Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Accomplishments
Certification
Awards
Timeline
Generic

Karl Wattes

Santa Clara,UT

Summary

Experienced leader and veteran advocate with 14 years of progressive university leadership experience and a proven track record of successfully building and scaling holistic student support programs. As Director of Veteran & Military Services, I have demonstrated success developing inclusive campus environments, navigating complex student challenges, and leading cross-functional teams to enhance student success and retention. Expertise in conflict resolution, crisis management, and policy implementation is complemented by a deep commitment to student well-being and a comprehensive understanding of student services. Excited to apply my passion for holistic student learning and success as an Assistant Dean of Students.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Director, Veteran & Military Services

Utah Tech University
03.2023 - Current
  • Cultivated and managed extensive collaborative partnerships across campus offices—including academic affairs, counseling, and financial aid—as well as with external community organizations. This strategy fostered a holistic support network to meet a wide range of student needs.
  • Oversaw compliance and certification processes for all federal and state financial aid programs related to military-affiliated students, ensuring institutional adherence to complex regulations and maximizing student financial support.
  • Directed strategic student success initiatives for a diverse student population, employing data-driven approaches and targeted interventions to enhance retention and positive outcomes. This included a special focus on developing self-advocacy skills.
  • Provided direct leadership and mentorship to professional staff and student leaders, fostering their development in managing complex student issues and building effective peer-support networks.

Coordinator, Veteran & Military Services

Utah Tech University
03.2022 - 03.2023
  • Provide comprehensive advocacy and support for a diverse student cohort, employing a wide variety of resources to address complex academic, financial, and personal challenges.
  • Build and sustain collaborative partnerships with key university stakeholders to develop and implement campus-wide programs that enhance the student experience.
  • Direct complex student financial and administrative processes. Ensure institutional compliance with federal regulations and act as a primary liaison with external government agencies.
  • Lead and oversee a key student services center, ensuring seamless daily operations and serving as a central point of leadership for a specific student population.

Educational Talent Search Advisor

Dixie State University
01.2017 - 01.2022
  • Oversaw the strategic design and delivery of a comprehensive student outreach and development program, impacting hundreds of students annually and improving college access.
  • Implemented a data-driven early intervention system to monitor student engagement and academic indicators, proactively deploying support services to boost student retention and success.
  • Directed large-scale student life programming, strategically aligning campus experiences to enhance the overall student experience.
  • Cultivated and maintained robust, cross-functional relationships with key stakeholders, including admissions and enrollment management, to optimize the student pipeline and communication strategy.

Readiness NCO / Training NCO / Recruiter

Utah Army National Guard
04.1996 - 04.2017
  • Enforces military standards and regulations, and advises command on soldier issues and conduct.
  • Provides coaching, mentoring, and counseling to support soldiers in areas like character development, academics, and physical and mental health.
  • Acts as the commander's spokesperson for day-to-day operations, interfaces with other military units and outside agencies.
  • Manages Army programs supporting soldiers and their families.

Mail and Freight Supervisor

Dixie College
03.1991 - 06.1996
  • Strategically managed an annual operational budget, implemented data-driven insights to forecast resource needs, optimize expenditures, and ensure fiscal responsibility.
  • Led comprehensive operational oversight of critical campus services, streamlining processes to enhance efficiency and improve user experience for a diverse campus population.
  • Build and maintain strategic cross-functional partnerships with internal departments and external vendors to address shared challenges and improve institutional effectiveness.

Education

Master of Arts - Psychology

Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL
06.2019

Associate of Science - General Studies

Dixie College
St. George, UT
06.1995

Skills

  • Responds to and manages campus emergencies and crises involving Veteran students, such as mental health issues or behavioral concerns Proficient at effectively dealing with emotionally-charged situations and disruptive behaviors
  • Maintains student records, including disciplinary issues, and monitors student progress Guides and counsels' students on academic progress, personal growth, and career goals Maintains a system of follow-up for students utilizing referred resources Helps students navigate the university environment to ensure individual success
  • Acts as a liaison between students, faculty, staff, and community stakeholders Advocates for students with both on and off-campus entities for resources related to their needs and concerns, including homelessness and food insecurity
  • Initiated, coordinated, and lead special project partnerships with both on and off-campus agencies to develop programs and procedures that promote student success and well being
  • As the Commander's Senior Enlisted Advisor I oversaw, upheld and enforced disciplinary procedures and Army standards; including military bearing, code of conduct infractions, unit policy, and military regulations
  • When appropriate, collaborating with outside mental health providers to assist students in accessing appropriate behavioral health resources

Affiliations

  • Rotary International - St. George Sunrise Rotary Club
  • Veterans Coalition of Southern Utah
  • Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association

Accomplishments

Leadership Dixie Graduate May 2025


Trailblazer Leadership Graduate June 2024

Certification

  • Department of Defense Sexual Assault Advocate
  • Sexual Harassment / Assault Response and Prevention (US Army)
  • Small Group Instructor (US Army)


Awards

  • Bronze Star Recipient for exemplary conduct and service in a combat environment
  • Utah Tech University Student Affairs Employee of the Semester for Fall of 2024

Timeline

Director, Veteran & Military Services

Utah Tech University
03.2023 - Current

Coordinator, Veteran & Military Services

Utah Tech University
03.2022 - 03.2023

Educational Talent Search Advisor

Dixie State University
01.2017 - 01.2022

Readiness NCO / Training NCO / Recruiter

Utah Army National Guard
04.1996 - 04.2017

Mail and Freight Supervisor

Dixie College
03.1991 - 06.1996

Master of Arts - Psychology

Columbia Southern University

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

Columbia Southern University

Associate of Science - General Studies

Dixie College

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