Jarvis K. Purnell
Oak Lawn,IL
Summary
Dynamic operations and client-centered leader with over 10 years of supervisory experience in custodial services, residence life, and building management. Expertise in directing custodial teams while upholding exceptional user experience standards, managing budgets effectively, and optimizing facility operations within higher education settings. Proficient in staff supervision, inventory management, preventive maintenance, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Recognized for enhancing operational efficiency, boosting staff performance, and fostering safe, inclusive environments for diverse communities.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Administrator
Correct Builders & Remodelers LLC
03.2025 - Current
- Coordinate renovation projects from site preparation through completion, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.
- Assist in on-site inspections and post-construction walkthroughs to confirm work meets client expectations and specifications.
- Collaborate with subcontractors and vendors to maintain safety compliance, resolve site challenges, and ensure adherence to project requirements.
- Support bid development and RFP responses for municipal and state contracts, including documentation for City of Chicago and State of Illinois opportunities.
- Prepare and organize project documentation, invoices, and compliance records to meet client and regulatory standards.
Director, Student Success
University of Chicago - Professional Education
05.2024 - 02.2025
- Managed $300K operational budget, optimizing custodial staffing and supplies while reducing costs without compromising service quality.
- Spearheaded large-scale events, e.g., convocations, orientations, and workforce panels, strengthening employer-student connections.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing regular communication, mentorship, guidance, and active performance management.
- Provided crisis response support to students, faculty, and staff, through active participation in 24/7 Dean-on-Call rotation.
- Led staff performance reviews, implemented goal tracking, and coached staff to improve service delivery.
Associate Director of Student Services
University of Chicago - Professional Education
01.2020 - 05.2024
- Reduced student complaints by 15% through early-reporting systems and active collaboration with facilities stakeholders.
- Conducted regular inspections of academic and student life spaces to ensure cleanliness, safety, and compliance with university standards.
- Implemented SaaS tools and developed and managed outreach campaigns, improving student satisfaction.
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging staff to share innovative ideas and providing resources for professional development.
Assistant Dean of Students
University of Chicago - Graham School
02.2018 - 01.2020
- Oversaw academic accommodations, student conduct, engagement, and cultural competency initiatives.
- Created and launched quarterly networking events across four academic programs, strengthening student and alum engagement and fostering meaningful professional connections that supported career development and community building.
- Oversaw crisis management protocols ensuring timely response during emergency situations.
- Addressed student concerns, resolving issues promptly and effectively.
Associate Dean of Students
Elizabeth City State University
09.2016 - 08.2017
- Directed operations for Student Centers, overseeing custodial services, equipment management, and summer conferences.
- Evaluated and improved departmental customer service strategies, enhancing student accessibility and satisfaction with engagement and facilities services.
- Guided planning for facility renovations, ensuring operational readiness and integration of modern custodial practices.
Director, Housing & Residence Life
West Virginia State University
07.2014 - 09.2016
- Supervised residence life, custodial, and maintenance staff for a 400-student residential community, ensuring compliance with cleaning and safety protocols. Achieved record growth, increasing residential occupancy by 62% over two years.
- Opened a new 291-unit residential facility and launched service-learning housing models.
- Implemented campus-wide Residential Management Software (RMS) system, streamlining electronic room reservations, housing assignments, and operational efficiencies.
- Enhanced Emergency & Risk Management Protocols: Developed housing-specific emergency response protocols and served on the university-wide crisis response team, ensuring student safety and risk mitigation.
Director, Military and Non-Traditional Student Services
Northern Illinois University
03.2012 - 06.2014
- Oversaw recruitment, training, and professional development for a team of 35, including experienced staff, graduate assistants, interns, and student employees, optimizing service delivery across departments.
- Led a five-year strategic review and developed a data tracking system.
Hall Director
The University Of Iowa
07.2010 - 03.2012
- Earned Professional Staff Member of the Year recognition for outstanding leadership in facility operations, custodial coordination, and frontline staff supervision.
- Directed daily assignments for 40+ residential staff, introducing integrated scheduling models that improved custodial coverage, streamlined operations, and enhanced service delivery.
- Led assessments that connected staffing assignments with operational needs, applying data-driven insights to enhance cleaning efficiency, resident satisfaction, and workforce preparedness.
- Oversaw $100,000 annual budget for custodial supplies, payroll, and operational expenses, ensuring efficient resource allocation and compliance with safety and cleaning standards.
- Conducted regular inspections and co-led studies that incorporated custodial performance and facilities data into long-term planning, improving cleaning protocols and retention strategies.
Education
Master of Science - Adult Higher Education Administration
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL08-2010
Bachelor of Science - Industrial Management
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL08-2008
Skills
- Budget Oversight
- Facilities Management
- Cultural Competency
- Strategic Planning
- Performance Management
- Vendor Management
- Project Coordination
- Compliance & Risk Mitigation
- Team Leadership
- Policy Implementation
Timeline
Project Administrator
Correct Builders & Remodelers LLC
03.2025 - Current
Director, Student Success
University of Chicago - Professional Education
05.2024 - 02.2025
Associate Director of Student Services
University of Chicago - Professional Education
01.2020 - 05.2024
Assistant Dean of Students
University of Chicago - Graham School
02.2018 - 01.2020
Associate Dean of Students
Elizabeth City State University
09.2016 - 08.2017
Director, Housing & Residence Life
West Virginia State University
07.2014 - 09.2016
Director, Military and Non-Traditional Student Services
Northern Illinois University
03.2012 - 06.2014
Hall Director
The University Of Iowa
07.2010 - 03.2012
Master of Science - Adult Higher Education Administration
Northern Illinois University
Bachelor of Science - Industrial Management
Northern Illinois University
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