Kathryn Jensen

• Oversee the following Transitional Studies programs: Transitional Studies ( formerly ABE), GED, Spanish GED, ELA (English Language Acquisition), pre-college math and English, IBEST (Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training), High School + and High School Completion, Youth Re-engagement (Open Doors), IELP (Intensive English Language Programs for international students), Limited English Proficiency (LEP), as well as the BRIDGES Center (a resource center for non-native English speakers).
• Supervise and evaluate 9 full-time and 50 part-time faculty, five classified employees, and 3-5 part-time hourly and student staff.
• Create and monitor budgets for all programs. Write, manage, and monitor program grants, including BEdA Basic grant, IELCE, ORIA (LEP), and collaborate on grants such as Title III and Perkins. Manage operational program budgets.
• Guide and support program faculty in instructional design and curriculum development; provide leadership with effective teaching strategies for diverse student populations; create and facilitate professional development opportunities.
• Develop course scheduling and staffing in collaboration with the department chair and area faculty with a focus on serving adult learners and underrepresented populations.
• Provide updates to program faculty and staff regarding state mandated competencies, assessment, program plans, and record keeping.
• Build community partnerships and collaborate closely with community-based organizations and business partners.
• Participate on on-campus committees and initiatives, including tenure committees, Instructional Council (past chair), CARE team (student crisis intervention team), AI Taskforce (co-chair), Campus Council (past chair), Sabbatical committee, Exceptional Faculty Committee, and Deans Council. Member of the Council for Basic Skills (past chair, past committee chair), High School + Roundtable, and CASAS Cadre.

• Oversee and implement ABE/GED, ESL (English as a Second Language), and IBEST (Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training) programs.
• Write, manage, and monitor program grants, including ABE, EL Civics, Gates Grant for Developmental IBEST, E-Learning, Perkins innovations, and AmeriCorps Retention Project. Manage operational program budgets.
• Guide and support program faculty in instructional design and curriculum development; provide leadership with effective teaching strategies for diverse student populations; create and facilitate professional development opportunities.
• Develop course scheduling and staffing in collaboration with the department chair and area faculty.
• Provide updates to program faculty and staff regarding state mandated competencies, assessment, program plans, and record keeping.
• Supervise the classified Program Assistant, part-time hourly staff, AmeriCorps member, and 40 classroom volunteers.
• Build community partnerships and collaborate closely with community-based organizations and business partners.
• Taught IBEST Medical Assisting support class, Medical Ethics, and ESL Civics (multi-level).

Coordinated all non-credit business classes, including hiring and evaluating instructors, creating course descriptions, pricing courses, and scheduling courses for the target audience of small business owners and sole proprietors.

• Implemented Encore, a new initiative of courses and services targeted to Baby Boomers.
• Was responsible for all department scheduling and logistics, including instructor contracts, payroll and reimbursements, technology training and reservations, and other course support needs.
• Acted as the community liaison and promoting courses and programs at civic events.
• Created and executed the first Social Media Conference on the Whatcom campus.

• Oversaw the largest school-based mentor program in South Dakota, including four staff, 25 on-site coordinators, and 950 volunteers. Partnered with all elementary and middle schools in the Sioux Falls School District.
• Recruited mentors through local media and presentations to business and civic groups.
• Set, maintained, and reported on program budget.
• Monitored, reported on, and wrote renewal grant for Department of Education grant.

• Implemented IMPACT, a Department of Education mentoring grant initiative targeted to at-risk elementary and middle school students in Title I schools, to the largest school district in South Dakota.
• Recruited mentors to the program through local media outlets such as TV, radio, and direct mail.
• Designed all forms and promotional materials for the initiative.
• Planned, coordinated, and facilitated supervised field trips for mentors and students.

• Developed and taught courses in English linguistics, grammar, composition, and intercultural communication
• Created tests and evaluated student performance
• Acted as the liaison between Kangnung National University and University of Montana as part of the development of a sister college partnership.

• Developed, coordinated, and taught language and culture programs for foreign exchange students
• Created and taught Academic ESL curricula
• Supervised staff members and volunteers
• Managed program budgets
• Coordinated cultural excursions throughout Western Montana.
• Proctored ETS exams

• Acted as statewide communications coordinator for Montana America Reads, an Americorps
• VISTA program that creates reading tutoring programs in low-income Montana communities.
• Wrote e-newsletters, managed the listserv, and served on
• VISTA marketing committee.
• Compiled quarterly progress reports for Corporation for National Service grant and assisted in writing the grant for the 2001-2002 Montana America Reads program.
• Planned and facilitated trainings for America Reads
• VISTA members at regional conferences.