Curriculum Vitae

Summary

Accomplished and engaging Student Affairs administrator with experience in various leadership roles and demonstrated success in delivering strategic student support within higher education.  Committed to excellence, strengths philosophy, growth mindset, student focused learning and growth, individual and team development, and collaborative shared governance. Specialized in increasing student engagement, thriving and retention, leading residential and community learning, assessing student needs, evaluating assessment data, and measuring student progress. Proven ability to collaboratively create, develop and administer effective policies and procedures leading to student success, and to lead with vision and strong communication skills.

Education and Credentials

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration, 2005 – Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO
  • Master of Education in College Student Affairs, 2002 – Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, CA
  • Bachelor of Science in Accounting & Management Information Systems, 1993 – Greenville University, Greenville, IL

Professional Trainings and Certifications

  • Strengths Finder Coach – Gallup University – January 2000
  • Strength Quest Trainer – February 2006
  • Title IX Investigator Level 1 Certification – Institutional Compliance Solutions – April 2020
  • Title IX Hearing Officer Training – ATIXA – December 2020
  • Ada Chamber of Commerce – Leadership Ada – May 2022
  • American Academic Leadership Institute – Executive Leadership Academy – 2022-2023

Professional Experience

McLennan Community College, Waco, TX

Dean of Students, 2024 to Present

Lead the Student Engagement team with a focus on fostering student success and well-being. Oversee and provide strategic direction for Academic Advising, Testing, Student Success Coaching, Counseling, CARE Team, Basic Needs initiatives (including Food Pantry), Student Life, and the Student Support Services TRIO Grant. Responsible for managing and contributing to the administration of Title IV and Title V grants, ensuring compliance and effective program execution.

  • Currently leading efforts to develop a student touchpoints map and communication plan as part of the Texas Pathways consortium.

East Central University, Ada, OK

Vice President, Student Development, 2020 to 2024

Academic Rank: Assistant Professor, Education

Serving on the President’s Cabinet and providing leadership for the Student Development Department with a focus on student service and student success.  Provide leadership and direction to Student Conduct, Residential Life & Housing, Financial Aid, Campus Police, International Student Services, Campus Involvement, Counseling, Health Services, Testing & Accessibility, the Wellness Center, Esports, and the Career Center.  Provide oversight of pre-college and undergraduate serving grant programs including three Upward Bound programs, Veteran’s Upward Bound, Equal Opportunity Center, Oklahoma Gear Up, Student Support Services, and Veteran’s Support Services.

  • Developed extended New Student Orientation in collaboration with University 1001 First Year Seminar Program
  • Restructuring of Residence Life & Housing to create community driven focus
  • Recreated Dean of Students role with the responsibilities of Student Conduct, Student Retention Management, and an expanded Behavioral Intervention Team model.
  • Committee work includes Enrollment Management Committee (Co-chair), Retention Team (Chair), First Year Experience Team (Chair), Student Success Coordinating Council Force (Co-Chair), and the ECU Campus Suicide Prevention Team.
  • Serve on OSHRE Chancellor’s Campus Safety and Security Task Force and OSHRE Council on Student Affairs.
  • Serve on Oklahoma Council on Student Affairs (COSA) Executive Team
  • Partnered with the ECU Foundation to facilitate a $25,000 gift for an endowment for the ECU Food Bank, and a matching gift of another $25,000.

Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, IN

Vice President, Life Calling & Integrative Learning / Chief Student Affairs Officer, 2015 to 2020

Academic Rank: Assistant Professor, Graduate Counseling

Lead various departments with focus on residential learning, student success, and community learning while overseeing a $5M department budget. Develop and implement programs on campus to promote students’ virtue and personal growth. Work with student leaders to address pressing issues on campus and regularly attend activities and events on campus. Deliver leadership and direction to undergraduate and graduate housing with 3000+ beds, counseling services, academic tutoring, disability services, campus police, Title IX, student government, orientations, student activities, and experiential learning. Administer the Student Code of Conduct and maintain responsibility for discipline. Ensure compliance with relevant policies, procedures, professional standards, laws, and national trends. Serve as a collaborative resource for university faculty, staff, administrators and students in creating a positive climate and inclusive community.

