Our Staff
Kar-Leam Toxey
Associate Director of Admissions
Phone: 607.844.8222, Ext. 4333
Email: ToxeyK@tompkinscortland.edu
Student Territories: Out-of-state and nursing students.
How did you come to join the Admissions Team? I have always had a passion to work with the students that I felt were in the most need. Being a community college graduate myself, I felt I could forge stronger bonds with the incoming students and play an integral part in helping them achieve their goals.
What’s your favorite thing about working at Tompkins Cortland? I love working with the wonderful faculty and staff here at Tompkins Cortland. Everyone here continually goes above and beyond to make sure all of our students get the best service possible.
If you could give one piece of advice to a new student what would it be? Higher education at any level is an opportunity, please don’t take it for granted. In this day and age there are very few second chances.
What is your favorite spot on campus? The Enrollment Services Center: It’s a one stop shop designed to put every student on the right track.
And just for a little fun, let’s play Two Truths and a Lie…
1. I grew up in NYC.
2. I like to collect foreign money and rare coins with my daughter.
3. I was the world checkers champion for three consecutive years.
The Lie? #3. Kar-Leam hates checkers, but was a pretty good chess player in his earlier days.
David Pomeranz
Admissions and Financial Aid Advisor
Phone:607.844.8222, Ext. 4322
Text me:607.605.6844
Email:DP064@tompkinscortland.edu
Meet me on the road
Student Territories: New York Counties – Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tompkins, Wayne, Wyoming, Yates.
How did you come to join the Admissions Team? One of my former co-workers from the lab where I used to work started at TC3 in registration and loved the work culture and environment. When he saw the position open up in admissions, he recommended me and urged me to apply. I’m very glad I took his advice; this is a great place to be.
What’s your favorite thing about working at Tompkins Cortland? That I get to help people. Going to school for the first time, or getting back in if something didn’t work out in the first attempt or whatever the case may be can be really difficult. I’m glad I can play a small part in helping people find their way.
If you could give one piece of advice to a new student what would it be? Don’t be afraid to try something new. Sometimes it can be really surprising what can be fulfilling and engaging, and you may find something that takes your life in a whole new direction if you step outside your comfort zone, and sometimes what we love to do is hard to pin down to a specific subject.
What is your favorite spot on campus? The 101 offices. I am so fortunate to be surrounded by a supportive and experienced team here in this nook of the building.
And just for a little fun, let’s play Two Truths and a Lie…
1. I once road on top of a salmon shark for a photo.
2. I’m an award winning miniature painter.
3. I have what amounts to a small aquarium, including several hundred shrimp, in my basement.
The Lie? #1. If I were a less ethical and more reckless person, I COULD have jumped atop a salmon shark for a very stupid but also kind of cool photo when one came up on a fishing boat that I used to work on. Instead, I snapped a quick picture of the critter and the crew and I helped it back into the water.
Mary Sue Keep
Student Housing Coordinator
Phone: 607.844.8222, Ext. 4302
Email: KeepM@tompkinscortland.edu
Special Responsibilities: Housing confirmations, entering SUNY applications.
How did you come to join the Admissions Team? I started out at Tompkins Cortland as an Enrollment Services Specialist in Admissions, sending out acceptance letters, inquiry letters, etc., and setting up tours.
What’s your favorite thing about working at Tompkins Cortland? Working with all the great people.
If you could give one piece of advice to a new student what would it be?Make sure you stay on top of your work and don’t drop classes. It will take longer to get your degree.
What is your favorite spot on campus? The café. It’s pretty quiet in there.
And just for a little fun, let’s play Two Truths and a Lie…
1. My sister wrote a book about magic and fantasy.
2. I won a $5,137 jackpot at a casino.
3. My son was on the TV show Elementary.
The Lie? #2. While Mary Sue’s $5,137 winnings are fictional, this might be a good time to establish the precedent that IF someone does win such a jackpot, they’re treating the office to lunch next time…
Shannon Allen
Enrollment Services Specialist
Phone: 607.844.8222, Ext. 4304
Email: SMA2@tompkinscortland.edu
Special Responsibilities: Overseeing our student ambassadors.
How did you come to join the Admissions Team? I started out in the registration and billing department and worked my way over to the admissions department about two years ago.
What’s your favorite thing about working at Tompkins Cortland? The students! Knowing that I can positively impact the students future by helping them grow and mature into adults.
If you could give one piece of advice to a new student what would it be? Enjoy it, it’ll be over before you know it so join in and take advantage of every moment.
What is your favorite spot on campus? The fitness center.
And just for a little fun, let’s play Two Truths and a Lie…
1. I used to ride a sports bike
2. I love the Red Sox
3. I help coach youth basketball
The Lie? #2. Contrary to all scientific possibility, this girl doesn’t bleed red. It’s blue and white and the Bronx Bombers to the end.
Kelley Poire
Enrollment Services Specialist
Phone: 607.844.8222, Ext. 4301
Email: PoireK@tompkinscortland.edu
Special responsibilities: I process all incoming applications and transcripts.
How did you come to join the Admissions Team: I graduated from Tompkins Cortland Community College and while attending here, I was a student worker in Admissions. When I returned here for a second degree, I obtained my first job at the information desk, then worked in different positions until I came to the Admissions office.
What’s your favorite thing about working at Tompkins Cortland? I enjoy working in a team environment and everyone at the college is very student-oriented.
If you could give one piece of advice to a new student what would it be? Work hard; as how you preform today will determine your tomorrow.
What’s your favorite spot on campus? The Fireside Café.
And just for a little fun, let’s play Two truths and a Lie…
1. I live in the same town I grew up in a block away from my childhood home.
2. My son was drafted by the NY Rangers.
3. I have three children and a granddaughter.
The Lie? #2. Kelley’s son hasn’t been drafted by the Rangers, yet, but he has played youth hockey for the past 11 years.