Juan Carlos Guzmán
GIBBON,USA
Summary
Strategic leader in higher education with a focus on promoting diversity and enhancing recruitment and retention initiatives. Skilled in grant writing, budget management, and building community partnerships. Coordinated international collaboration initiatives that boosted enrollment among underrepresented and international students, contributing to overall student success.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Community Outreach and Partnership
University of Nebraska at Kearney
Kearney, NE
01.2020 - Current
- The Director of Diversity Outreach and Partnerships is responsible for building and nurturing both external and internal relationships, as well as creating outreach opportunities to increase enrollment among diverse populations.
- The Director collaborates with various stakeholders, including International Education, Undergraduate Admissions, Scholarships Management, Student Success, Sponsored Programs, colleges and departments, the Chief Diversity Officer, and the Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion.
- The position oversees and coordinates the DELFIN International Research program and various international exchange initiatives to focus on establishing partnership opportunities with international institutions, particularly colleges and universities in Latin America, to support growth in international student recruitment.
- Led efforts to attain Hispanic-Serving Institution status by representing UNK on the HACU committee and driving campus-wide diversity recruitment initiatives.
- It collaborates with the Office of Financial Aid to develop scholarship strategies that align with enrollment goals and seeks outreach and communication opportunities to engage diverse communities.
- Strategies employed include promoting college readiness through targeted early awareness programs, identifying access barriers such as cost and program delivery, and communicating UNK's commitment to advancing social mobility and workforce development across the greater Midwest on a global scale.
- They work collaboratively with the Assistant Vice Chancellor for International Affairs to set and execute strategic goals.
- Cultivated partnerships with community-based organizations, businesses, and educational institutions to advance the Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) initiative.
- They identify pathways or opportunities for academic programs, such as dual enrollment, pre-college camps, workshops, and niche programs, aimed at increasing enrollment and degree attainment among targeted populations.
- Additionally, the director supports undergraduate diversity recruitment by working with Undergraduate Admissions, Graduate Recruitment, Transfer Services, Scholarships Management, and various colleges and departments.
- Created and presented comprehensive reports to engage stakeholders and enhance support for student diversity initiatives.
- The director also coordinates a $100,000 grant from a private foundation.
Director, Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion
University of Nebraska at Kearney
Kearney, NE
01.2004 - 01.2020
- Directed the Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) and guided its vision and mission.
- Oversee the staff and support functions of ODI while leading the department to ensure students from diverse backgrounds have a successful and productive experience at UNK.
- Partner with admissions and enrollment teams to support recruitment of diverse student populations and develop initiatives that improve student persistence, graduation rates, and overall student success.
- Effectively manage and coordinate over one million dollars in scholarships, involving recruitment, selection, programming, mentoring, and retention initiatives.
- Key duties include managing ODI's programs, which encompass program design, assessment, student scholarship selection, training, supervision, and advising.
- Planned and oversaw cultural celebrations, heritage month programs, workshops, leadership development programs, and diversity education initiatives to enhance campus inclusivity.
- Facilitate conversations on identity, inclusion, cultural awareness, and social justice.
- Supported and mentored diversity-related student organizations, fostering leadership and engagement among students from diverse backgrounds.
- Assist in managing Student Affairs departmental projects, strategic plans, and staff development.
- Maintain active working relationships with other student affairs service offices, programs, communities, and departments at UNK.
- Collaborate with key universities and community partners to develop and implement multicultural, diversity, social justice, and student leadership initiatives.
- Represent Student Affairs on committees and at various college events, including admissions recruitment functions, student and parent information panels, alumni events, faculty and staff seminars, award recognition programs, and student events.
- Oversee the ODI Council and ensure student leaders have adequate resources and information to plan diversity programming effectively on campus.
- Managed finances by balancing budgets, providing monthly projections, and preparing budget recommendations, annual reports, grant applications, strategic plans, and long-range planning for the office.
- Supervise, evaluate, and provide professional development for ODI staff, including the Assistant Director, Office Associate, two Graduate Assistants, the Peter Kiewit Scholarship Coordinator, and other student employees.
Assistant Director, Office of Multicultural Affairs
University of Nebraska at Kearney
Kearney, NE
01.2002 - 01.2004
- Responsible for coordinating a continuum of services for culturally diverse students, emphasizing services that lead to student retention, academic success, and successful graduation.
- Develop and implement current retention efforts within the Office of Multicultural Affairs, including scholarship-related projects.
- Collaborate with faculty, academic departments, admissions, international education, and other campus departments to develop systems and processes to enhance retention of a diverse student community.
- Advise and oversee the student's academic progress on a semester basis in conjunction with the Office of Academic Success coordinators.
- Develop and coordinate effective multicultural student orientation programs, and ensure that scholarship recipients have the resources and services they need to be successful.
- Provide leadership and mentoring opportunities for OMA students- USHLI, and identify future NASPA Undergraduate Fellowship Program through NASPA.
Assistant Director, Enhancing Access to Higher Education Project
College of Education, UNK
Kearney, NE
01.2000 - 01.2002
- Collaborated with seven communities (Alliance, Gordon, Lexington, Kearney, Grand Island, Hastings, and Schuyler) to enhance recruitment of minority students into higher education.
- Build partnerships with community organizations, schools, alumni, and external stakeholders to foster collaboration across campus units to create a welcoming and inclusive environment.
- Identify underrepresented students in the Tri-Cities and surrounding areas who are interested in pursuing a career in education and serve as a resource and consultant on diversity and inclusion matters.
- Supported Director of Recruitment and Diversity by facilitating recruitment seminars, establishing partnerships with minority student groups from area high schools, and liaising with the Latino community.
- Developed bilingual brochures and posters for recruitment and assisted in compiling grant data and reports for external stakeholders.