  • Created the Life Calling and Integrative Learning team from the restructuring of two former departments.
  • Promoted job creation in the State of Indiana through the management of a 5-year $3M Lilly Grant.
  • Instrumental in reorganization of the Office of Intercultural Learning and Engagement to serve as a Cabinet level position.
  • Integrated the comprehensive student CliftonStrengths program into the First Year Experience.
  • Crafted the Student Affairs Mission, Values, Student Learning Outcomes, and Program Outcomes, in addition to creating the Student Affairs Assessment Fellows and Cycle and conducting an audit of the Student Affairs program.
  • Served a major role in the development of the IWU-Marion 5-Year Strategic Plan in 2018.
  • Led efforts to create the annual Common Day of Learning
  • Honored with receiving the bid to host ACSD 2021 Conference.
  • Provided valuable collaboration on a multitude of committees, including IWU-Marion Cabinet, Academic Affairs Council, Student Life Council (Chair), Dean’s Council (Co-Chair, Curricular and Co-Curricular Deans), Residential Student Engagement and Retention (Chair), Technology Governance Committee, Higher Learning Commission Reaccreditation team, and the IWU-Marion Touch Point Audit Team.
  • Between 2015 and 2019 increased the diversity of students in leadership positions from less than 1% to over 18%.
  • Integrated a new football team into the university culture during the 2017-2018 season.
  • Led the Student Affairs team in efforts to support students during the COVID-19 crisis.

Associate Dean, School of Life Calling & Integrative Learning, Academic Affairs, 2013 to 2015

Oversaw the academic progress of students and supervised first year programs, leadership studies, general education, life coaching, transfer advising, High School Institute, and student engagement and retention. Reviewed and created solutions for students’ academic roadblocks, individually and collectively, through policy revision and student support services creation.

  • Designed and implemented a new 9-day New Student Orientation program.
  • Created a new First Year Experience Designated Course structure.
  • Increased student retention by 4% from 2012 to 2013 and 6% from 2013 to 2014.

Assistant Dean for Student Engagement, Academic Affairs, 2010 to 2013

Provided direction and leadership in developing, expanding, revising, improving, and ensuring the successful operation of multiple functional areas with student engagement and retention, as well as administrative research and assessment. Evaluated and oversaw the collaboration between student affairs, academic leadership, and institutional leadership to increase student satisfaction and thriving. Established and evaluated processes, procedures, and standards to ensure alignment with the College’s mission, values, goals, and objectives. Developed services and programs that increased support for students at risk for attrition and decreased response times for care for students in crisis.

  • Created an Academic Concerns team and processes and implemented a MAP-Works risk indicator and early alert system.
  • Implemented revisions to New Student Orientation, the First Year Experience course, the Transfer Student Admissions process, and the Transfer Student Experience.
  • Served on various committees, including Academic Affairs Council, Student Success (Chair), Enrollment Management, Residential Student Engagement and Retention Working Group, General Education Task Force, School of Life Foundations Task Force, Academic Standing, and Academic Advising.

Associate Vice President for Residential Life, 2008 to 2010

Provided inspirational vision, leadership, and oversight for the University’s comprehensive Residential Life and Student Housing program including supervision of 20 full time staff members and 150 student leaders, as well as residential facilities for 2800 residential students with a $2M budget. Led the ongoing implementation of the residential college model and ensure its continued success while engaging in ongoing visioning, strategic planning, and assessment in support of the residential college model and the overall residential student experience. Strengthened administrative policies and processes, including housing assignments, marketing materials, training programs, and technology deployment.

  • Created Residence Life Learning Outcomes and a Program Development and Assessment process.
  • Successfully opened three new residence halls with over 400 beds.
  • Developed strategies for promoting student engagement and learning and fostered an inclusive University community, promoting equity for all students, through the Office of Multicultural Student Services. Managed outreach to diverse student populations to support institutional commitment to diversity and inclusion.
  • Honored with the “Most Likely to Think Like a Student” Award from the Student Government Association in 2009, demonstrating ability to listen to and relate with students.
  • Served on the Student Success Committee, the Student Development Council, the General Education Task Force, and the Academic Standing Committee.

Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, CA

Dean of Students, 2006 to 2008

Developed key collaborative relationships with campus administrative areas, faculty, and community leaders to plan and implement strategic initiatives, resolve issues, and respond to crisis incidents. Oversaw the Residential Life Program with 14 Living Learning Communities for 1650 residential students and a $600k budget. Lead the Student Judicial System and Judicial Council, created a mentoring program, and developed an assessment protocol for the judicial process and institutional community standards.

  • Developed and integrated the StrengthsQuest philosophy and program and developed an Underprepared Student Living Learning Program.
  • Handled large-scale campus emergencies, including a bed bug infestation crisis, student suicide, and a wildfire emergency.
  • Served on the General Education Task Force, WASC Reaccreditation Committees, Enrollment Management Operations Committee, and Emergency Preparedness and Operations Committee.

