hey, I'm SHERI

I bring a unique blend of leadership, innovation, and dedication to every project to inspire impactful change and empower individual and team success at all levels!

A native of Illinois, I'm a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in community health and Master of Education in educational and vocational technology.

I'm currently pursuing a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Higher Education and also hold a degree in merchandise marketing and product development from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. Clearly, my love for learning knows no bounds!

I love school. Can you tell?!

As a senior leader in higher education, I am dedicated to fostering a culture of trust, leadership, and growth, empowering others to achieve excellence, embrace personal accountability, and champion equity, access, and engagement. My approach centers on personal branding, leadership, self-confidence, community building, and self-awareness.

My academic journey began at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where I established the NACADA outstanding award-winning Mannie L. Jackson Illinois Academic Enrichment and Leadership Program (I-LEAP) within the College of Applied Health Sciences. Following Illinois, I joined Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business as Director of Undergraduate Student Services, where I developed policies and initiatives to enhance efficiency and the student experience, launching the President’s award-winning LeBow student enrichment program, Building Relationships in Diverse Group Experiences (BRIDGE). Before joining UNCW as the Assistant Dean for Student Success and Academic Advising, I served as Chief of Staff for Mannie Jackson, supporting a multimillion-dollar project and new structural developments.

Beyond my professional role, I focus on creating high-impact practices that enhance the quality of life and build sustainable resources for individuals, families, organizations, and communities. As a living kidney donor, I actively advocate for organ donation, sharing my story to raise awareness about the health impacts of asthma, diabetes, and the importance of organ donation.

I founded sherinicole.co, a small business, and launched the Black Woman Working podcast to create a supportive platform where individuals, communities, and organizations can engage in impactful conversations that promote personal and professional growth, strengthen abilities, address challenges, and celebrate successes.

AWARDS & AKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I have been honored individually and collectively with my team members across various platforms for our commitment to excellence, growth, and community impact. I was named a Wilmington Business Journal Biz 100 honoree in the Connector Category for four consecutive years (2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024). In 2021, I received the Willie Stargell Award from the Willie Stargell Foundation, was a finalist for the Cape Fear CREW Award of Excellence in Career Advancement for Women, and was recognized as a finalist for the Wilmington Business Journal Woman to Watch in Education. Previously, I earned the Women of Achievement Education Award from the YWCA Lower Cape Fear and the Dr. Ewaugh Fields Legacy Award from the Drexel University Black Alumni Council.

My achievements also include Drexel University’s President’s Award for Intercultural Engagement and Diversity in 2013. Earlier in my career, I was recognized with the Larine Y. Cowan "Make a Difference" Award and the Applied Health Sciences Academic Professional Excellence Award at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In 2009, both my team and I received the Outstanding Advising Program Award from the National Academic Advising Association, as well as the Robert P. Larsen Human Development Award, celebrating our collaborative commitment to student success and development.