CHIEF DIVERSITY OFFICER Dedicated and hard working professional with over 15 years of experience in higher education, diversity, cultural competency and managing programs. Well versed in developing training programs for departments, organizations, faculty, staff and students. Proven ability to develop solid working relationships with governmental agencies, higher level administrators, co-workers and other constituencies to promote change, diversity, inclusion and support for subordinates, faculty, staff and foster stronger communication. Exceptional interpersonal, analytical and problem-solving skills.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Adjunct Professor and Graduate Advisor
Grand Canyon University
10.2013 - 06.2024
Implemented the College's affirmative action plan assessing and analyzing the racial/ethnic/gender composition of the workforce.
Taught Psychology, Education, Research and Cultural courses, providing instruction to up to 1000 graduate and PhD students.
Provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
Used variety of learning modalities and support materials to facilitate learning process and accentuate presentations.
Built relationships with students, mentoring on personal, professional and academic goals while providing coaching on effective study habits.
Aided in migration of technological options and course materials for Online and Curriculum software to add better functionality for students and faculty members.
Worked with colleagues and administrators to create robust education programs.
Enhanced student comprehension by employing diverse teaching methods and incorporating multimedia resources.
Contributed to curriculum development efforts, ensuring content was up-to-date and relevant to industry trends.
Improved overall course quality through the implementation of regular evaluations, incorporating student feedback into future improvements.
Created positive and safe learning environment for students by setting and enforcing classroom code of conduct.
Taught diverse student population by employing various learning styles and abilities.
Managed a caseload of diverse graduate students, addressing individual academic concerns through targeted advising sessions.
Actively participated in ongoing training opportunities related to advising best practices, higher education trends and other pertinent issues.
Enhanced graduate student success by providing personalized academic advising and career guidance.
Strengthened relationships between academic departments and campus resources to better support graduate student needs.
Maintained up-to-date knowledge of university policies and procedures, effectively communicating them to graduate students.
Served as a liaison between graduate students and university staff to resolve conflicts or address concerns promptly.
Increased retention rates by identifying at-risk students and implementing supportive measures within the department.
Worked with individuals to help understand and overcome personal, social or behavioral problems affecting educational or vocational situations.
Delivered supportive and knowledgeable counseling to students with academic or personal concerns.
Department Chair
Springfield College - School Of Human Services
07.2020 - Current
Implemented the College's affirmative action plan assessing and analyzing the racial/ethnic/gender composition of the workforce.
Monitors all employment activities including job postings, recruitment efforts, selection processes, promotions, transfers and separations to ensure compliance with federal, state and local civil rights regulations.
As the liaison for the Department of Human Service, conducts and supervises internal EEO investigations and provided appropriate recommendations for resolution.
Develops and conducts EEO training for students and staff including basic EEO anti-discrimination prevention, sexual harassment, disability and reasonable accommodation laws and other related topics.
Manages all budgets related to the operation of the office including the administrative, recruitment and training budgets.
Committee appointments included: Executive Committee, Faculty Senate and Dismissal/Appeals Committee.
Oversees the Department of Human Services progress in diversity and inclusion, and facilitates an integrated vision and shared responsibility for diversity across the campus.
Works collaboratively and serves as a resource for administrative units as they establish, coordinate, and assess their contributions to institutional diversity goals.
Ensure diversity training compliance of over 1,000 employees and students.
Participate in the full recruitment process including: counseling hiring authorities on job description creation, search committee formation, potential advertising resources, conducting effective interviews and candidate reference checks.
Perform statistical analysis for annual affirmative action plan.
Also serves on a number of campus committees that are charged with meeting the goals of the college's strategic plan.
Facilitated faculty development initiatives to ensure continuous improvement in teaching quality and expertise.
Implemented assessment tools to measure learning outcomes, informing data-driven decision-making within the department.
Leads successful accreditation efforts, ensuring compliance with all relevant standards and guidelines.
Establishes clear performance expectations for faculty members, promoting accountability and professional growth.
Champions diversity initiatives within the department, fostering an inclusive environment for students and faculty alike.
Plans and executes professional development sessions for department faculty and staff.
Manages budgetary responsibilities, allocating resources effectively to meet departmental needs and goals.
Secures grant funding for various department initiatives, supporting research opportunities and academic growth.