Director of Community Life, 2004 to 2006

Managed New Student Orientation and provided oversight to student activities and the master calendar. Developed and maintained the student handbook and developed the co-curricular transcript. Served as a leader to the media board, overseeing the student newspaper, radio, television, and yearbook. Advised the Associated Student Body Board of Directors and served on the Campus Activities Task Force.

  • Restructured and revitalized the Associated Student Body Board of Directors and led successful efforts to create a positive school spirit cultural change.

Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, CA

Adjunct Faculty – Master’s and Doctoral programs – 2016 to 2017; 2006 to 2008

Developed and managed syllabus materials, assignments, and discussion exercises that permit measurement of performance relative to standardized learning objectives. Coordinated coursework and curriculum with academic department chair. Facilitated class instruction in accordance with learning objectives and session plan outlines.

  • Taught Student Learning in the Co-curriculum, Process of Adult Development, and Strengths Based Approaches to Student Development within the Master’s program, in addition to Strengths Oriented Leadership in the Doctorate program.

Greenville University, Greenville, IL

Coordinator of Residence Education, 2000 to 2004

Utilized educational philosophy in intentional conversations and programming with residents to create a supportive living-learning community. Communicated students’ rights and responsibilities and assisted students in developing skills to address interpersonal conflicts. Recruited, trained, and developed student leaders through the promotion and advising of hall government. Provided leadership to staff by communicating, interpreting, and administering residence hall and University policies and procedures.

  • Also served as the Resident Director from 1997 to 2004 and collaborated on numerous committees, including Undergraduate Academic Affairs and Higher Learning Commission Reaccreditation.

Adjunct Professor, 1999 to 2004

Created course syllabi and prepared materials based on appropriate topics and learning objectives. Utilized a variety of instructional strategies to engage students and evaluated student performance promptly and accurately based on departmental rubrics.

  • Taught Cornerstone Seminar: Foundations in the Liberal Arts Tradition, Emphasis in Strengths Development and Leadership.

Additional Professional Experience at Greenville University, Greenville, IL

  • Assistant Track Coach, 1999
  • Assistant to the Chaplain, 1997 to 1999
  • Assistant Director, Student Financial Services, 1995 to 1997
  • Associate Director of Student Accounts, 1993 to 1995
  • Student Worker Roles:
    • Student Accounts, 1992-1993
    • Computer Programmer (Y2K update), Admissions Ambassador, 1990-1992
    • Dining Hall Line Cook, Facilities Crew, Bookstore, 1989-1990

Publications & Research

  1. Doctoral Dissertation (2005): A Study of the Social Climates of Male Living-Learning Communities and the Male Progressive Independent Living Model on a Christian College Campus.
  2. Master’s Thesis (2002): Male Sexual Behavior on a Small Mid-Western Christian College Campus.
  3. Factors Influencing Underrepresented Minority Student Leadership on a Predominantly White Christian Campus (2000).

