About Us

Short Bio: Dr. Luisa M. Havens Gerardo has been appointed as the transformative Vice President for Enrollment Management at The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), commencing her role in January 2024. With an illustrious background as the Vice Provost for Enrollment Management at Virginia Tech, she brings not only strategic vision but also a wealth of expertise to elevate recruitment and retention efforts at UTA. Her data-driven approach at Virginia Tech played a pivotal role in achieving strategic enrollment goals, emphasizing affordability and student success. Dr. Havens Gerardo's leadership is poised to drive innovation and excellence, charting a path for UTA's future success in enrollment management.

Short Bio: Michele Bobadilla is a distinguished state and national Latina educational leader in the student access and success space. She holds a bachelor's degree in Spanish and English with a secondary teacher certification; a master's degree in elementary education with a bilingual/ESL endorsement; a CMBA in business; and was awarded a D.Litt (hc) for her life's work in higher education. Her interests include creating opportunities that ensure access to and success in higher education for first- and second-generation students; ensuring a space that supports diversity equity and inclusion; and shifting mindsets from surviving to thriving

Short Bio: Lisa Thompson has worked at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) in the TRIO Pre-College Programs since fall of 1991 and is the Executive Director. She was the Testing Coordinator and Counselor in the UTA Counseling Services Center from 1989 to 1991. Immediately prior to her employment at UTA she worked at Southern Methodist University as an Academic Advisor and also served as an Instructor and Cheerleading Coach. She has over 36 years of experience in grant writing, programs development, academic affairs, student affairs, testing, advising and counseling.

Short Bio: Karen Krause currently serves as a vital part of the Enrollment Management team at the University of Texas at Arlington in the role of Executive Director of Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Veteran’s Benefits Certification. These combined offices offer financial support to over 45,000 UTA students annually. Ms. Krause joined UTA from Texas Wesleyan University. She has also held financial aid positions at Texas Christian University and Texas Woman’s University. Prior to higher education, Ms. Krause taught vocal music to 7th and 8th graders.

Short Bio: Kara Hadley-Shakya serves as the Associate Vice President of Admissions at the University of Texas at Arlington. Kara is a leader in the enrollment management industry and an experienced Strategic Enrollment Management practitioner. Kara has over 15 years of proven experience working alongside colleagues to meet and exceed enrollment management goals. The reason Kara works in higher education is the ability to have a positive impact on students from diverse backgrounds attain their academic and personal goals in a supportive and inclusive environment. Kara earned a Bachelors in Communication Studies and Women’s Studies and minor in Intercultural Communication and a Masters in Higher Education Administration from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota.

Short Bio: Dr. Amanda Nickerson joined UTA to serve as the Executive Director of Enrollment Management in 2020. She has a track record of success in higher education leadership, with over 16 years of experience at Texas Christian University. Her breadth of experience includes previous roles in strategic recruitment initiatives, transfer and first-year admissions, admission information services, and institutional research. Prior to her appointment at UTA, Amanda served as Assistant Vice President of Undergraduate Admission and Recruitment at Tarleton State University. Dr. Nickerson works closely with the Vice President of Enrollment Management, the EM leadership team and key stakeholders focusing on educational partnerships, strategic opportunities supporting internal and external relationships, and critical projects to contribute to student success and new student enrollment goals.

Short Bio: Ashley Smith comes to Enrollment Management with more than 15 years of progressive administrative-support experience with the University – giving her a solid knowledge of its vast policies and procedures. Her background includes overseeing all aspects of business-related departmental processes as well as coordination and oversight of a wide range of diverse projects including the annual UTA staff Compliance training program, internal audit finding follow-up regimen, and financial oversight of numerous programs and events. With her organizational skills and dedication to UTA, she previously served as Chair of the Staff Advisory Council, serves on numerous committees and recently received the “Outstanding Maverick” award (2024). As Executive Assistant, Ashley is tasked with being a right hand to Dr. Luisa Havens Gerardo in maintaining an effective, productive Vice-Presidential office for Enrollment Management. Ashley received her BA in Journalism from the University of North Texas.