HOWAIDA WAHBY-ERAKY
Ocean,NJ
Summary
Visionary global enrollment, marketing, and strategic communications leader with 20+ years of experience driving institutional growth, global visibility, and student success across the U.S., MENA, and Asia. Expert in building and executing data-driven enrollment strategies, elevating institutional positioning, and leading high-performing teams through complex organizational transformation. Proven record of rebuilding and scaling programs, designing global marketing ecosystems, and shaping compelling narratives that strengthen brand identity and drive recruitment outcomes. Experienced in leading multicultural teams of 80+ and partnering with senior leadership to advance mission-aligned strategy, revenue growth, and global reach.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Rutgers English Language Institute (RELI)
Rutgers University – School of Arts & Sciences
New Brunswick, NJ
01.2022 - Current
- Serve as the senior leader overseeing all academic, operational, marketing, and communications functions for RELI, shaping institutional positioning and global enrollment strategy.
- Rebuilt a declining program, increasing enrollment from 0% to 92% within three years through integrated marketing, global recruitment, and data-driven decision-making.
- Act as the Institute’s full marketing and communications division, leading branding, messaging, content strategy, analytics, and digital campaigns across platforms.
- Develop and manage global recruitment pipelines, securing partnerships across MENA and Asia and expanding Rutgers’ international footprint.
- Lead and mentor a high-performing team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and student-centered excellence.
- Strengthen institutional visibility through multilingual communication, targeted outreach, and strategic engagement with global stakeholders.
- Represent RELI in university-wide initiatives, advancing cross-functional alignment and elevating the Institute’s role within Rutgers’ global strategy.
Dean of International Programs
Ocean County College
Toms River, NJ
01.2018 - 01.2022
- Founded and branded OCC Global, establishing the institution’s first comprehensive international strategy and global marketing infrastructure.
- Led global recruitment, partnership development, and international stakeholder engagement across multiple regions.
- Directed online academic offerings, including curriculum development, faculty hiring, student support, and professional development.
- Designed and executed global marketing webinars, expanding OCC’s international reach and strengthening institutional visibility.
- Conducted data analytics for enrollment, scheduling, and registration, informing strategic planning and resource allocation.
- Served on key institutional committees (Budget & Planning, Assessment & Evaluation, Study Abroad), contributing to policy development and strategic alignment.
- Developed UDL-aligned, OER-based curricula for English language learners, enhancing accessibility and instructional quality.
Head of the English Department
Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport
Alexandria, Egypt
01.2006 - 01.2017
- Led academic and operational strategy for the English Department, aligning goals with university-wide strategic plans.
- Directed teams of 50–80+ faculty and staff, overseeing scheduling, budgeting, evaluation, and professional development.
- Developed new curricula, standardized assessments, and professional training programs across multiple colleges.
- Strengthened institutional quality through ISO-aligned documentation, evaluation systems, and accreditation support.
- Contributed to major institutional initiatives, including the International Maritime Dictionary and the International Maritime Employers’ Committee.
Research Assistant
The American University in Cairo (AUC)
Cairo, Egypt
01.2010 - 01.2016
- Supported applied linguistics research and mentored MA-TESOL students in practicum capstones.
- Designed ESP and EFL curricula for multiple university departments and administrative units.
- Contributed to literacy and workforce development programs, earning recognition for service.
Education
Ph.D. - Applied Linguistics
Alexandria University
M.A. - TESOL
The American University in Cairo
B.A. - English Literature & Rhetoric
Alexandria University
Executive Leadership - undefined
The Chair Academy
Skills
- Global Enrollment Strategy & Funnel Optimization
- Institutional Positioning & Brand Narrative Leadership
- Digital Marketing, Communications & Media Strategy
- Data Analytics, Market Research & Competitive Benchmarking
- Global Partnerships, Recruitment Pipelines & International Relations
- Cross-Functional Leadership & Organizational Alignment
- Team Development, Culture Building & Executive Mentorship
- Strategic Planning, Operational Design & Change Management
- Multilingual & Cross-Cultural Communication (English/Arabic)
Accomplishments
- Rebuilt Rutgers’ English Language Institute from 0% enrollment in 2022 to 92% by 2025, restoring revenue, visibility, and institutional relevance.
- Designed and executed global digital marketing campaigns across web, email, and social platforms, modernizing brand identity and strengthening Rutgers’ global presence.
- Established international recruitment pipelines across the MENA region and Asia, securing partnerships with universities, agencies, and government stakeholders.
- Led and mentored large, multicultural teams of 50–80+ across academic, operational, and marketing functions, fostering high-performance cultures focused on innovation and student success.
- Developed customized academic and cultural programs aligned with regional needs and institutional goals, expanding global engagement and revenue streams.
- Founded and branded Ocean County College Global, launching global marketing webinars and international recruitment initiatives that expanded institutional reach.
- Directed large-scale curriculum development initiatives using UDL and OER frameworks, enhancing accessibility, quality, and global competitiveness.
- Served as a strategic advisor across multiple institutions, strengthening cross-departmental collaboration, policy development, and institutional positioning.
- Board member of the University and College English Programs Symposium (UCIEP)
LANGUAGES
English (Fluent)
Arabic (Native)
Timeline
Director, Rutgers English Language Institute (RELI)
Rutgers University – School of Arts & Sciences
01.2022 - Current
Dean of International Programs
Ocean County College
01.2018 - 01.2022
Research Assistant
The American University in Cairo (AUC)
01.2010 - 01.2016
Head of the English Department
Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport
01.2006 - 01.2017
M.A. - TESOL
The American University in Cairo
B.A. - English Literature & Rhetoric
Alexandria University
Executive Leadership - undefined
The Chair Academy
Ph.D. - Applied Linguistics
Alexandria University
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP & PROFESSIONAL ENGAGEMENT
- Keynote Speaker & Presenter: TESOL, UCIEP, LANACOM, ALR Symposium, Prince Sultan University
- Peer Reviewer: Applied Linguistics Research Lab (ALLAB), Prince Sultan University
- Research Interests: Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis, Teaching Methodologies, Assessment