Keeouka Knighton
Nashville,USA
Summary
Results-driven education leader with over a decade of experience in program management, volunteer coordination, and strategic engagement. Led initiatives at Vanderbilt University resulting in over $200M in alumni giving through targeted outreach and cross-functional collaboration. Dual master’s degrees in Adult Education and Organizational Leadership, with expertise in strategic planning, operational efficiency, and stakeholder communication. Proven track record of leading high-performing teams, ensuring program compliance, and delivering measurable impact in complex educational environments.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Director
Vanderbilt University
09.2023 - Current
- Oversee the recruitment and management of volunteers for Vanderbilt’s undergraduate class-based programs.
- Recruit, train, cultivate, and steward volunteers for peer-to-peer outreach to boost engagement and fundraising for over 4,500 alumni and family members.
- Lead volunteer recruitment for assigned classes for reunion opportunities.
- Manage day-to-day volunteer activities to facilitate peer-to-peer outreach, enhancing involvement and soliciting gifts totaling more than $200M.
- Provide budgetary oversight to team and partners while training those responsible on financial processes.
- Collaborate with Development Officers to identify and recruit volunteers and solicit them as needed to ensure 100% participation in annual giving efforts.
- Manage one Assistant Director and one Program Coordinator.
- Enhance data reporting, planning, and marketing efforts of Reunion and Homecoming initiatives.
- Serve as liaison to Professional School partners to coordinate Reunion experiences for all alumni.
Program Manager
Vanderbilt University
07.2022 - 09.2023
- Maintain extensive knowledge of institutional and departmental purchasing policies, with comprehensive expertise in Oracle Procurement.
- Develop and nurture positive, collaborative relationships with vendors and campus partners.
- Train, advise, and serve as a consultant to Residential Experience paraprofessional staff on programmatic initiatives.
- Oversee front desk operations for two 24-hour desks and four desks staffed 8 hours Monday-Friday.
- Design and implement employee recognition programs for Front Desk staff.
Executive Administrator
Vanderbilt University
08.2020 - 07.2022
- Provide comprehensive administrative support to the Associate Vice Chancellor of Marketing and Communications.
- Process and execute contracts exceeding $25,000.
- Communicate and collaborate effectively with a diverse range of audiences, including faculty and students.
Education Program Coordinator
Augusta University, Medical College of Georgia
04.2017 - 07.2022
- Coordinate all facets of curriculum for 371 first and second-year medical students.
- Manage five concurrent undergraduate school medical courses.
- Plan and execute standardized patient encounters for medical students.
Education Program Coordinator
Texas A&M Health Science Center
02.2013 - 04.2017
- Assist with planning and organization of all course aspects, coordinating with departments and administration.
- Facilitate and organize course meetings and exams.
- Achieve 100% compliance with institutional and program requirements.
Education
Doctor of Education - Leadership and Innovation
Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, Indiana04.2027
Master of Education - Adult Education Development
Strayer University
Augusta, GA09.2020
Master of Science in Management - Organizational Leadership
Strayer University
Augusta, GA10.2018
Skills
- Program Compliance
- Educational program development
- Academic Liaison
- Training and Development
- Organizational Skills
- MS Office Suite
- Canva
- Blackboard
- Salesforce
- Zoom
- Project management
- Strategic leadership
Timeline
Associate Director
Vanderbilt University
09.2023 - Current
Program Manager
Vanderbilt University
07.2022 - 09.2023
Executive Administrator
Vanderbilt University
08.2020 - 07.2022
Education Program Coordinator
Augusta University, Medical College of Georgia
04.2017 - 07.2022
Education Program Coordinator
Texas A&M Health Science Center
02.2013 - 04.2017
Master of Education - Adult Education Development
Strayer University
Master of Science in Management - Organizational Leadership
Strayer University
Doctor of Education - Leadership and Innovation
Purdue University Global
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