Shamra Clark joined The Ford Family Foundation Scholarship Office in Eugene when she began as scholarship advisor on July 7, following Barb Griesel\u2019s retirement at the end of May.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s an advocate for Scholars,\u201d Director of Scholarship Programs Sam Rennick explained. \u201cShe helps students make smooth transitions to college, addresses academic concerns, and provides overall guidance and support.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alumni in transition may benefit from a visit with Clark. She can advise alumni on graduate school options and provide career guidance. \u201cShamra has jumped in with both feet, from connecting with Scholars and families at the summer conferences to making presentations at various scholarship events,\u201d Rennick said.<\/p>\n

Clark earned a bachelor\u2019s degree in English with an emphasis on secondary education from the University of Detroit Mercy in May 2003. She earned her master\u2019s degree in community counseling at Oakland University in Michigan in May 2008.<\/p>\n

Clark worked as assistant director of admissions at Marygrove College in Michigan before moving to Oregon two years ago to take a job as a financial aid counselor in the University of Oregon Financial Aid Office. She worked with low-income, high-achieving students at the UO.<\/p>\n

Now, Clark is part of the Ford Family.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the perfect job for me,\u201d she said. \u201cI really wanted to reach out to the ones who needed a helping hand.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rennick said that Clark\u2019s counseling background and financial aid expertise make her the perfect fit for her scholarship advisor role.<\/p>\n

Although her family is elsewhere, she says her work \u201cfamily\u201d keeps growing. Clark, who is 30, sings with the Eugene Opera and occasionally acts in plays and training videos.<\/p>\n

But the best thing about moving to Oregon, Clark says: \u201cI love that I relearned to ride my bike. I was 12 years old when I last rode a bike!\u201d She often rides to work, and she enjoys trying organic and vegetarian foods. \u201cI just feel healthier all around.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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