JIHAN STRANGE
Nashville,TN
Summary
Goal-oriented professional dedicated to strengthening administrative operations to streamline costs and enhance procedures. Cultivate long-lasting relationships with students and staff to strengthen program success. Motivational leader with top-notch communication, organizational and strategic planning. I am looking to acquire a position in a progressive, community service-oriented organization, which will utilize my knowledge and experience as a seasoned College Access professional, as well as expand my knowledge in other areas. I am an energetic, results-oriented professional eager to bring strong administrative skills, academic, and post-secondary resources to a growing company in need of top-level support and consultant expertise. Excellent organization, communication, and relationship-building skills. I am a reliable and friendly service-oriented professional able to work with little oversight and collaborate in team environments. Strong leader and problem-solver dedicated to streamlining operations to decrease costs and promote organizational efficiency. Uses independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Asst Director Admissions Access, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Belmont University
08.2023 - Current
- Responsible for admission counseling and engagement of prospective students and family members throughout the enrollment process
- Provide leadership to other process improvement teams, as necessary
- Coordinate efforts for the recruitment of students from traditionally underrepresented populations
- Maintain an in-depth knowledge of the academic, social, and spiritual composition of Belmont University to perpetuate the Belmont vision
- Manage the enrollment of first-year students from a particular region, including direct visitation, recruiting visits, and appointments with campus visitors
- Evaluate credentials of applicants to determine academic and personal compatibility with the goals and mission of Belmont University
- Help develop partnerships with local community colleges and CBOs (local and nationally) to promote access for their students
- Exercise knowledge of the financial aid programs available to Belmont University students and provide financial aid counseling to prospective students
- Coordinates the awarding of all DEI & merit-based scholarships to admitted students deemed most qualified
- Collaborates with Belmont’s Student Success and Flourishing team to lead the recruitment of the Bell Tower Scholars and participate in the selection, interviewing, and onboarding of the cohort
- Develop recruitment strategies for the admission team to increase our student population from traditionally underserved populations
- Collaborate with the admission team to coordinate all on-campus programming targeting BIPOC and first-generation college students
- Participate in cross-functional improvement teams and initiatives
- Assist other offices within Enrollment Services and Student Affairs as assigned
- Coordinates all DEI initiatives and events on-campus events
- Leads information sessions on campus, participates in all scholarship interview days, and attends Preview Days and Be Belmont Day.
Director College Access and Persistence, DCAP
Nashville, TN
07.2022 - 06.2023
- Served as the primary college counseling support for students from August of junior year through December of senior year focused and facilitated guiding students through the process of researching and applying for Post-Secondary opportunities such as 2 year, 4 Year, Technical and Military
- Supported the DCAP team with each priority including but not limited to credit recovery/graduation requirements, college application support, and serving as boots on the group for all CAP initiatives (FAFSA, TN Promise, UT Promise)
- Created and Facilitated College Prep Course/Capstone Ownership for 9-12th grades
- Built final assessments and scope and sequence for Capstone 11 and 12
- Managed the DCAP team by scheduling weekly check-ins and providing feedback on planning, execution, and professional development
- Facilitated 1:1 meetings with all juniors in Quarter 4 to support in building their draft college lists and setting next steps are research and prioritization of schools
- Facilitated 1:1 meetings with all seniors in Quarter 1 to support in finalizing college application lists
- Planned and executed Senior & Junior Family College Night & College Fairs At Republic High School
- Coordinated and executed family event in January to serve as a kick-off of the college search, application, and admissions process, Family Night
- Coordinated and executed family events in September 2022 & beyond to serve as a kick-off of FAFSA, UT Promise, TN Promise, and the college application season
- Created strategic plan across all departments for ACT Preparation and Coordination
- Worked with operations team and junior instructors to build a comprehensive plan around ACT preparation and coordination, set DCAP responsibilities here (including spring state administration, summer administration, fall senior retake, and all practice tests)
- Coordinated Summer planning/implementation at RHS
- Collected and communicated out summer academic and professional opportunities to relevant juniors throughout the spring semester (in College Prep 11 and via email/Remind/Instagram)
- Worked with College Prep instructor and senior advisors to ensure all rising seniors have a strong plan for utilizing their summer breaks (college visits, college research, and resume-building)
- Held and promoted/Coordinate college admissions information sessions at RHS and worked with the CAP team to promote student Post-secondary planning and success
- Coordinated 28 college campus visits for seniors (fall semester) and juniors (spring semester)
- Ensured that 148 senior completed at least 2 College Application Submission for 23-24 Academic year
- Wrote all counselor recommendation letters for all seniors with a 2.0 GPA or higher
- Coordinated the request and completion of 2 teacher recommendation letters for all seniors with a 2.0 GPA or higher
- Updated RHS school profile to be included in all college applications
- Uploaded final junior transcripts, updated school profile, recommendation letters, and NACAC fee waivers to Overgrad
- Used Overgrad to follow up all submitted applications with the appropriate school documents (transcripts, profile, recommendation letters, etc)
- With the support of teacher/counselors, check in routinely with seniors throughout the fall semester to get updates and set next steps on college application submission
- Managed FAFSA completion by 100% of eligible seniors through Capstone 12, financial aid family nights, and 1:2 check ins
- Managed CSS Profile completion by 100% of required seniors through Capstone 12, financial aid family nights, and 1:2 check ins
- Managed Tennessee Promise application submission by 100% of eligible seniors through Capstone 12, financial aid family nights, and 1:2 check ins
- Collected and communicated out external scholarship opportunities to applicable students throughout the fall semester
- Provided case management services to a caseload of assigned program clients
- Communicated KPIs outlined in annual plan to inform employees of expectations and deliverables
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy
- Leveraged professional networks and industry knowledge to strengthen college and community relationships
- Optimized operational processes using analytics tools to student centered-specific metrics
- Conducted meetings with staff to discuss academic progress and to attain production objectives
- Collaborated with faculty, staff and students to identify and address institutional challenges
- Implemented strategies to increase student recruiting, engagement and retention
- Monitored and assessed results of postsecondary programs and services to identify and capitalize on potential improvements
- Prepared and administered College Access budget $150,000 for campus with 608 students
- Developed and implemented student success initiatives to recognize and encourage achievement.
