Heather Peterson
Broomfield,CO
Summary
Knowledgeable Compliance Manager with documented success in developing policies, leading training programs and managing reporting to achieve compliance. Methodical with exceptional presentation and communication skills. Strong background working with federal and state regulations.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Compliance and Quality Management
University of Colorado, Denver
06.2023 - 08.2024
- As the Director of Compliance and Quality Management, reported directly to the Senior Vice Chancellor for Strategic Enrollment and Student Success, orchestrating the collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to drive the implementation of strategic initiatives that bolster student success and inclusive excellence
- Spearheaded the analysis, monitoring, and assessment of key processes and services impacting student success, employing change management strategies and project management methodologies to enhance operational efficiency and compliance
- Championed continuous process improvements with a focus on DEI to mitigate University risk in adherence to federal, state, accreditation, systems, and institutional policies and best practices.
Compliance Administrator
University of Colorado, Denver
01.2020 - 06.2023
- Collaborated with internal governance bodies and external stakeholders to establish a comprehensive compliance program, aimed at advancing unit and university objectives in student administrative support
- Led the assessment and enhancement of campus-wide processes, systems, and policies, ensuring alignment with state authorization, federal and state regulations, National Student Clearinghouse, and HLC accreditation standards.
University Registrar
University of Colorado
01.2018 - 12.2020
- Provided critical leadership, guidance, and oversight of all University student records at the Anschutz Medical Campus, ensuring adherence to ethical standards and regulatory compliance
- Lead the direction of a six person staff with two direct reports
- Collaborated with faculty and administration on records, registration, and curricular issues, directing strategic and operational activities to enhance student service equity and quality
- Spearheaded the implementation of a Registrar Advising Committee and an Admissions Working Group to streamline and automate processes across schools and colleges
- Automated the tuition residency process which significantly reduced student wait time by 99% (from 6 weeks to 5 minutes).
Registrar
University of Minnesota
11.2014 - 12.2018
- Spearheaded the enhancement of student record management at the University of Minnesota Medical School by establishing comprehensive best practices and policies
- This initiative encompassed a broad spectrum of record activities, including registration, transcripts, grade reporting, and academic compliance, ensuring adherence to federal and state regulations
- Redesigned curriculum scheduling to align with FSA academic calendar federal requirements
- Collaborated closely with IT to document processes and assess technology integration opportunities, significantly improving efficiency and compliance
- Led the development and implementation of a training program for all Medical School coordinators, enhancing their capabilities in managing student records effectively.
Senior Program Coordinator
University of Minnesota
11.2012 - 10.2014
- Led the strategic development and implementation of a new distance learning executive graduate degree program, encompassing comprehensive market niche analysis, program and online course development, budget oversight, and the execution of a targeted marketing and recruitment strategy
- This initiative resulted in a remarkable 42 percent increase in matriculation within a single academic year.
Assistant Director, One Stop Student Services
University of Minnesota
01.2006 - 01.2012
- Advanced from One Stop Counselor, Senior Counselor, to Assistant Director in 2006, assuming expanded responsibilities in financial aid, student account receivable, and the registrar’s office
- Addressed escalated, complex issues through professional judgement and individual discretion
- Supervised the operations of two One Stop offices (West Bank and St
- Paul locations), overseeing the daily needs of 28 full-time staff to ensure optimal student services
- Directly supervision four professional employees, establishing work priorities, assignments, and deadlines
- Spearheaded large-scale projects that significantly enhanced student service functionality, notably implementing a new billing and payment system across four campuses, impacting a total of 55,000 students
- Interpreted federal/state financial aid and student record regulations to develop institutional policies and procedures
- Led the training of new and current employees on federal and state regulations, institutional best practices, and DEI workshops.
One Stop Counselor to Senior Counselor, One Stop Student Services
University of Minnesota
01.2002 - 01.2006
- Collaborated extensively with students, parents, and university staff to address inquiries related to financial aid, registration, and student accounts, ensuring adherence to ethical standards and regulatory compliance
- Conducted thorough analyses of FAFSA applications to verify the accuracy of students' financial aid awards, demonstrating a meticulous attention to detail and a strong understanding of federal financial aid regulations
- Led and participated in various student appeals committees, including Tuition Refund Appeal and Satisfactory Academic Progress, showcasing leadership and a commitment to student success
- Designed and delivered presentations at the University of Minnesota's orientations and to diverse external audiences, enhancing community engagement and outreach efforts
- Spearheaded the One Stop Student Services Outreach Committee, Academic Advising Network, and the Prospective Student Advisory Committee, highlighting project management skills and stakeholder collaboration
- Developed and facilitated training programs for new One Stop counselors, improving team competencies and service quality through the creation and enhancement of training materials
- Established and nurtured relationships with university colleges and departments, serving as a key liaison and reinforcing the importance of cross-departmental collaboration
- Managed supervisory calls and assumed the role of acting manager as required, further evidencing leadership abilities and operational management skills.
Education
Master - Leadership in Student Affairs
University of St. Thomas
05.2004
Bachelor - Family Social Science
University of Minnesota
05.1999
Skills
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
- Project and Change Management
- Strategic Thinker
- Data analysis
- Leadership
- Conflict Resolution
- Effective Communication
- Problem Solving
- Innovative
- Legislative Analysis
- Public Speaking
- Enrollment Management
Certification
- Salesforce Administration, In progress
- Regulatory Compliance, 02/01/20
- Google Project Management Specialization, 10/01/22
- Franklin Covey: Leading with the Speed of Trust, 04/01/19
- Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, 01/01/17
- Equity and Diversity Program Certificate, 01/01/14
Leadership Experience
- President Emerging Leader’s Program, University of Minnesota
- Women’s Leadership Institute, University of Minnesota
Publications
Creating a Successful Training Program for Frontline Staff: The University of Minnesota’s Integrated Student Services Model, College and University Journal, 09/01/11
References
Enclosed
Timeline
Director of Compliance and Quality Management
University of Colorado, Denver
06.2023 - 08.2024
Compliance Administrator
University of Colorado, Denver
01.2020 - 06.2023
University Registrar
University of Colorado
01.2018 - 12.2020
Registrar
University of Minnesota
11.2014 - 12.2018
Senior Program Coordinator
University of Minnesota
11.2012 - 10.2014
Assistant Director, One Stop Student Services
University of Minnesota
01.2006 - 01.2012
One Stop Counselor to Senior Counselor, One Stop Student Services
University of Minnesota
01.2002 - 01.2006
- Salesforce Administration, In progress
- Regulatory Compliance, 02/01/20
- Google Project Management Specialization, 10/01/22
- Franklin Covey: Leading with the Speed of Trust, 04/01/19
- Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, 01/01/17
- Equity and Diversity Program Certificate, 01/01/14
Master - Leadership in Student Affairs
University of St. Thomas
Bachelor - Family Social Science
University of Minnesota
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