Technology & Transfer Virtual Summit

Dr. Wendolyn Davis (Co-Lead), Executive Director of Pathway Alignment at Chattanooga State Community College 

Dr. Wendolyn Davis is Executive Director of Pathway Alignment at Chattanooga State Community College. Prior to joining Chatt State in June 2023, she held the position of Director of Undergraduate Admissions Transfer Center at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Wendolyn's 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.

Dr. Marc Booker (Co-Lead), Vice Provost, Strategy, University of Phoenix

With nearly two decades of experience working with online and distance education students at the post-secondary level in admissions, registrar, and academic administration roles Marc Booker brings a unique perspective on the trends in higher education from a non-traditional student lens. As Vice Provost for Strategy at the University of Phoenix, Marc oversees critical path academic initiatives to improve the student experience such as learning platform implementations, curricular enhancements, and developing empathetic solutions to drive improved student outcomes through data. Marc has also contributed to several publications as a co-author for AACRAO’s Guide to Best Practices: Articulation Agreements (2019); writing a chapter on international admissions for the AACRAO International Guide (2016), and was a consultant and named contributor to the Transferability of Postsecondary Credit Following Student Transfer or Co-Enrollment (2014) study published by the National Center for Education Statistics within the U.S. Department of Education. In 2020, Marc received a Hall of Fame recognition from Blackboard for his contributions in providing thought leadership and innovation in education.

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.

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 Director of Recruitment and Enrollment Services at A&M-Central Texas. Her career began 9 years ago as a graduate admissions coordinator where she gained expertise in foreign credential evaluations. Loida’s passion for serving non-traditional populations continued through her work in transfer recruitment, by leading transfer initiatives and partnerships across Texas. In her current role, Loida continues the efforts to provide equitable opportunities and educational access to all transfer students. Her advocacy for change has led her to become an active member of TACRAO and AACRAO by serving as a committee member, presenter, researcher, and as the host for Transfer Tea, an AACRAO podcast.