- Coordinate a $3.0 million Grant from the USA federal government.
Education
Master of Art - Education, Spanish Literature
University of Nebraska At Kearney
Kearney, NE01-2009
Master of Science - Education, School Counseling Student Affairs
University of Nebraska At Kearney
Kearney, NE01-2005
B.A. in Art - Education, Minor in Spanish, Education Major K-12, English as a Second Language Certification
University of Nebraska At Kearney
Kearney, NE01-2002
Associate's degree -
Central Community College
Columbus, NE01-1997
Skills
- Community outreach
- Partnerships development
- Outreach strategies
- Resource mobilization
- Program development
- Proposal development
- Budget management skills
- Evaluation frameworks
- Diversity recruitment
- International recruitment
- Cultural competencies
- Diversity presentation
- Staff development
- Cultural adaptability
- Career counseling
- Mental health awareness
- Compliance regulations
- Leadership abilities
- Organizational skills
- Multitasking and organization
- Basic computer proficiency
- Public speaking expertise
- Communication skills
- Relationship building
- Inclusive training
- Inclusive training
- Program operations
- Multitasking and organization
Research And Grants
- RAPID ACCELERATION OF DIAGNOSTICS FOR UNDERSERVED POPULATION NATIONAL, $3.0 million, International Grant from the National Institute of Health., currently on hold
- Feasibility Planning Grant for Establishing a Nebraska HSI Consortium., $1.5 million, currently on hold
- BARRIERS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROMOTING HEALTH PROFESSIONAL CAREERS AMONG AFRICAN AMERICANS, LATINX, AND NATIVE AMERICANS IN NEBRASKA., UNMC, Dr. Johansson, Patrik, Dr. Armando de Alba
- WOMEN INVESTING IN NEBRASKA, $100,000, Kelly Bartling, Juan Carlos Guzmán
- LATINOS AND THE REASON WHY THEY CHOSE UNK, Juan Carlos Guzmán
Accomplishments
- Distinguish First-Generation Alum, 2025
- 25 years of service recognition UNK, 2025
- "Reconocimiento Othli" from Mexico's Department of Foreign Affairs, Mexico Government, 2024
- Recognized as the Hispanic leader in the state of Nebraska during Hispanic Heritage Month, 2024
- Peru Delfin Chapter Conference presenter, 2024
- WIN Finalist and grant awardee, 2020
- Acknowledgement as a diversity leader by Nebraska Senator Chris Peterson, 2005
- University of Nebraska Administration KUDOS award, 09/14
- Latinos Alumni Association Leadership Recognition, 2022
- Sigma Lambda Beta, Alumni Award of Distinction, 2023
- Nebraska State Education Association- Great Plains Milestone Awards, 2015
- UNK Outstanding Student Affairs Professional, 2011-2012
- Multicultural Person of the Year- Multicultural Coalition, City of Grand Island, NE, 2010
- Employee of the Month, University of Nebraska at Kearney, 06/08
- Completed the NASPA Region IV- New Professional Institute, 2005
- Certificate of Appreciation for Leadership Distinction by the Cultural Unity Conference, 03/06
- Completed the Multi-Cultural Leadership Program from the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute
- Selected for Champions for Children, 1995
- Certificate of Appreciation for Leadership Distinction by the Hispanic Student Association
- Certificate of Achievement for Academic Excellence and for Leadership Distinction
Work Phone
(308) 865-8127
Professional Development
- Multicultural Counseling Trainer/ Faculty adjunct
- Hispanic Students Success Coach, Certification, 2024
- Title IX certification
- Serving LGBTQ+ Safe Zone Trainer
- Diversity and equality, Inclusive Excellence, and Cultural Competencies trainer
- National Association of Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA), New Professional Institute (2005), Planning Committee Conference, Volunteer Chair- 2013 Arkansas Regional Conference, Nebraska Membership Coordinator, second term (2011-2014), Planning Committee Conference, Volunteer Chair- 2014 New Mexico, Regional Conference
- USHLI - United States Hispanic Leadership Institute Conference, Grassroots leadership program, Collegiate Leadership Development Program (CLDP)
- NCORE - National Conference on Race and Ethnicity Diversity complete diversity training
- Chi Sigma Iota- Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society member
Leadership Experience
- UNK's delegate for Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
- Chapter Coordinator for the USA DELFIN Program (2018 to present)
- UNK's primary contact with the Consul of Mexico in the state of Nebraska.
- Hispanic leader in education from the state of Nebraska
- International Recruiter for Mexico and Latin America
- UNK representative to the Hispanic Association of College and Universities (HACU) 2012 to present
- Diversity Officers Committee for Nebraska University System
- Inclusive Excellence Collaboration Award Committee (University System)
- Coordinator of the UNK Diversity Recruitment Task Force
- Study Abroad Professor, Universidad de Guadalajara, México. (Summer of 2010)
- Study Abroad Professor, San Jose, Costa Rica. (Summer of 2016)
Timeline
Director, Community Outreach and Partnership
University of Nebraska at Kearney
01.2020 - Current
Director, Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion
University of Nebraska at Kearney
01.2004 - 01.2020
Assistant Director, Office of Multicultural Affairs
University of Nebraska at Kearney
01.2002 - 01.2004
Assistant Director, Enhancing Access to Higher Education Project
College of Education, UNK
01.2000 - 01.2002
Master of Art - Education, Spanish Literature
University of Nebraska At Kearney
Master of Science - Education, School Counseling Student Affairs
University of Nebraska At Kearney
B.A. in Art - Education, Minor in Spanish, Education Major K-12, English as a Second Language Certification
University of Nebraska At Kearney
Associate's degree -
Central Community College