Carolyn Hall
Hazel Green,AL
Summary
Enthusiastic and dedicated educator, with over 25 years of experience, who is dedicated to the retention and success of all students.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Grad Excellence for Testing & Retentio
Alabama A & M University
03.2025 - Current
- As Director of Graduate Excellence for Testing and Retention, I provide strategic leadership for initiatives that strengthen graduate student success, academic progression, and degree completion.
- I oversee testing services, assessment processes, and academic support structures designed to enhance readiness and performance across graduate programs.
- My work includes developing retention strategies, coordinating targeted interventions for at‑risk students, and collaborating with faculty, program coordinators, and campus partners to improve persistence and graduation outcomes.
- I analyze data to identify barriers to student success, implement evidence‑based solutions, and ensure that graduate students receive the resources, guidance, and support necessary to thrive academically and professionally.
Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs
Philander Smith University
11.2022 - 03.2025
- Led strategic planning initiatives to enhance university growth and student engagement.
- Collaborated with academic departments to develop innovative programs and curricula.
- Directed community outreach efforts to strengthen partnerships and promote educational opportunities.
- Oversaw staff development programs, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professionalism.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making strategies to optimize operational effectiveness across departments.
- Facilitated cross-functional teams to address institutional challenges and drive collaborative solutions.
- Mentored junior team members, providing guidance on best practices and strategies to overcome challenges while simultaneously strengthening their professional skillsets.
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and implementing strategic initiatives.
- Drove digital transformation efforts within the organization, leveraging emerging technologies to streamline workflows, improve communication channels, and enhance overall productivity.
Coordinator of Assessment & Continuous Improvement
Cheyney University
08.2021 - 10.2022
- Managed data collection and analysis for assessment reports.
- Developed and implemented assessment strategies to improve program outcomes.
- Collaborated with faculty and staff to establish assessment goals and objectives.
- Facilitated assessment planning and evaluation processes.
- Designed and created an archive of assessment videos and literature to aid in the Middle States Accreditation process
Graduation and Career Coach
Frank McClarin Success Academy
10.2016 - 05.2021
- Conducting one-on-one mentoring and coaching sessions to address students' academic, social, and emotional needs.
- Monitoring student progress through regular check-ins, data analysis, and collaboration with teachers and counselors.
- Collaborating with school leadership and faculty to identify and address systemic issues impacting retention.
- Organizing workshops and support groups focused on study skills, time management, and goal-setting. Family and Community
- Coordinating with community organization's to provide students with additional resources, such as tutoring, counseling, and career guidance.
- Facilitating events to celebrate student milestones and foster a sense of community and belonging.
- Analyzing student performance data to identify trends and implement effective interventions.
Lecturer
Spelman College
08.2014 - 05.2016
Assistant Professor
Fort Valley State University
08.2010 - 07.2014
- Presented research findings at national and international conferences.
- Worked on the pilot program for QEP (Quality Enhancement Plan) .
- Served on departmental committees and participated in curriculum development.
- Supervised students in their research projects.
- Facilitated workshops and training sessions to help faculty integrate high-impact teaching practices aligned with the university's Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP).
- Designed and implemented strategies to enhance student learning outcomes, emphasizing critical thinking, communication, and engagement.
- Provided ongoing support and feedback to faculty participants, ensuring the effective application of QEP objectives in their courses.
Composition Instructor
Clark Atlanta University
08.2003 - 01.2010
- Provided mentorship and support to students to foster their academic and personal development.
- Collaborated with colleagues to enhance the overall learning experience.
- Taught freshman composition courses, focusing on strengthening students' writing, critical thinking, and research skills.
- Taught First-Year Experience courses, equipping students with academic and personal development tools to support their transition to college.
- Designed engaging and culturally relevant lesson plans to connect course content to students' lived experiences.
- Provided individualized support to help students improve their writing and adapt to the rigor of college-level coursework.
- Participated in departmental initiatives to enhance
Education
Doctorate of Arts - Humanities, Africana Women's Studies
Clark Atlanta University
06.2011
M.A. - English
Tennessee State University
Nashville, TN2000
Bachelor of Arts - English
Tennessee State University
Nashville, TNSkills
- Software (IBM and MAC environments): Microsoft Windows and DOS, Word Perfect, Lotus123, Microsoft Word
- Proficient knowledge of the Internet and social media
- Presentation skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Public speaking
- Published author
- Workshop facilitation
- Managing multiple projects simultaneously
- Project-based learning
- Collaborated with project management and developers to coordinate testing
- Project coordination
- New project development
- Project management skills
- Proficient in culturally relevant curriculum creation
- Restorative Practices Trainer
- Create retention strategies and address achievement gaps
- Relationship building
- Strategic planning
Accomplishments
- Harvard University's "Women in Educational Leadership" Program (2024)
- Professional Blogger for Black Life Coaches Network
- Dream Builder of the month award for teacher excellence at Frank McClarin High School (September 2017)
- Increased College Acceptance rate among alternative ed students at Frank McClarin High School
- H.E.L.F. (Higher Education Leadership Foundation) Fellow (December 2024)
- Speaker for UNCF's College Board Conference (March 2025, Los Angeles)
- Voted "Most Influential Administrator" at Philander Smith University (April 2024)
Timeline
Director of Grad Excellence for Testing & Retentio
Alabama A & M University
03.2025 - Current
Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs
Philander Smith University
11.2022 - 03.2025
Coordinator of Assessment & Continuous Improvement
Cheyney University
08.2021 - 10.2022
Graduation and Career Coach
Frank McClarin Success Academy
10.2016 - 05.2021
Lecturer
Spelman College
08.2014 - 05.2016
Assistant Professor
Fort Valley State University
08.2010 - 07.2014
Composition Instructor
Clark Atlanta University
08.2003 - 01.2010
Bachelor of Arts - English
Tennessee State University
Doctorate of Arts - Humanities, Africana Women's Studies
Clark Atlanta University
M.A. - English
Tennessee State University