On a brisk spring morning at MCLA, while many students are still wiping sleep from their eyes or sipping their first coffee of the day, Sheri Stanton is already at work in the TRIO Student Support Services office in Mark Hopkins Hall. Her day begins early, not because she must, but because she’s driven by purpose.
As the interim coordinator of TRIO at MCLA, Stanton is the kind of person who shows up not just to work, but to uplift, empower, and inspire.
Stanton doesn’t just clock in and sit behind a desk. She’s stepped into a dynamic and ever-changing role where no two days are quite the same. Her morning is often packed with one-on-one check-ins. A student might stop by with questions about how to navigate financial aid, while another might need guidance on managing coursework with a demanding part-time job. Some just need a listening ear.
Despite the variety of experiences she faces in a day, her approach toward her work remains the same: “A typical day for me is to meet with TRIO Scholars using a holistic approach,” Stanton explains. “Some topics we discuss include goal setting, time management, organization, campus life, career exploration, to name a few.”
With her calm demeanor and warm presence, Stanton offers more than academic advising. She brings empathy, perspective, and a deep understanding of the challenges students face, especially those who, like herself, are first-generation college students.
“I learned about TRIO when I was a student. A student in the program told me about it. That’s the amazing part — our TRIO community grows by spreading the word. I am a first-generation college student and was receiving financial aid, so I qualified. It is exciting to me to be able to continue my TRIO journey as a staff member!”
Sheri Stanton is not just a TRIO coordinator. She’s also a TRIO success story. Her journey with the program began when she was a student at MCLA. That experience changed her life and sparked a passion that brought her full circle, now serving the next generation of scholars walking the same path she once did.
Stanton’s passion for TRIO radiates in everything she does. The program, she says, is more than just academic support. It’s a community built on the belief that with the right resources and encouragement, every student can succeed.
“TRIO is meaningful because the program has a proven track record of student success,” she says. “Since TRIO first came around in the 1960s, there have been countless success stories which in turn can change life for future generations by making it possible for more people to graduate college and have gainful employment.”
There’s a deep sense of pride in her voice when she talks about the transformations she sees. Many students come into the program unsure of their goals or even their place in college. With Sheri’s support, and the foundation TRIO provides, they find confidence, direction, and a sense of belonging.
“It’s exciting because there are students who come into the program unsure of their goals, and through TRIO can have the tools to fulfill their dreams. TRIO equals hope!”
Her own story exemplifies that hope. As a first-generation college student, she had to navigate uncharted territory. She didn’t have a blueprint, but what she did have was drive, determination, and the steady guidance of the TRIO program.
Today, she pays it forward, guiding others with the same support and belief that helped her thrive.
Another support Stanton provides includes leading TRIO Workshops throughout the semester. These cover essential life and academic skills, from budgeting and financial literacy to resume building and mental health awareness. These are moments when her mentorship shines in providing students with tangible tools that set them up for long-term success.
She tailors each session to meet students where they are, creating safe, engaging environments where everyone feels welcome.
“The positive aspects of TRIO are that the program is designed to meet the students where they are and helps them improve their study skills, personal and academic goals, and is there for them while they navigate unfamiliar situations without judgment.”
Stanton also works to make sure these workshops are culturally relevant and empowering. She incorporates student feedback into her programming and isn’t afraid to adapt when she sees an opportunity to better serve her scholars. In a time when higher education can often feel transactional, she brings a personal touch that makes all the difference.
After a full morning of student meetings, the afternoon shifts into project mode. Stanton turns her attention to TRIO’s administrative side by planning workshops, supervising student workers, attending staff meetings, and managing grant-related responsibilities. This behind-the-scenes work is essential to the smooth operation of the program.
While she doesn’t have a set script for each day, her commitment to student success shapes every decision. Whether it’s coordinating with other departments or brainstorming new initiatives to help TRIO grow, she tackles each task with energy and enthusiasm.
The student workers she supervises are a key part of the team. For many, working in the TRIO office is their first taste of leadership, and Stanton takes pride in mentoring them. She encourages them to take ownership of projects and to view their work as part of a greater mission – supporting their peers and enhancing the TRIO experience.
Stanton also leads by example. Whether it’s by staying late to help a student finish a scholarship application, or collaborating with faculty to ensure a student gets the accommodations they need, Stanton shows what true advocacy looks like in action.
The impact of TRIO extends far beyond any single class or semester. As Stanton explains, helping students achieve their goals can create ripple effects for generations.
Graduating from college isn’t just a personal milestone for many TRIO students. It’s a family milestone. It’s a door open for younger siblings, for future children, for entire communities. Stanton is one of the people holding that door open.
Her work reflects a deep, unwavering belief in the power of education to transform lives. Every diploma earned through TRIO represents a victory not just for the student, but for everyone who has supported and believed in them along the way.
“Sometimes students don’t see their own brilliance right away,” she says. “But I do. And my job is to help them see it, too.”
This belief is what makes her more than an administrator. It makes her a mentor, a role model, and a beacon of possibility.
As the day winds down, Stanton might be finalizing notes from a meeting or checking in with a student one last time before they head home. Even after hours, her commitment to TRIO doesn’t pause. She’s always thinking ahead, always finding new ways to make the program stronger and more impactful.
Stanton’s office is a judgment-free zone where dreams are nurtured, not diminished. She’s the first to celebrate student victories, no matter how big or small, from acing a midterm to landing an internship. And when setbacks come, she’s right there, helping students process and push forward.
To walk in Sheri Stanton’s shoes for a day is to witness how powerful one person can be when they lead with empathy, experience, and purpose. Her story is a testament to what TRIO represents: support, opportunity, growth, and hope.
So, the next time you pass by the TRIO office at MCLA, know that inside is someone who understands the journey, someone who’s lived it, and someone who is determined to help others walk it with confidence.
At the heart of TRIO’s success is Sheri Stanton, who serves as a guiding light, a fierce advocate, and a proud example of what happens when we invest in people, potential, and purpose.
