I stopped being negative and started looking at everything as a positive possibility. Thinking positively produces results.
Carol “STASH” Stanley · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Carol
Carol Stanley is an accomplished higher education leader, inventor, entrepreneur, and advocate for educational opportunity. With a professional career dating back to 1974, she has held leadership roles at multiple universities, including serving as University Registrar at the University of Virginia, where she earned emeritus status. She began her higher education career at SUNY Cortland in registration and advanced through progressively responsible positions while pursuing graduate studies. Her expertise in higher education administration, leadership development, and university operations has earned her recognition as an emeritus member of the American Association of Universities.
Beyond higher education, Carol has built a distinguished career in athletics and sports innovation. A highly accomplished softball player and two-time All-American, she competed on a national championship amateur softball team and helped develop softball opportunities for women. She created the softball program at SUNY Binghamton and contributed to the development of the sport in Peru. As an inventor and entrepreneur, Carol operates Stosh Sporting Goods and holds nine patents for sports-related products. Among her notable innovations is the LaceLocker®, a patented device designed to securely store tied shoelaces and help prevent loose laces, reflecting her commitment to practical solutions and athletic safety.
Carol's professional achievements are closely connected to her commitment to helping others. She serves as Executive Director of the LaceLocker Scholarship Fund, an organization she established in memory of her mother to help first-generation female students pursue higher education. Through the foundation, she has helped send 22 young women to college through scholarship support. She is also the author of her autobiography, The Layers of My Life, which chronicles her experiences and accomplishments. With a career spanning education, athletics, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy, Carol Stanley continues to demonstrate her goal-oriented, competitive, and creative approach while using her experience to create opportunities and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Carol
01What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in my field is recognizing and creating space for women in sports. My upcoming induction into the Greater Syracuse New York Sports Hall of Fame in October reflects how far women’s participation in sports has come. I’m especially grateful to those who doubted my ideas, because their skepticism motivated me to work harder, push boundaries, and continue proving what is possible.
02What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are perseverance, innovation, service, and creating opportunities for others. I’m proud of developing softball programs, helping establish a Division I program, and supporting 22 young women through college scholarships. I also value creativity and resilience, which have guided me in developing inventions such as the Stand Mill Knit and Lace Locker and turning challenges into opportunities to build a meaningful business.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.