Jeri Suarez
Blue Ridge,VA
Summary
Thirty-six years of administrative experience in international & diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, community-based learning, and student services. Collaborated with Admissions on international student recruitment. Directed program from recruitment to advising for adult students. Developed and organized an international student leadership program and a friendship abroad family program. Designed and organized cultural immersion programs in Caretta, WV, and Lucea, Jamaica. Chose early retirement and seeking part-time employment.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Vice President, D.E.I.
Hollins University
07.2021 - 06.2022
- Utilized a deep understanding of diversity challenges and an ability to lead systemic change
- Designed policies, strategies, and programs to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in a coordinated effort across the University
- Co-chaired the Working Group on Slavery and Other Contemporary Legacies, the Reconciliation: Campus Spaces Task Force, and Equity Committee (Bias Response/Grievance), as well as collaborated with University central offices
- Designed evidenced-based and restorative programs and trainings for University‐wide initiatives with faculty, staff, and students
- Co-lead in the development of an Alumnae of Color database, partnered with programming
- Designed and organized a year-long leadership series for international students and students of color
- Organized monthly cultural programming
Associate Dean, Cultural & Community Engagement
Hollins University
07.2005 - 06.2021
- Continued to develop retention and advising strategies for underrepresented students (students of color, international students, and LGBTQ+ students) including advising cultural clubs and organizations
- Taught a year-long preparation course for students selected to participate in the Jamaica Cultural Immersion Program to rural Jamaica. Led trip successfully for thirty-four years.
- Organized special events, campus-wide diversity initiatives, and cultural programming
- Organized year-long leadership series for new underrepresented students with peer mentors
- Provided leadership training campus-wide for students to engage in ongoing discussions of cultural sensitivity and awareness.
Associate Dean, Intercultural & Service Learning
Hollins University
07.2003 - 06.2005
- Assisted with retention and advising of underrepresented students (students of color, international students, and LGBTQ+ students) including advising cultural clubs and organizations
- Developed the Jamaica Cultural Immersion Program and taught an eight-week preparation course for students and faculty participants
- Organized special events, campus-wide diversity initiatives, and cultural programming
- Organized year-long leadership series for new underrepresented students with peer mentors
- Provided leadership training campus-wide for students to engage in ongoing discussions of cultural sensitivity and awareness.
- Responsible for the direct operation of service-learning programs at the local, regional, and international levels.
- Lead the efforts of the Diversity Initiative Advisory Board and special projects as assigned by the President related to diversity initiatives.
Education
Master of Science - Higher Education Administration
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FLBachelor of Science - Education
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FLSkills
- Excellent oral and written communication
- Extensive experience working with diverse student populations
- Detail-oriented
- Expertise in balancing competing deadlines
- Well-versed in Microsoft Suite
- Experienced working remotely and independently
Timeline
Associate Vice President, D.E.I.
Hollins University
07.2021 - 06.2022
Associate Dean, Cultural & Community Engagement
Hollins University
07.2005 - 06.2021
Associate Dean, Intercultural & Service Learning
Hollins University
07.2003 - 06.2005
Master of Science - Higher Education Administration
Florida State University
Bachelor of Science - Education
Florida State University
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