Staff Bio’s

Abby Hart – Academic Engagement & Transition Programs

Abby joined UMBC in 2022 as the Coordinator for Second-Year and Transfer Academic Programs in Academic Engagement and Transition Programs (AETP). Abby works primarily with the design and implementation of Transfer Student Seminar (TRS) courses. The highlight of her semester is teaching a TRS course. Additionally, Abby leads UMBC’s Second-Year Experience program. Abby earned her B.A. in Ancient Studies at UMBC and is currently pursuing a M.Ed. in Higher Education Leadership at Salisbury University. When not at work, Abby enjoys cooking, traveling, and trying new restaurants!

Krista Wallace – College of Engineering and Information Technology

Krista Wallace joined UMBC in July 2019 as the Transfer Success Advisor for the Post-Transfer Pathways (PTP) Program in the College of Engineering and Information Technology (COEIT).Krista earned her Bachelor’s (Early Childhood Education) from Howard University and Master’s (School Counseling) from Loyola University, Maryland. Before joining UMBC, Krista served as a Military & Veteran Advisor for University of Maryland, Global Campus.

In her current role of Assistant Director of Transfer Success Initiatives, Krista develops and maintains partnerships with MD community college advisors to strengthen UMBC connections. She also develops programs dedicated to easing the transition of new students into UMBC’s computing and engineering programs, in addition to providing prescriptive academic advising to prospective and current transfer students interested in computing and engineering majors. Krista is passionate about working with transfer students and helping them as they navigate their educational journey through graduation.

Julie Crosby – College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences

Julie is passionate about transfer student success because she was once a transfer student. After earning her Associate’s degree from CCBC she transferred to UMBC earning a B.A in Sociology and M.A. in Applied Sociology. As a first generation transfer student, transitioning from a small CCBC campus to UMBC was an eye opening experience. Luckily with the assistance of advising and the support of her fellow transfer peers Julie was able to make her transfer journey a good one. As the Assistant Director for Student Transitions in the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences (CNMS), Julie work’s with transfer students throughout their journey from pre-transfer advising to advising current transfer students.

“My goal is that the transfer students in CNMS feel supported and valued and know that I am here to support them along the way.”- Julie

Hope Wiseman – Academic Success Center

Hope joined the UMBC community in 2018 and currently serves as the Transfer Academic Advocate. In this role, Hope supports the success of transfer students. Prior to this position, Hope worked in the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at UMBC. Hope is also an alumna of UMBC earning her B.A. in Psychology/Sociology and M.A. in Applied Sociology. As a previous transfer student herself, Hope understands the importance of campus support, advocacy, and building a sense of community while attending UMBC. This background allows Hope to successfully navigate the unique needs of the transfer student population. When Hope isn’t in the office, you can find her grabbing a coffee/tea at Dunkin’, exercising, or listening to true crime podcasts.

Amery Thompson – Off Campus Student Services

Amery Thompson serves as the Assistant Director for Transfer Student Success at UMBC. In his role he works across divisions to bring resources, community development and leadership opportunities to enrich the college experience for Transfers from admission to graduation. His focus on transfer student success
comes from his own experience as a transfer and dedication to the success of all students. Amery obtained his Master of Arts in higher education administration. He has been working in higher education for over five years.

Desiree Sterling – Advising

Desiree has been a Retriever since 2011 earning her B.A. in Media and Communications Studies with minors in Dance and Psychology from UMBC later also earning her M.A. in Texts, Technologies, and Literature here. She returned to UMBC as Coordinator for Advising and Recruiting in the Erickson School for Aging Studies in 2019. In January 2022, Desiree transitioned to her current role as Coordinator for Pre-Transfer Advising in the Office for Academic and Pre-Professional Advising. Outside of her dedication to advising prospective and current transfer students, Desiree has served as Assistant Coach for UMBC Dance Team since 2016.

Desiree identifies as a “pre-college transfer student”. She frequently moved around and transferred schools, to include high school, due to her father’s service in the US Army. Given her childhood experience, she is especially passionate about supporting transfer students in their journey of adjustment and finding a sense of belonging. When not at work, Desiree enjoys dancing, spending time with her human and animal family, singing karaoke, and traveling.