Vicky Godinez Mandara graduated from the State University of New York-Cortland in May 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business economics with a minor in Spanish. During her time at the school, she was involved with Residence Life and Housing, Orientation and First-Year Experience, Alumni Engagement, Special Events for the President’s Office, and more.

Godinez Mandara says her undergraduate institution helped her realize that her passion lies in helping students transition into their higher education journeys and ensuring that they enjoy their time while they are there. 

That realization is why she pursued her Master of Science in Student Affairs Administration degree at Binghamton University, completing it in December 2019. During graduate school, she was a Late Nite Graduate Assistant, which required her to plan campus-wide events designed to accommodate from 100 to 1,000 students. This position also required her to supervise an undergraduate staff of approximately 30 students, which strengthened her leadership and communication skills. 

Godinez Mandara is an assistant director of admissions at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, and she is looking forward to learning and growing in this role.