Academic Student Union Coordinator
Martha O'Bryan Center
01.2020 - 06.2022
- Supervised Case management coordination with staff members to connect with students, parents and teachers to discuss grades, attendance, and progress toward individual goals
- Improved office operations by automating student correspondence, record tracking and data communications on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, & Kinvolve
- Conducted ongoing reviews of program financial systems to assess cost control measures
- Provide programming, staff, funding and supports to ensure that students needs are met
- Partners includes MNPS, Oasis Center, Family and Children's Services, and more
- Partner with Martha O'Bryan's Post-Secondary Success Initiative to work closely with institutions to ensure students have access to, can afford, and will graduate from a best fit school
- Coordinated daily tutoring, homework help, and ACT prep across 9-12 grades
- Implementation if International Youth Foundation Curriculum in 9-12 grades at Maplewood High School
- Provides Leadership development Opportunities for staff and AmeriCorp members & After-school Staff
- Enrichment activities in technology, music, and the arts
- College exploration, College Application assistance, TN promise and financial aid assistance
- Post-Secondary Coaching for all graduating Seniors and rising 12th graders at Maplewood High School
- Conducted several recruiting events to grow passive talent pipeline to prepare for future hiring needs
- Hired, managed, developed and trained staff, established and monitored goals, conducted quarterly and EOY performance reviews and administered salaries for staff.
Opprtunity Now Youth Coordinator
Martha O'Bryan Center
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Worked with Academic Student Union teams to plan Experience Work activities for the summer
- Assisted ASU team in creating 6-week project plans for various Experience Work working groups
- Assisted in recruiting Near Peer Leaders to support Experience Work groups during summer programming
- Helped to identify high-quality instructors to help lead and/or teach Experience Work projects (examples: art, sound studio, health/wellness, STEM)
- Assisted in planning/logistics for transportation, summer food program, field trips, end-of-summer showcase for Experience Work sites
- Ensured that Experience Work groups are high-quality and enriching for students over standard school year
- Served as a point person/liaison, helping link community youth, caregivers, and families to career services
- Used a variety of outreach methods to engage the community, identify need, and ensure program delivery matches need of stakeholders and community members
- Regularly communicated agency programming and community events to MDHA residents
- Worked with Opportunity NOW Youth Employment Coordinator to implement Opportunity NOW objectives in partnership with Nashville Career Advancement Center
- Helps lead Cayce based Teen programming
- Researched the best practices and implementation of model programming
- Develop relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure program success
- Utilized data to improve and adapt programming
- Attended professional developments such as SCORE conferences to stay up to date with employment and youth programming best practices
- Ensure all milestones are met, per grant requirements
- Creating and managed summer programming budgets across 3 programs sites over the summer
- Identifies, implements, and monitors health, safety, and emergency standards and procedures
- Created safe and positive environment conducive to learning and activities
- Hired, mentored and supervised instructors and volunteer staff to carry out program goals
- Analyzed revenue and program cost data to determine budget priorities
- Supervised activities and events for large groups os students participation in Summer youth programming.
AmeriCorp
Martha O'Bryan Center
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Supported the site coordinator in curriculum development for after school programming
- Held weekly team meetings to inform team members on company news and updates
- Preparing reading lessons and planning for afterschool activities such as tutoring, arts and crafts and D.I.Y Activities
- Assisted Site Coordinator and team members in entering pertinent data in tracking system to ensure compliance with grant requirements
- Prepared parent activities designed to help families become active and engaged in the afterschool program; assist K-8 Youth Development with on-going projects
- Assisted with the facilitation of Opportunity Now summer programming
- Taught International Youth Foundation curriculum to 12th graders at Stratford High school
- Created Mentorship curriculum for Girls age 14-18 and facilitated mentorship program through Y.O.L.O girls (Year of Loving Ourselves)
- Trained Hiset testing Supervisor and test proctor for the Martha O'Bryan Center
- Built strong relationships with students through positive attitude and attentive response.
