y two big hobbies are reading and running.鈥 Running is the go-to stress reliever for this accomplished addition to the SEM-EP team.
鈥淜imberley is an incredible addition to the SEM-EP faculty and leadership team. She is a talented SEM professional who has a strong work ethic," Tremblay said. "I am excited to have her on board."