Kiara Bynum

Ms. Sherese Burnam, an academic advisor at Penn State Abington, started with a passion to work in the mental health, but had a change of heart and wanted more.

In high school, Burnam knew that college was going to be for her and that she wanted to help those struggling with mental health. Burnam followed her dream to earn a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology. She started her career working at an underserved community health facility. She “wanted to help those who were similar to me, especially being raised in the city of Philadelphia.” Shortly after, Burnam received her M.A. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Central Florida and started working at a maximum security prison for men as a psychological specialist. After working there for awhile she realized that being in the mental health field wasn’t for her anymore and that her “heart” wanted more.

She decided to pursue entertainment “I always had a passion for music,” Burnam said. Burnam moved to LA to start a career in music, tv, and film. She interned at a major Hollywood studio and record label in music publishing for three years, then began to move up the ladder in Entertainment immigration. “I mostly worked with big artists on world tours helping them get their passports and make arrangements to go to basically every country in the world.” Burnam pursued her music career long enough to become a Vice President, but after doing this for 12 years she needed another change.

“After leaving I just decided to travel and look for a new passion as I didn’t know what I wanted to do, but I knew school was my safety net.” Burnam went on to earn an M.S. in Business Organizational Leadership at the University of Redlands. She started volunteering with admissions staff going to college fairs and community colleges “being an advocate for higher education.” This then led her to become an academic advisor at Penn State Abington. She stressed “I enjoy making connection with students and helping them build a foundation an awareness of what’s happening.”

Burnam encourages her students to be proactive and follow their hearts. “Be yourself and tune out all the noise. Do your own thing and let no one dictate that.” She advises students: “Don’t do things to fit in. Do things that make you happy.”