Eligibility Case Specialist
Davidson County Child Support
05.2016 - 12.2016
- Interviewed clients who have applied or who have been referred by DHS for services
- Draft Petitions for Juvenile and Circuit Court to establish parentage and set child support
- Complete DNA testing for Parentage Cases according to DDC rules and Regulations
- Schedule client appointment for client's referred from DHS
- Take overflow customer service calls from call center
- Document and update case through the State of TN TCSES system
- Scheduled follow-up and rescheduled appointments for examinees
- Performed routine data entry or document management
- Responded to in-person and telephone requests for information from general public, attorneys and other involved parties
- Worked closely with applicants to determine eligibility and verify accuracy and integrity of application data
- Issued public notification of official activities or meetings
- Confirmed consultative reports and diagnostic test results.
Eligibility Assistant
Department of Human Services
01.2013 - 02.2016
- Interviewed clients in Case workers absence or double booking
- Scanned citizenship documentation into Medicaid database
- Organized caseworker's paperwork and appointment schedule
- Filed documents according to date
- Communicated with people from various cultures and backgrounds on application process
- Processed and certified documents for accuracy and compliance with government regulations
- Followed guidelines when reviewing applicant data to determine eligibility for economic assistance
- Scheduled appointments with applicants to gather information and explain benefits processes
- Reviewed applications for different aid programs and determined which qualification criteria for individuals
- Devised and implemented strategies to streamline eligibility verification processes
- Interviewed applicants and explained scope of different available benefits
- Developed extensive fact-checking and research skills by continuously reviewing different programs and options
- Facilitated information and resource exchanges with external agencies to progress client applications
- Established databases to track, analyze and automate eligibility application processes
- Resolved discrepancies with client applications to verify eligibility.
Eligibility Clerk, Career Development Specialist
Maximus TN Works
07.2012 - 01.2013
- Scan or read incoming materials in order to determine how and where they should be classified or filed
- Scan Renewal applications through FARAS system
- Gather materials to be filed for departments and employees
- Schedule clients for appointments with Eligibility Counselors
- Administered various career and personality assessments to clients to help determine career cluster and career interest matching
- Networked with professionals in community and built relationships to establish resources and future job opportunities for clients
- Monitored current clients to gauge engagement of program and assess progress
- Counseled clients on steps and options needed to realize career aspirations and goals
- Conducted research on future career outlook, trends and educational or skill requirements
- Created training programs for clients on communication, presentation, interview, resume writing and networking skills
- Interpreted results of assessments for clients and developed career action plans based on assessment results
- Enabled smooth transition for clients by providing follow-up and ongoing support after job placement
- Attended community events to engage with local businesses and build referral network
- Assisted clients with accurate eligibility form, application and document completion
- Facilitated information and resource exchanges with external agencies to progress client applications.
Eligibility Clerk, Manager
Department Of Human Services
06.2011 - 02.2012
- Scan or read incoming materials in order to determine how and where they should be classified or filed
- Scan Renewal applications through FARAS system
- Gather materials to be filed for departments and employees
- Schedule clients for appointments with Eligibility Counselors
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance
- Assisted clients with accurate eligibility form, application and document completion
- Processed and certified documents for accuracy and compliance with government regulations
- Communicated with people from various cultures and backgrounds on application process
- Followed guidelines when reviewing applicant data to determine eligibility for economic assistance
- Scheduled appointments with applicants to gather information and explain benefits processes
- Reviewed applications for different aid programs and determined which qualification criteria for individuals
- Facilitated information and resource exchanges with external agencies to progress client applications.
Education
Doctor of Education - Leadership and Professional Practice
Trevecca Nazarene University
Nashville, TN05.2025
Master of Science - Organizational Leadership
Trevecca Nazarene University
Nashville, TN05.2020
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Leadership
Bethel University
McKenzie, TN12.2018
Skills
- External and Public Relations
- Recruiting and Hiring
- Administrative Support
- Regulatory and Legal Compliance
- Academic Monitoring
- Administration Collaboration
- Data Analysis
- Strategic Planning
- Team Leadership Planning & Execution
- Staff Management
Affiliations
Executive Board Member-Crossroads Campus, Nashville TN
Timeline
Asst Director Admissions Access, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Belmont University
08.2023 - Current
Director College Access and Persistence, DCAP
Nashville, TN
07.2022 - 06.2023
Academic Student Union Coordinator
Martha O'Bryan Center
01.2020 - 06.2022
Opprtunity Now Youth Coordinator
Martha O'Bryan Center
01.2018 - 01.2020
AmeriCorp
Martha O'Bryan Center
01.2017 - 01.2018
Eligibility Case Specialist
Davidson County Child Support
05.2016 - 12.2016
Eligibility Assistant
Department of Human Services
01.2013 - 02.2016
Eligibility Clerk, Career Development Specialist
Maximus TN Works
07.2012 - 01.2013
Eligibility Clerk, Manager
Department Of Human Services
06.2011 - 02.2012
Doctor of Education - Leadership and Professional Practice
Trevecca Nazarene University
Master of Science - Organizational Leadership
Trevecca Nazarene University
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Leadership
Bethel University
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