Admin of the Month: Samantha Drummond

Our Admin of the Month for December 2024 is Samantha Drummond, Executive Administrative Assistant for the Office of Academic and Pre-Professional Advising and the Registrar’s Office at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC).

Samantha was nominated by her colleague Ken Baron, PhD, Assistant Vice Provost for Academic Advising and Student Success at UMBC, saying: "She (Samantha) is now closing in on her final semesters of degree completion at UMBC. We are so proud of her achievements and the strategic manner in which she has chosen to complete her degree using foundational principles associated with ASAP as a professional association. Samantha's affiliation with ASAP has provided her with a 'future-facing' skillset and perspective on the scope and nature of her work, along with increased confidence and a sense of purpose associated with her degree."

Check out Samantha's advice video below! 

How did you get into the administrative field, and how has your role evolved since you started?

My first administrative job was working in the office at a catering company. Since then, I have held various administrative positions, such as Client Relations Specialist for an applied behavior analysis company, Court Assignment Clerk at the Circuit Court, Administrative Assistant II in the Office of the Provost, and Executive Assistant for the Office of Academic and Pre-Professional Advising and the Registrar’s Office.

What’s your favorite part of being an administrative professional?

My favorite part of being an administrative professional is collaborating with executives, colleagues, and other departments to maintain smooth operations within the university. I enjoy multitasking in a fast-paced environment and troubleshooting when issues arise. In many cases, Executive Assistants are the bridge between people and resources, and I take pride in knowing that my co-workers can rely on me for support.

What project or accomplishment from the past year are you most proud of?

I am most proud of being nominated by my supervisors to join the 15th cohort of the CUPA award-winning leadership development program for administrative support staff, Building Bridges Across Maryland. The program allows administrative staff to collaborate, learn, and network with colleagues from across the Baltimore region through monthly meetings at various colleges in the area.

In your opinion, what value do administrative professionals bring to their company?

Administrative professionals bring tremendous value to their employers. They are well-versed in communication, organization, adaptability, and project management. These skills allow them to enhance productivity, support key decision-makers, and build positive relationships with internal and external groups.

What’s your biggest source of motivation in your work?

My biggest source of motivation is knowing that my role contributes to the work our department is doing to support students. Whether it's connecting a student who is struggling with my supervisor or collaborating with a colleague on details of a campus event to aid in student success, I feel joy knowing that I was a part of their journey.

What would you say is your professional superpower?

My professional superpower is positivity! I can see the good in every person and situation. Being a positive thinker helps me to motivate and energize others to achieve their goals and navigate difficult situations.

More About Samantha: 

Samantha Drummond is an Executive Administrative Assistant for the Office of Academic and Pre-Professional Advising and the Registrar’s Office at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC). She is pursuing her B.A. in Individualized Studies with an academic focus on Business Technology and Administrative Support, and a minor in Information Systems. Samantha is an active member of the Enrollment Management Administrative Assistant’s Workgroup at UMBC. She is also a member of the American Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP), and a recipient of the PACE certification. 

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Want to nominate someone for Admin of the Month? Email Lydia Davidheiser, Content Coordinator, at [email protected], or fill out this form.