Five-Minute Feature: Laurie Stanley, Assessment Specialist for the Office of International Education

Get to know the Empire State University community through this rapid-fire interview series that bridges professional accomplishments and personal interests. What makes Empire State University exceptional? The unique people behind the work. Five minutes—starting now!

What led you to your career path?

My career in education was accomplished at two institutions of higher learning—first at Skidmore College for 30+ years, and now at Empire State University for 15 years.  I started out in the academic advising area at Skidmore, then moved over to the non-traditional side of education in the University Without Walls program.  From there, I moved to the Skidmore non-traditional master’s program.  I fell in love with non-traditional education and my work in various positions with adult students who were seeking to improve their lives through a college education.  I took the offered early retirement option from Skidmore in 2010, and soon after, the opportunity to continue working with students in Empire’s Center for International Programs became the second half of my career in this field!

What is your favorite thing about SUNY Empire?

I must admit my favorite thing about SUNY Empire are its people—certainly working with and learning about our students around the world has given me great pleasure and an education of its own.  Beyond that, I am grateful to have met, and now work with such dedicated and collegial staff here in Saratoga and overseas.  I consider myself lucky to have made some wonderful friends both locally and abroad since working here.  I’ve worked at many jobs over many years and Empire’s international education staff is by far the top group of people I’ve worked with!

What’s one moment in your career you’re especially proud of?

Starting up the master’s program at Skidmore in 1992.  This was an opportunity to have a large impact on a new graduate-level, non-traditional program geared toward non-traditional students in upstate New York—the only master’s program at Skidmore—and I was thrilled to be part of its initiation.

If you could instantly speak any language, which would it be?

I’d love to speak Greek—so I can converse with my good friend in our Athens office in her native tongue.

What’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever seen?

Tortola, British Virgin Islands—one of the most beautiful places on earth.