Dante Branch
Richardson,TX
Summary
Strategic higher education leader with more than a decade of experience advancing college access, enrollment strategy, and community partnership development across Texas. Proven ability to design scalable recruitment initiatives, build cross-sector partnerships, and support institutional enrollment goals through data-informed strategy. Currently serving as Assistant Director of Community Outreach at Southern Methodist University, leading regional initiatives that strengthen enrollment pipelines for first-generation, Pell-eligible, and underrepresented students. Recognized for securing multi-million dollar access initiatives, developing large-scale recruitment programming, and aligning institutional priorities with community-driven solutions.
Knowledgeable community-centered enrollment strategist with solid foundation in managing projects and coordinating teams to ensure successful outcomes. Proven track record of enhancing operational efficiency and implementing strategic improvements. Demonstrated leadership and organizational skills, with focus on effective communication and problem-solving. Professional with background in leadership and operational excellence, ready to drive strategic initiatives and streamline processes. Known for fostering team collaboration and delivering consistent results, adapting effectively to evolving demands. Expertise spans project management, strategic planning, and stakeholder communication. Possesses strong problem-solving abilities and proactive mindset, ensuring organizational goals are met efficiently and effectively.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Director, Community Outreach & District Partnerships
Southern Methodist University (SMU)
Dallas, TX
01.2023 - Current
- Led cross-sector collaboration with The Commit Partnership and SMU leadership to design a scalable Dallas County access strategy, resulting in a $5M regional initiative supporting college access and economic mobility.
- Direct recruitment and outreach strategy across Dallas County to strengthen enrollment pipelines for first-generation, Pell-eligible, and underrepresented students.
- Manage partnerships with more than 30 community-based organizations including AVID, Education is Freedom, Academic Success Program, and Breakthrough Collaborative.
- Collaborate with academic leadership across SMU colleges (Cox, Dedman, Lyle, Meadows) to design interdisciplinary recruitment initiatives and academic showcase events.
- Lead large-scale recruitment initiatives such as AVID Dallas County Day, Community Connection Day, and AEI Events engaging hundreds of prospective students annually.
- Serve on the admissions reading committee conducting holistic application reviews and contributing to enrollment yield strategy.
Assistant Director of School Operations
Education is Freedom
Dallas, TX
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Managed day-to-day operations across multiple campuses supporting more than 70 advisors.
- Secured more than $200K in district funding through partnerships with Grand Prairie ISD.
- Ensured operational compliance with district MOUs and organizational program standards.
- Supported college access and workforce readiness programming across Dallas County.
Area Director, Parent and Student Services
Education Is Freedom
Dallas
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Designed and delivered college and career planning workshops for students and families.
- Led culturally responsive programming and staff development initiatives across 30+ high schools.
- Supported evaluation and performance measurement of access initiatives.
Community Outreach Specialist
Education Is Freedom
Dallas
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Managed corporate internship programs and career readiness initiatives.
- Led organizational marketing campaigns including social media and newsletters.
- Coordinated community events, data collection, and stakeholder engagement initiatives.
Education
M.Ed. - Higher Education
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX12-2026
B.S. - Organizational & Program Management
Texas A&M University-Commerce
Commerce, TX01-2014
Skills
- Enrollment Strategy
- Recruitment Pipeline Development
- Community Partnerships
- Financial Aid Strategy Awareness
- Strategic Program Development
- Data-Informed Decision Making
- Public Speaking & Presentations
- Admissions Operations
- Team Leadership
- Budget & Program Management
- Staff management
- Creative direction
- Strategic planning
- Data analysis
- Staff development
- Project management
- Employee relations
- Task delegation
- Stakeholder engagement
- Program coordination
- Crisis management
- Staff coordination
- Meeting facilitation
Accomplishments
Awards & Recognition
· Black Excellence Award Recipient (2026) – Black Faculty and Staff Association, Southern Methodist University
· Gentlemen’s Toast Award Finalist – Education Category (DFW)
Timeline
Assistant Director, Community Outreach & District Partnerships
Southern Methodist University (SMU)
01.2023 - Current
Assistant Director of School Operations
Education is Freedom
01.2021 - 01.2023
Area Director, Parent and Student Services
Education Is Freedom
01.2019 - 01.2021
Community Outreach Specialist
Education Is Freedom
01.2017 - 01.2019
M.Ed. - Higher Education
Southern Methodist University
B.S. - Organizational & Program Management
Texas A&M University-Commerce
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Black Excellence Award Recipient – Black Faculty & Staff Association, SMU (2026), Gentlemen’s Toast Award Finalist – Education Category (DFW)
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES & IMPACT
- Architected Dallas County access strategy securing $5M investment to expand college access initiatives.
- Launched scalable model for rotating Dallas ISD campus visits improving equitable access to university recruitment.
- Spearheaded AVID Dallas County Day engaging 450+ students in collaboration with SMU Athletics.
- Hired and onboarded 43 student ambassadors through a modernized recruitment and training process.
- Increased Education is Freedom campus benchmark performance by 32% during first year of school operations leadership.