Launched new degree programs based on industry demand, expanding educational offerings to attract diverse student populations.
Oversees hiring processes, selecting top-tier candidates to join the department''s talented team of educators.
Promotes a culture of research excellence by encouraging faculty engagement in scholarly activities and conferences.
Collaborates with other departments on cross-discipline projects, creating enriching academic experiences for students across campus.
Establishes and maintains strong relationships with stakeholders and strategic partners.
Represents organization at industry conferences and events.
Collaborates with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations.
Regional Compliance Officer and Surveyor
Department Of Mental Health And Substance Abuse
01.2008 - 12.2018
Worked with existing licensed agencies to ensure compliance with the relevant state statutes.
Responded to and conducted investigations of complaints of non-compliance and discriminatory claims.
Maintained up-to-date knowledge on industry trends and changes in regulations, leveraging this expertise to inform decision-making processes within the organization.
Participated in audits conducted by external agencies, demonstrating transparency and commitment to continuous improvement in the area of compliance management.
Reduced instances of non-compliance through regular training sessions tailored to specific departmental needs.
Advised executive leadership on emerging regulations and recommended strategies for effective implementation.
Provided ongoing monitoring efforts to assess the effectiveness of implemented controls in addressing identified risks.
Managed a team of junior compliance officers, overseeing their professional development and daily responsibilities.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to address identified risks, ensuring timely resolution and mitigation.
Assisted in the development of annual compliance plans, aligning objectives with organizational goals and industry best practices.
Developed strong relationships with regulators, fostering open communication channels and proactive issue resolution.
Identified, investigated and documented compliance violations and recommended corrective measures.
Reviewed, revised and updated compliance policies and procedures to confirm continual compliance with applicable laws.
Collaborated with internal and external stakeholders, auditors and legal counsel to confirm compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Investigated and documented all violations of compliance regulations to determine necessary improvements.
Developed and maintained system for tracking and reporting compliance violations.
Conducted periodic compliance audits and reviews to identify areas of improvement.
Maintained composure in stressful situations, confrontations, interviews and records searches.
Kept informed regarding pending industry changes, trends or best practices.
Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, attending professional conferences and participating in continuing education courses.
Academic Dean, Faculty
Virginia College
01.2006 - 01.2008
Managed academic personnel effectively, including hiring, evaluations, promotions, and conflict resolution.
Served as a liaison between faculty and administration, bridging communication gaps for seamless coordination of educational goals.
Ensured adherence to federal, state, and local regulations regarding higher education policies.
Streamlined administrative processes by developing efficient systems for budget management, scheduling, and resource allocation.
Fostered a positive learning environment by promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives within the institution.
Built strong relationships with community partners to develop internship opportunities and enhance student employability.
Collaborated with faculty members to ensure continuous improvement in course offerings and instructional delivery.
Developed strategies for improving graduation rates while maintaining high academic standards.
Championed technology integration into classrooms, enhancing the overall learning experience for students.
Improved curriculum quality by conducting regular evaluation and updates in alignment with educational standards.
Provided instructional resources and materials to support teaching staff in accomplishing instructional goals.
Assisted with data organization from assessments and diagnostic instruments to develop strategies for intervening with students experiencing difficulties.
Implemented strategies to increase student recruiting, engagement and retention.
Coordinated and supervised academic advising activities.
Guided and supported faculty and staff in development of new programs.
Devised programs to promote diversity and inclusion among staff, faculty and students.
Cultivated engaged student population with successful orientation programs.
Executive Director
Gateway Behavioral Medicine Unit
12.2003 - 12.2005
Developed and implemented organizational strategies to achieve set goals and objectives and secured long-term success.
Set organizational goals and objectives to guide and direct company focus and achieve mission fulfillment.
Oversaw financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for the organization.
Built and maintained strong company teams by hiring and training qualified staff to create positive and productive work environments.
Optimized operational workflows, reducing overhead costs and maximizing resource allocation.
Championed diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within the organization to create a more inclusive work environment.
Forge strong relationships with board members, providing regular updates on organizational progress and soliciting their expertise when needed.
Strengthened internal communication channels to facilitate cross-functional collaboration and decision making.
Developed strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to expand the organization''s reach and influence.
Represented organization at industry conferences and events.
Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging professional development opportunities for staff members.
