Staff

Corey Carter, Director, Sherman Scholars Program
coreycarter@umbc.edu / 410.455.1501

Corey is an award-winning educator and lifelong learner. He takes pride in meeting student needs through servant leadership and holistic mentorship that centers the needs of scholars as developing teachers. Corey’s goals include diversifying the teaching profession, particularly increasing the representation of highly-skilled Black male educators.

Shirelle Ellis-Williams, Program Coordinator, Sherman Scholars Program
sellis2@umbc.edu / 410.455.1556

Shirelle serves as the primary scholar advisor for the Sherman Program. She values individualized advising that is rooted in empathy. Shirelle has particular interest in the implementation of high-quality student support services for groups underrepresented in higher education.

Brian Francoise, Project Director, Lakeland Community and STEAM Center
bfrancoise@umbc.edu / 410.925.1738

Brian has deep experience in community-based programs and in a variety of learning environments. He served as an Open Society Institute — Baltimore — Community Fellow, and he worked as a non-profit arts administrator in community engagement, development, and advocacy. He was an affiliate faculty member teaching community-based theatre and peace studies and courses to incarcerated individuals, and he has taught in the public school systems of Memphis, TN, Alexandria, VA, and Baltimore City. Brian has also directed after-school youth theatre programs in Washington, DC, New York City, and Baltimore.

Sara Krauss, Director, Sherman School Partnerships
skrauss1@umbc.edu / 410.455.1577

  Rehana Shafi, Director Emeritus

Rehana began her UMBC career in 2000 with the Choice Programs, an experience that placed her on a professional trajectory she could not have imagined. After working for five years at the Shriver Center, she was entrusted with the opportunity to serve as the inaugural director of the Sherman Scholars Program and, a few years later, with launching the partnership with Lakeland Elementary Middle School, followed by the Lakeland Community and STEAM Center. Rehana is guided by a core belief in the centrality of dignity, humanity, and respect for everyone. As a lifelong learner, she humbly – and with gratitude – embraces the daily opportunities to expand her mind through discussions with her colleagues, scholars, and alumni.

Greg Smith, Business Services Specialist
Gdsmith@umbc.edu / 410.455.6721

Greg serves as the Business Services Specialist, supporting the department in key financial and Human Resources roles. From onboarding student workers, to managing purchasing and accounts payable, Greg helps to keep the office functioning and moving towards the goal of raising passionate and prepared educators.

Christopher Vick, Assistant Director, Sherman Scholars Program
cvick@umbc.edu / 410.455.1237

Chris is a proud product of Baltimore City Public Schools. Having served as a classroom teacher, program leader, and college counselor, Chris has spent his life promoting college access and success for students coming from marginalized backgrounds. If you are interested in the Sherman Scholars Program and want to learn more, Chris would love to hear from you.

Jennifer Smith, Assistant Director, UMBC Math Project
jsmith57@umbc.edu

Benjamin Ballah, Program Coordinator, Reach Together Tutoring Program
bballah@umbc.edu

Benjamin is the Cherry Hill school site coordinator of the Reach Together Tutoring Program. He graduated with a degree in English Literature and an Honors Citation from UMBC, where he was also inducted as a Sherman Scholar. Before his current role, he was a Sherman academic mentor at multiple Baltimore City middle/high schools and also served in campus ministry leadership for several years. In his free time, he is a spoken word poet, a small group leader at his local church, and an active part of the UMBC community as a club advisor.