Cristan Harris
Shaker Heights,OH
Summary
Experienced leader with a strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Director of College Counseling
Hawken School
07.2018 - Current
- Guide approximately 35 students per grade through the college search and application process
- Craft language for and transmit office communications
- Create and maintain communications calendar
- Coordinate practice test opportunities as liaison to our standardized test preparation partner
- Serve on Admissions Committee
- Collaborate with Marketing and Admissions on NY Times Sunday insert celebrating senior choices
- Co-coordinated annual Cleveland Council of Independent Schools College Fair
- Served as faculty advisor to eight students
- Guided transition from Naviance to Maia Learning
Director of College Counseling
The Williams School
07.2013 - 06.2018
- Guided approximately 30 students per grade through the college search & application
process - Implemented Junior Seminars
- Oversaw earlier rollout of Naviance for parents and students
- Organized an annual college fair for the Upper School; invited New London Public Schools and attracted 100 colleges and universities
- Crafted language for and expanded awards for eleventh-grade students to replace college book awards
- Served as Upper School Advisor and Senior Class Teacher
- Supervised and mentored part-time Associate Director of College Counseling
- Served on Administrative Team, Department Heads, Strategic Planning Committee, Advanced Courses
Committee, Marketing Team, NEASC Re-accreditation Committee, & International Student Task Force - Served as Testing Coordinator
- Selected by Class of 2015 as Commencement faculty speaker
- Received Yearbook dedication from Class of 2014
Director of Admission
The Williams School
07.2010 - 06.2013
- Improved yield percentage from accept to admit each application cycle
- Designed and authored new admissions publications, including viewbook and application
- Brought marketing efforts to web and produced recruitment video
- Restructured visitor, Open House, reception, and Ambassador (tour guide) programs
- Transitioned school to web-based inquiry and application system
Director of Admission
Meredith College
08.2008 - 07.2010
- Enrolled largest class at highest percentage yield at that point in college history
- Enrolled largest population of Honors and African American students at that point in school history
- Established Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship for transfer applicants
- Developed recruitment materials targeting Honors Program applicants highlighting alumnae outcomes
Acting Director/Associate Director of Admission
American University
01.2006 - 08.2008
- Implemented university's first waitlist
- Adjusted grade point average review policy from unweighted to weighted
- Developed new testing policies for international students
- Served as Athletics Liaison. Attended the Annual Patriot League Meeting and wrote the university's annual report.
Senior Assistant Director/Assistant Director of Admission
Boston University
08.2001 - 07.2005
- Organized Early Decision and home school application review processes
- Supervised four Assistant Directors
- Recruited in CA (Southern), DC, ID, MA (Western),MD, OR, WA, VA
Education
M.Ed. Concentration: Higher Education Administration -
Boston University, School of Education
01.2005
B.A. English - undefined
Colgate University
05.2000
Skills
- Student Advocacy
- Post-Secondary Counseling
- Active Listening
- Professional Networking
- Interview coaching
- Academic advising
- Excellent Communication
- Collaborative Teamwork
- Letters of Recommendation
- Public Speaking
- Event Planning
- Enrollment Management
Professional Service Leadership
- Common App Counselor Advisory Board, 2023-present
- Ohio University Counselor Advisory Board 2024-present
- Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools (ACCIS) Summer Institute Planning Committee, 2022-present
- ACCIS 360 Review Committee, 2022-present
- Revolution Prep Midwest Counselor Advisory Board, 2022-2024
- Awarded New England Association for College Admission Counseling (NEACAC) Professional of the Year, 2018
- NEACAC Rising Leaders Program Faculty Member, 2017
- NEACAC Governing Board Member & National Assembly Delegate, 2016-2018
- NEACAC Professional Development Committee, 2015-2018
- NEACAC Annual Meeting & Conference Planning Committee, 2015-2017
- NEACAC Current Trends Committee, 2015-2017
Affiliations
- ACCIS
- NACAC
- NEACAC
Timeline
Associate Director of College Counseling
Hawken School
07.2018 - Current
Director of College Counseling
The Williams School
07.2013 - 06.2018
Director of Admission
The Williams School
07.2010 - 06.2013
Director of Admission
Meredith College
08.2008 - 07.2010
Acting Director/Associate Director of Admission
American University
01.2006 - 08.2008
Senior Assistant Director/Assistant Director of Admission
Boston University
08.2001 - 07.2005
M.Ed. Concentration: Higher Education Administration -
Boston University, School of Education
B.A. English - undefined
Colgate University
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