Program Director and Counselor
Montgomery Work Release Center
01.1998 - 12.2003
Developed high-impact programs for optimal results, focusing on strategic planning and execution.
Evaluated program performance through comprehensive data analysis, driving continuous improvement efforts.
Promoted an inclusive environment by actively engaging diverse populations in all aspects of programming.
Led change management initiatives, fostering a positive organizational culture during periods of transition.
Developed and implemented program evaluation systems to assess program impact.
Developed a Personal Development program from ground up, laying out framework, and defining roles.
Provided ongoing direction and leadership for program operations.
Supervised program staff, managing and evaluating performance provide high-quality services to program participants.
Worked closely with families to support clients in their recovery process and strengthen relationships among family members.
Communicated regularly with other professionals involved in the client''s care for coordinated service delivery efforts.
Developed individualized counseling plans for clients to incorporate short-term and long-term goals.
Established trusting therapeutic alliances with clients through empathetic listening, validation, and unconditional positive regard.
Implemented behavioral modification strategies to help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to encourage positive change in clients'' lives.
Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
Used cognitive behavior therapy to assist clients in recognizing and redirecting poor habits.
Provided crisis intervention services to individuals experiencing acute distress or dangerous situations.
Facilitated weekly group sessions to encourage self-reflection and problem-solving.
Conducted assessments to determine progress and performance and report findings to relevant authorities.
Arranged and facilitated therapy sessions for individuals, couples, and families.
Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions to promote positive behavior change.
Participated in ongoing professional development trainings to remain current on best practices within the counseling field.
Conducted thorough assessments to identify client needs and appropriate intervention strategies.
Designed culturally-sensitive interventions tailored to each client''s background and experiences.
Contributed to a supportive work environment by sharing knowledge, resources, and new findings within the counseling field.
Implemented core counseling programs to meet each individual's specific and varying needs.
Facilitated group therapy sessions for increased social support and skill-building opportunities.
Adapted counseling techniques to best suit individual needs of each client.
Determined clients' risk of self-harm or other dangerous behaviors.
Provided education on mental health topics and resources to clients.
Educated clients on dangers of substance abuse and prevention techniques.
Provided emergency response in crisis situations to diffuse tensions and prevent violence.
Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Facilitated group counseling sessions to support and encourage client growth.
Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans, and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
Managed patients with substance dependence and co-occurring Axis I and Axis II disorders.
Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
Intern
Office Of Civil Rights/Equal Employment
01.1997 - 04.1997
Gained valuable experience working within law related industry, applying learned concepts directly into relevant work situations.
Collaborated effectively with team members across departments, fostering a cohesive work environment conducive to accomplishing shared objectives.
Developed organizational skills through managing multiple tasks simultaneously while adhering to strict deadlines.
Actively participated in team meetings, offering insightful suggestions that led to innovative problem-solving strategies.
Enhanced intern productivity by assisting with project coordination and providing ongoing support.
Maintained database systems to track and analyze operational data.
Worked under tight deadlines in fast-paced environment.
Reported on the success and impact of the internship program to senior leadership, highlighting key achievements and areas for growth.
Gained hands-on experience in various software programs, increasing proficiency and expanding technical skill set.
Supported staff members in their daily tasks, reducing workload burden and allowing for increased focus on higher-priority assignments.
Collaborated internally within multi-disciplinary teams to complete various work tasks related to civil rights and equal opportunity.
Worked with clients to help them understand and overcome personal, social or behavioral problems affecting their civil rights and equal employment situations.
Supported diversity initiatives within the internship program by actively assisting staff with future student candidates from various backgrounds and experiences.
Planned and promoted career planning presentations, work experience programs and career workshops focused on diversity and civil rights issues.
Education
Ph.D. - Human Services
Capella University
Minneapolis Minnesota
Master of Science - Counseling
Alabama State University
Montgomery, Alabama
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Auburn University Montgomery
Montgomery Alabama
Skills
Employee training and development
Staffing and recruiting professional
Employee relations
Affirmative Action compliance
Conflict resolution techniques
Exceptional interpersonal skills
Employment law knowledge
Exceptional communicator
Skills
Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access
Executive Financial Aid Specialist at Grand Canyon Education (Grand Canyon University)Executive Financial Aid Specialist at Grand Canyon Education (Grand Canyon University)