Scarsdale Native Joanne Goldwater Runs Successful Professional Development Institute

ST. MARY'S CITY, MD (07/13/2011)(readMedia)-- The Regional Entry-Level Institute (RELI) at Westfield State University, founded by Joanne Goldwater, of Scarsdale, New York, the associate dean of students and director of residence life at St. Mary's College of Maryland in St. Mary's City, graduated its 331st participant this year.

In 1991, Goldwater and co-founder Tom Ellett started RELI when they realized there were no development organizations for entry-level professionals in the field of college residence life. After 14 years, it continues to provide mentoring and networking opportunities designed to keep talented and qualified individuals in the field and moving up the ranks.

Goldwater received her B.S. in education of the deaf and an M.Ed. in counseling and guidance from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. She has worked with St. Mary's College of Maryland's Office of Residence Life since 1993. Prior to that, she worked at the residence life offices of McDaniel College and as the dorm director for the Central North Carolina School for the Deaf.

St. Mary's College of Maryland, designated the Maryland state honors college in 1992, is ranked one of the best public liberal arts schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. More than 2,000 students attend the college, nestled on the St. Mary's River in Southern Maryland.