Carlisa Jenkins
Houston,TX
Summary
Higher education leader with extensive experience in student services, admissions, academic instruction, enrollment management, and student success strategy. Proven ability to lead teams, improve student retention, and manage the full student lifecycle from recruitment through graduation. Skilled in student conduct resolution, cross-department collaboration, program development, and creating supportive campus environments that drive engagement and institutional success.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Dean of Students
Milan Institute
Houston, TX
03.2026 - Current
- Provide executive leadership for student services, overseeing student engagement, retention strategy, student conduct, and overall student experience.
- Supervise and develop student services staff to ensure alignment with institutional goals, compliance standards, and student success initiatives.
- Lead student retention and persistence initiatives to improve completion rates and campus engagement.
- Serve as primary leader for student escalations, disciplinary matters, and conflict resolution.
- Collaborate with executive leadership, admissions, and academic departments to strengthen the student lifecycle from enrollment through completion.
- Design and implement campus-wide student success programs that promote belonging, engagement, and academic achievement.
Recruiting Manager
Milan Institute
Houston, TX
06.2025 - 03.2026
- Led student recruitment and enrollment strategy, managing prospective student engagement and conversion processes.
- Conducted campus tours, information sessions, and program presentations to increase enrollment yield.
- Managed admissions workflow including financial aid coordination, documentation, and enrollment tracking.
- Developed communication strategies to reduce enrollment barriers and improve student start rates.
- Partnered with student services and academic departments to ensure smooth onboarding and transition for new students.
Adjunct Professor – University Success & Intro to Marketing
Belhaven University
Jackson, MS
06.2022 - 01.2026
- Delivered instruction in University Success and Intro to Marketing, focusing on academic readiness, foundational business principles, career development, and student engagement.
- Taught marketing fundamentals including consumer behavior, branding, and introductory marketing strategy.
- Created an engaging and supportive learning environment that promoted student confidence, participation, and academic success.
- Provided mentorship, academic coaching, and career guidance to support student persistence and performance.
- Supported student transition into higher education and business coursework through structured instruction and advising.
Director of Student Services
Vet Tech Institute
Houston, TX
01.2024 - 04.2025
- Supported leadership of the Student Services department, overseeing student onboarding, advising, scheduling, and campus support operations.
- Collaborated with admissions, financial aid, and academic teams to resolve student concerns and improve retention outcomes.
- Assisted in development and execution of student success initiatives focused on engagement and persistence.
- Managed escalated student issues and ensured timely, policy-aligned resolution.
Student Success Advisor
Belhaven University
Jackson, MS
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Advised students on academic planning, degree progression, and institutional requirements.
- Served as a key support contact for student concerns and connected students to campus resources.
- Collaborated with faculty and departments to improve retention and student success outcomes.
Senior Admissions Counselor
Belhaven University
Jackson, MS
11.2020 - 12.2021
- Managed full-cycle admissions process including recruitment, applications, campus tours, and financial aid support.
- Built strong relationships with prospective students and families to support enrollment growth.
- Supported initiatives to improve student engagement and successful transition into university programs.
Supported Employment Specialist
Warren-Yazoo Behavioral Health
Vicksburg, MS
01.2019 - 11.2020
- Provided workforce development support including job readiness training, career coaching, and employment placement.
- Partnered with employers and community organizations to create job opportunities for clients.
- Delivered ongoing coaching to support job retention and long-term career success.
Education
PhD - Organizational Leadership
Columbia International University
Master of Business Administration - undefined
Belhaven University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Alcorn State University
Skills
- Executive Student Services Leadership
- Enrollment & Recruitment Strategy
- Student Retention & Success Planning
- Staff Supervision & Development
- Academic Instruction & Curriculum Delivery
- Conflict Resolution & Student Conduct
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Program Development & Implementation
- Compliance & Accreditation Standards
- Public Speaking & Campus Engagement
Timeline
Dean of Students
Milan Institute
03.2026 - Current
Recruiting Manager
Milan Institute
06.2025 - 03.2026
Director of Student Services
Vet Tech Institute
01.2024 - 04.2025
Adjunct Professor – University Success & Intro to Marketing
Belhaven University
06.2022 - 01.2026
Student Success Advisor
Belhaven University
01.2022 - 01.2024
Senior Admissions Counselor
Belhaven University
11.2020 - 12.2021
Supported Employment Specialist
Warren-Yazoo Behavioral Health
01.2019 - 11.2020
Master of Business Administration - undefined
Belhaven University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Alcorn State University
PhD - Organizational Leadership
Columbia International University