Amanda Burgstrom
Dillon,MT
Summary
Educational leader with over 10 years of experience at the University of Montana Western, currently serving as interim TRIO SSS Director. Proven expertise in managing and directing student support services programs, including program development, grant management, and student advising. Committed to promoting student success, particularly for disadvantaged and underrepresented populations, by leveraging innovative strategies and personalized support.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Interim Director of TRIO SSS
The University Of Montana Western
Dillon, MT
03.2024 - Current
- Supervised and mentored team of 2 academic advisors and 1 work-study student.
- Conducted comprehensive reviews of office processes and operations to ensure alignment with UMW's current grant and federal regulations, ensuring full compliance and operational efficiency.
- Managed budget exceeding $300,000, ensuring all expenditures were compliant with grant restrictions and allowable under funding guidelines.
- Participated in numerous grant writing workshops offered by federal and state agencies,
- Participated in Priority 6: New Directors Training
- Secured Institutional Commitment Letters for 2025-2030 grant proposal, further strengthening interdepartmental connections.
- Initiated and developed key sections of 2025-2030 grant proposal, including Plan of Operations, Quality of Personnel, and logic model aligning program services with Student Support Services and UMW missions.
- Developed streamlined process for verifying student low-income status in compliance with new federal guidelines concerning FAFSA tax data.
- Collaborated with UMW's Financial Aid and Admissions' offices to developed more efficient system for recruiting participants.
- Initiated re-brand of summer bridge programming for incoming first-year students.
- Collaborated with nationally recognized consultant to customize Blumen student data system, enhancing data entry efficiency and reporting accuracy.
- Remained current on UMW, MUS, and federal rules, regulations, and processes.
TRIO SSS: Academic Advisor II/Financial Literacy Counselor
The University Of Montana Western
Dillon, MT
07.2022 - 03.2024
- Maintained and provided guidance to caseload of over 40 students, including those with documented disabilities, first-generation college status, and low-income backgrounds.
- Assisted students in identifying career goals and aligning them with appropriate academic programs.
- Provided ongoing support for students experiencing academic difficulties, resulting in improved performance.
- Developed and implemented individualized academic plans for students.
- Assisted students in exploring and selecting career paths.
- Assisted in planning and implementation of summer-bridge program for incoming first-year students
- Assisted students with completion of FAFSAs and scholarship applications.
- Created and presented relevant financial literacy programming.
Financial Aid Specialist II
The University Of Montana Western
Dillon, MT
02.2019 - 07.2022
- Provided frontline customer service support, addressing student inquiries and resolving issues efficiently.
- Processed FAFSAs and administered federal financial aid, ensuring accurate and timely disbursement of funds.
- Assisted students with completion of FAFSA applications.
- Posted, balanced, and reconciled scholarships on student accounts, ensuring financial accuracy.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of federal financial aid rules and regulations to ensure compliance.
- Managed student work-study program, overseeing assignments, monitoring performance, and balancing departmental allocations.
- Imported FAFSA data using federal software and Banner, ensuring seamless integration and data accuracy.
- Processed award letters nightly, ensuring timely communication of financial aid packages to students.
- Imported federal loans and Pell Grants, accurately posting them to student accounts.
- Served as VA Certifying Official, managing veteran education benefits and ensuring compliance with VA regulations.
Program Coordinator II/ Bulldog Card Manager
The University Of Montana Western
Dillon, MT
06.2015 - 02.2019
- Managed Blackboard Transact system to oversee campus meal plans, door access, inventory control, event access, and campus accounts, including Bulldog Bucks, bookstore authorizations, and flex money
- Designed artwork for nationally recognized student ID card.
- Programmed POS systems and card reading equipment, optimizing transaction processing.
- Assisted in implementing first campus door with swipe access, enhancing campus security.
- Supported implementation of card-operated laundry systems, improving student convenience.
- Developed and implemented temporary Bulldog Card system.
- Implemented and managed first digital signage on campus, enhancing communication and engagement.
- Created Paw Prints for Success program to improve student engagement and retention.
- Served on campus orientation committee, developing programming to welcome new students.
- Provided customer service for Residence Life, addressing student inquiries and issues effectively.
- Presented at Bulldog Bound, engaging with incoming students and promoting Paw Print for Success and other Bulldog Card programming.
Administrative Associate I
The University Of Montana Western
Dillon, M
04.2014 - 06.2015
- Served as head cashier in Business Office, responsible for posting payments to student accounts, processing departmental deposits, providing frontline support to students, and preparing nightly university-wide deposits.
- Assisted campus bookstore with inventory management, purchasing, book rentals, and staging merchandise.
- Processed and sorted campus mail, ensuring timely and accurate delivery.
- Issued parking violations and maintained ticketing database.
- Acted as assistant to manager of Printing and Graphics assisting with large-scale print projects and campus mailings.
Education
Master of Arts - Higher Education Administration
Southern New Hampshire University
Online02.2026
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature And Writing
The University of Montana Western
Dillon, MT, United States05.2013
Skills
- Program Implementation and Management
- Effective Communication
- Interpersonal Skills
- Student Engagement
- Holistic Academic Advising
- Compliance and Attention to Detail
- Ellucian Banner
- Microsoft Office
- Adobe Suite
- Knowledge of University Policies and Processes
Affiliations
- Council for Educational Oportunities (COE)
- ASPIRE
- Montana ASPIRE
- MCAN
Timeline
Interim Director of TRIO SSS
The University Of Montana Western
03.2024 - Current
TRIO SSS: Academic Advisor II/Financial Literacy Counselor
The University Of Montana Western
07.2022 - 03.2024
Financial Aid Specialist II
The University Of Montana Western
02.2019 - 07.2022
Program Coordinator II/ Bulldog Card Manager
The University Of Montana Western
06.2015 - 02.2019
Administrative Associate I
The University Of Montana Western
04.2014 - 06.2015
Master of Arts - Higher Education Administration
Southern New Hampshire University
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature And Writing
The University of Montana Western
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