Presentations

  1. “Using a Strengths Based Approach for First Year Experience Courses” – FISPE Grant Conference on Strengths in Education, Eastern College – January 2000
  2. “Implementing a Strengths Based Approach to Student Development” – ACSD, June 2000
  3. “Practical Approaches to Building A Strengths Culture on Campus” – Conference on Building a Strengths-Based Campus: Best Practices in Maximizing Student Performance, January 2004
  4. “A Review of CCCU Student Handbook Policies and Procedures” – ACSD, June 2005
  5. “Applying the Strengths Philosophy to Practice in Student Development” – PLNU, May 2006
  6. StrengthsQuest Educator Training – PLNU, January 2008
  7. “Applying a Strengths Philosophy to Student Government” – Nazarene Student Leadership Conference – April 2008
  8. “Lessons Learned on the Journey: How One College Became Comprehensively Strengths-Based” – Conference on College Student Values – February 2009
  9. “Strengths Based Teaching” – Faculty Workshop, Indiana Wesleyan University – May 2010
  10. “Strengths Philosophy Implementation at Anoka Technical College.” – Anoka Technical College – December 2010
  11. “Improving Retention and Student Success: Efficient Use of Institutional Resources” – Higher Learning Commission Annual Conference – April 2011
  12. “Understanding Map-Works” – Faculty Workshop, Indiana Wesleyan University – May 2011
  13. “Spirituality’s Impact on Retention on a Christian Campus” – Association for Christians in Student Development Conference – June 2011
  14. “Learn How to Build Buy-In at All Levels: Initial MAP-Works® Implementation” – Map-Works Training Conference – July 2011
  15. “Learn How to Build Buy-In at All Levels: Continuing Developing MAP-Works®” – Map-Works Training Conference – July 2011
  16. “Shaping the Unshapeable” – Association for Christians in Student Development Regional Conference – August 2011
  17. “National Instruments Forum” – Indiana Wesleyan University – February 2012
  18. “Strengths and Leadership” – Advancing Women’s Leadership Retreat – October 2013
  19. “Making Sense of Racial Tensions at a Christian Institution: A Historical Study” – Association for Christians in Student Development – June 2013
  20.  “Understanding your Strengths” – Indiana Wesleyan University – New Student Orientation Colloquium – August 2014
  21. “Strengths and Leadership” – Advancing Women’s Leadership Retreat – October 2014
  22. “Single Parent Adoption: Up Close and Personal – Father and Son” – Embrace Conference – Adoption – October 2014
  23. “New Student Orientation: Collaboration between Academics and Student Affairs” – Conference on the First Year Experience – February 2015
  24. “Strengths in College” – Indiana Wesleyan University – August 2014, August 2015, August 2016, August 2017
  25. “Parenting College Students” – New Student Orientation – Indiana Wesleyan University – August 2017, August 2018, August 2019
  26. “Teaching from Your Strengths” – Oak Hill High School Faculty – 2016-2017
  27. “Caring for LGBT Students at CCCU Institutions” – CCCU International Forum – January 2018
  28. “Life Calling and Strengths” – Indiana Wesleyan University – August 2018, August 2019
  29. “Reclaiming Eros – Student Response to Pornography Epidemic” – Association for Christians in Student Development – June 2019
  30. “When to Challenge and When to Part Ways” – Association for Christians in Student Development – June 2019
  31. “Parenting College Students” – WOW Week – East Central University – August 2020
  32. “Updates on the Work of the Enrollment Management Committee” – East Central University, Professional Development Day – January 2021
  33. “Parenting College Students” – Tiger Prep – East Central University – August 2021
  34. “Preparing for College” – Presentation to new students on the importance of the First Year Experience program – Tiger Prep – East Central University – August 2021
  35. “Strengths and Leadership” – Presentation to Ada Chamber of Commerce Leadership You Class of 2022 – March 2022
  36. “That – Preparing student development professionals for the transition from private to public education” – ACSD Conference – June 2022

Consultation Service

  • St Luke’s Episcopal Church, Vestry, March 2022
  • Team Consulting, IT Department, Indiana Wesleyan University (January 2018 to July 2018)
  • Team Consulting, Wesleyan Church Publishing House (January 2017 to May 2017)
  • Integration of MAP-Works into Campus Culture for Student Success, Campbellsville University (February 2013)
  • StrengthsQuest Integration into the Curriculum and Co-Curriculum, Anoka Technical College, President Dr Shari Olson (November 2010)

Awards

  • Azusa Pacific University – Academic Excellence Award – 2002
  • Greenville College – Summa Cum Laude, President’s Citation – 1993
  • Academic All American – Track and Field, Cross Country – 1992, 1993
  • Witbank High School Valedictorian (1988) – Received 5 Distinctions
  • National Youth Science Olympiad Finalist (Top 100 Science Students in the Republic of South Africa) – 1988
  • Young Scientist Expo Medalist, Transvaal, Republic of South Africa – 1986, 1987

Professional Associations

  • National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA)
    • Served on Senior Student Affairs Officer Pre-Conference Committee – Region IV-West – November 2021 Regional Conference
  • American College Personnel Association (ACPA)
  • Association of College and University Housing Officers – International (ACUHO-I)
  • Pi Lambda Theta

Professional Qualifications

  • Strengths Finder Coach – Gallup University (January 2000)
  • Strength Quest Trainer (February 2006)      
  • American Red Cross First Aid and CPR Certification
  • Computer Experience – HTML, Internet, Spreadsheets, Word Processing, Database Management

Interests, Special Skills and Related Activities

  • Adoption and Foster Care
  • Intensive Urban Service-Learning Experience – Wesleyan Urban Coalition (Chicago, IL)
  • Intensive Wilderness experience:
    • Leadership of 8 extended hike trips, a 17-day bike trip, and 3 canoe trips
    • Survival Skills
    • Low Ropes Courses, Rappelling
    • Two weeks of survival training while in High School – Republic of South Africa – 1983, 1986
  • Volunteer work:
    • 7 years of service to The Simple Room – Youth Tutoring and mentoring – 1991-1998
    • OneAda – Volunteer Resource Guide for Ada, OK – 2021-present
    • St Luke’s Episcopal Church – Endowment Committee – February 2022-present
    • Have hosted three foreign exchange students
  • Three Sport Athlete and Academic All-American while undergraduate at Greenville University
  • Lived for twelve years in the Republic of South Africa as a Third Culture Kid
  • Have traveled in Africa, Israel, Canada, Mexico, Aruba and throughout the United States and Europe