Kapree Thomas
Fresno,TX
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record at Houston City College, excelling in cross-functional collaboration and compliance training. Spearheaded initiatives that increased veteran enrollment by enhancing community partnerships and securing $500k in funding. Committed to operational enhancement and student success management, driving impactful change in educational access for military-affiliated students.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Veteran Affairs
Houston Community College
Houston, TX
12.2019 - Current
- Explored revenue and enrollment opportunities through implementation of Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance (VRRAP) and expansion of VA-approved high-demand workforce programs, enhancing access for veterans.
- Expanded community partnerships with the City of Houston, Veteran Chamber of Commerce, Houston LaunchPad, Combined Arms, etc...
- Built crosswalks with surrounding 4-year institutions (University of St. Thomas, University of Houston- Downtown, Baylor, Houston Christian University) easing the transition from community college to university
- Partnered with stakeholders to develop and implement enrollment strategies aligned with new funding model, increasing veteran participation in educational programs.
- Regularly presents critical information to the Board of Trustees such as outcomes and the vision of the departmentcollaborate with legal and Chancellor concerning the sustainability of Department of Defense MOUs and Federal and State audits
- Served on committee for the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) helping to increase overall quality and effectiveness of collegiate processes
- Annually works with Director of Curriculum , Prior Learning and Workforce Instruction on SCH & CEU programs regarding increasing and maintaining State and Federal program approvals
- Provides regular trainings to instructional and student service administrators on military-affiliated policies and procedures in regard to class schedules, college catalogs, and course and program offerings
- Spearhead initiatives with the Department of Veterans Affairs (DOVA) to increase access to high-demand workforce training opportunities for military-affiliated students, enabling the use of VA educational benefits to support career-focused program
- Managed Veterans Affairs operations throughout my tenure as Director
- Oversaw management of $1.5 million in VA funding to ensure effective allocation and utilization
- Secured $500k in funding for college credit by ensuring regulatory compliance between HCC VA office, Texas Veterans Commission, and Department of Defense
- Direct a multidisciplinary team (advisors, counselors, compliance personnel, SCOs, administrative staff, and work-study employees), ensuring operational excellence and high-impact service delivery.
VA Compliance Officer
Houston Community College
Houston, Texas
10.2017 - 09.2020
- Achieved and maintained compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures
- Supervised Certifying Officials' adherence to compliance windows and certification standards
- Created compliance plan and training materials to support departmental adherence to regulations
- Coordinated the reconciliations of student financial accounts with the Business office and the VA
- Conducted monthly and quarterly audits reviewing each student's file
- Zero Audit Findings via Department of VA Compliance Officer
- Developed and implemented compliance training programs for faculty and staff.
- Ensured compliance with federal and state regulations for educational institutions.
- Monitored changes in legislation affecting community college operations and policies.
- Assessed the effectiveness of existing processes and procedures related to compliance.
VA Certifying Official
Houston Community College
Houston, Texas
05.2014 - 10.2017
- Certified federal and state VA educational benefits for military-affiliated students under Chapter 30, Chapter 31, Chapter 33, Chapter 35, Chapter 1606, Chapter 1607 and Hazelwood to ensure student success.
- Site supervisor for the Central VA Resource Center, overseeing part time assistants and work study students
- Collaborated with Curriculum on annual review of Institute of Higher Learning (IHL) standards to ensure compliance and enhance program quality
- Facilitated curriculum compliance with accreditation standards for educational programs.
- Supported faculty by advising and counseling on special population needs, enhancing educational resources for military-affiliated students
- Revised catalog requirements for military-affiliated students to ensure compliance with new regulations.
- Attended community events representing the college and department to recruit prospective students
- Alignment with workforce demands
- (713)718-7948
Admissions Advisor
The College of Health Care Professions
05.2013 - 05.2014
- Interviewed prospective students to assess educational needs and facilitate enrollment in appropriate programs
- Recruited and enrolled qualified students, contributing to overall enrollment goals
- Planned and conducted open houses, orientations, and new student events to enhance engagement and transition for incoming students
- Conducted campus tours for potential students
Financial Aid Officer
Harold Washington College
08.2011 - 01.2013
- Specialized in title IV funding and awarding financial aid packages for civilian and military student enrollments
- Verified military benefit eligibility for programs in VA and My-zone, ensuring compliance and access for eligible veterans.
- Assisted veterans in applying for benefits, streamlining processes to improve access to financial resources.
- Supervised VA part-time staff and VA work-study students, providing guidance and support to foster a collaborative work environment.
- Completed all the Veteran billings in My zone and PeopleSoft Student Administration system
Financial Aid Officer
Career Education Corporation (International Academy of Design Technology)
05.2009 - 08.2011
- Guided students through completion of financial aid documents, facilitating funding for education
- Conducted follow-ups with students to gather necessary documents for federal assistance eligibility
- Maintained compliance with financial aid regulations
- Tracked and reported daily and weekly metrics to supervisors, ensuring transparency in student packaging progress
Military Education Benefits Specialist
Career Education Corporation (Colorado Technical University)
08.2008 - 05.2009
- Advanced knowledge in title IV funding and awarding financial aid packages for civilian and military student enrollments
- Collaborated with Admissions Department to assess and address students' specific financial aid needs
- Provided customer service support for 150-200 calls from students, assisting with completion of financial aid documents to secure education funding
- Reported daily and weekly progress metrics on student packaging to supervisors, facilitating informed decision-making
Education
Doctor of Education - Higher Education Administration
Liberty University
01-2026
College Leadership Program -
Houston Community College
01-2022
Master of Business Administration -
American InterContinental University
01-2019
Associate of Science - Business Management
Robert Morris College
01-2019
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Management
Concordia University
01-2011
Skills
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Student Success Management
- Talent Attraction and Development
- Operational Enhancement
- Instructional Support
- Collaborative Community Engagement
- Strategic Vision Setting
- Championing Change
- Grant Writing
- Time Management
- Budget Management
- Compliance training
- Community partnerships
Awards
- Gold Status: Veteran & Spouse Military Friendly Designation
- 2021/2022
- 2022/2023
- 2023/2024
- 2024/2025
- Certificate of Pride in Public Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, 2023
Timeline
Director of Veteran Affairs
Houston Community College
12.2019 - Current
VA Compliance Officer
Houston Community College
10.2017 - 09.2020
VA Certifying Official
Houston Community College
05.2014 - 10.2017
Admissions Advisor
The College of Health Care Professions
05.2013 - 05.2014
Financial Aid Officer
Harold Washington College
08.2011 - 01.2013
Financial Aid Officer
Career Education Corporation (International Academy of Design Technology)
05.2009 - 08.2011
Military Education Benefits Specialist
Career Education Corporation (Colorado Technical University)
08.2008 - 05.2009
Doctor of Education - Higher Education Administration
Liberty University
College Leadership Program -
Houston Community College
Master of Business Administration -
American InterContinental University
Associate of Science - Business Management
Robert Morris College
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Management
Concordia University