Shamara Lannaman, MHRM
Shamara Lannaman, MHRM, is a dedicated higher education professional and doctoral student specializing in educational leadership. With a strong commitment to advancing educational equity, student success, and institutional effectiveness, she focuses on understanding and improving the systems that shape teaching, learning, and leadership within postsecondary settings. Her academic journey includes a Master’s in Human Resources Management from Strayer University and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Capella University, which she is set to complete in early 2027.
Shamara began her career in higher education after a transition from the pharmaceutical industry, discovering a passion for student advocacy and enrollment management. She has served as an Undergraduate Admissions Counselor at New Jersey City University, where her role involved visiting high schools, attending college fairs, and guiding prospective students through admissions and scholarship opportunities. Her work is defined by a hands-on approach, ensuring that students who aim to beat the odds receive practical guidance, mentorship, and support to achieve their higher education goals.
Recently, Shamara accepted a new position as Assistant Director for Admissions at a law school, where she will continue to focus on recruiting and supporting qualified applicants while exploring emerging opportunities in the admissions landscape. Beyond her professional duties, she actively volunteers with community initiatives such as Feed the Veterans of Montclair, NJ, and has been recognized for her leadership through induction into the National Honor Society for Leader and Success. Looking ahead, Shamara aspires to advance to director-level enrollment leadership roles, where she can continue shaping student experiences and fostering growth for future generations of scholars.
• Certified People Analytics Specialist
• Talent Sourcing
• Lean Six Sigma White Belt Certification
• Strayer University - MS
• Scholarship - Bennett College
• National Honor Society for Leader and Success
• Feed The Veterans of Montclair NJ
• Reentry
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to constantly learning and having amazing mentors who push me to grow. My direct supervisor, who is the director of first-year enrollment and engagement, is always telling me to look into new things and do more, constantly pushing and motivating me. Everything that we talked about in our department huddles, I was able to utilize in my interview for my new position, which helped me a lot. She's constantly giving us new information on how the system is changing, new market niches, and how we can use that in our recruiting era as well. I've been fortunate to have wonderful bosses and supervisors throughout my career who became mentors and always told me not to let any position be my last stop, that there's always room for growth and I can go on to do amazing things. I'm someone who, if I see a situation and there are ways to improve it, I'm going to improve it, but I'm also going to let my boss know and ask what they think, and half of the time they incorporate it into our everyday tasks.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received from all of my supervisors and bosses who have been great mentors is to not let any position be my last stop. They've always told me there's always room for growth for me, and that I can go on to do amazing things, whether it's in the current position I have or if I want to continue to build on that. They've constantly pushed me to keep growing and not settle.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The recruitment landscape is evolving rapidly. One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—is identifying emerging market niches, particularly within law school recruitment, and adapting our outreach strategies and systems to effectively engage these audiences.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me both professionally and personally are helping others, advocating for students, and committing to continuous learning and professional growth.
Locations
New Jersey City University
Jersey City, NJ 07305