Senior Graduate Admissions Specialist Awarded Texas State Employee of the Month

Laurie Pickerill, Senior Graduate Admissions Specialist in The Graduate College, was awarded the Texas State University Employee of the Month Award for August 2022.

Laurie has contributed over fourteen years to The Graduate College and oversees a team of admissions specialists who review all graduate program applications. Her role includes communicating with applicants about missing documents, staying in contact with graduate advisors and graduate admissions committees, and checking that complete application dossiers meet minimum Graduate College requirements. She and her team process between 7,200 to 7,500 graduate applications every year.

Laurie processes applications for the programs in the College of Health Professions but is always willing to provide support to her team in other areas. Whether assisting with international applications, handling sensitive situations, or being a role model, Laurie shows genuine care for her team and colleagues. “Laurie is not only stellar in managing the workload for her team, and providing proactive service to departments, but what truly sets her apart is that she genuinely cares about her team and other members in the office not just on a professional level but also a personal one,” said Dean of The Graduate College, Dr. Andrea Golato.

One of Laurie’s direct reports, International Admissions Specialist Mark Moore, describes her leadership as one that fosters growth. “She leads us to more consistent and admirable work because she does not berate or chastise, but reminds and encourages,” Moore shared.

Even students at The Graduate College have been impacted by Laurie’s outstanding leadership. Graduate Assistant Jared Oldag notes that “leaders don’t just manage outputs, they foster culture,” and that Laurie takes personal interest into the wellbeing of all staff members, graduate assistants, and student workers both inside and outside of the office.

Showing her team and colleagues appreciation is very important to Laurie, “I work with amazing people and appreciate The Graduate College staff and leadership always taking the time to listen to me…The Graduate College is committed to supporting our customers, including applicants, students, and graduate program personnel. It feels good to work for an office that is devoted to providing helpful, timely, and accurate information.”

Laurie enjoys connecting with her team and encourages members to work hard and be themselves. “The admissions specialists team is comprised of five very different personalities. We have worked together for almost six years and complement each other well. Our differences make the job more interesting,” she said.

The Graduate College congratulates Laurie for her dedicated work, outstanding service in her role, and for earning Employee of the Month!