KENYATTA AUSTIN
Newark,DE
Summary
Dynamic and motivated professional with a proven record of generating and building relationships, planning and managing projects from concept to completion, and executing strategic plans. First-rate leadership, team building and organizational skills. Skilled in making critical decisions, demonstrating exceptional communication skills, and developing opportunities that further establish organizational goals. A strong leader with the ability to work independently, adhere to constructive criticism, and takes initiative to go above and beyond the call of duty.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Seminar Counselor
KIPP Dubois Collegiate Academy
08.2023 - Current
- Advise and coach 105 students on postsecondary program planning through classroom instruction and one-on-one advising sessions, emphasizing strong and strategic program matches
- Facilitate family engagement workshops on college admissions, financial aid, and career exploration
- Conduct graduation eligibility audits and supported students with course Advising process to ensure compliance with graduation requirements
- Provided training to grade teachers and advisors on supporting students college application process, including writing recommendation letters
- Collaborate effectively with KIPP Forward regional staff, maintaining consistent communication flow with key stakeholders
- Support KIPP juniors and seniors through lesson planning, execution, and classroom management
- Participate in weekly one-on-one check-ins with Director of Post-Secondary Opportunities
- Utilize various student management platforms to track, monitor progress, and submit student data
- Progress monitor KIPP Forward post-secondary access goals, ensuring completion of student and family one-on-ones, applications, FAFSA, and career integration work with KIPP Forward staff to ensure proper documentation in Alumni Database (Salesforce)
- Maintain active grade book, ensuring students were on track for all deliverables associated with Seminar classes
- Oversee comprehensive college/career transition program, addressing academic, social, and emotional needs of high school juniors/seniors.
- Developed individualized counseling plans for students to incorporate short-term and long-term goals.
- Acted as student's advocate to coordinate required services or resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
- Communicated closely with other counselors to devise programs and activities based on developmental and academic levels
Post-Secondary Advisor
Baltimore City Public School District
03.2022 - 08.2023
- Lead and coordinated college and career planning for 500 students through collaboration with school counselors and career advisors to ensure appropriate plans are developed for students
- Provides support to principal, school counselor, and other staff in developing and evaluating implementation of school-based post-secondary programs and services
- Provides support for principal in creating and implementing college and career pathways based on local work force needs and current practices in college application processes
- Works collaboratively with schools, community partners, and colleges to establish college-going culture and to ensure that college-bound students have opportunities and preparation necessary to attend college
- Works with Communications and Family and Community Engagement Office to communicate accessibility to college, career, military, and financial aid information through reference materials and computer-based information systems
- Works with university partners and Office of Teaching and Learning to support students' accelerated opportunities
- Works closely with Office of Teaching and Learning and Office of Career Readiness to understand and support standards for college and career readiness
- Serves as school's Naviance administrator, including keeping up to date information
- Performs and promotes all activities in compliance with equal employment and non-discrimination policies; follows federal laws, state laws, school board policies and professional standards.
Senior Admissions Counselor
Lincoln University
02.2020 - 03.2022
- Acted as liaison with various constituencies including students, parents, high school and two-year school officials, faculty, academic departments and colleges, athletics, and alumni
- Managed Program Specialist by providing training for procedures and policies in office and in Ellucian recruit
- Implemented application updates and provided guidance on best practices for application implementation
- Represented University both on and off campus to prospective students, parents, secondary school counselors, and other individuals or organizations involved in college selection process
- Planned and implemented recruitment activities for assigned high schools and transfer students
- Conducted one to one and group counseling sessions for prospective applicants both in-person and virtually through email and phone calls.
- Assessed student interests and skills and provided strategic information about pursuing suitable courses.
- Developed and implemented specific recruitment projects and completed routine reports pertaining to recruitment.
- Reviewed over 500 admissions applications and evaluated student credentials.
- Used standardized assessments to evaluate abilities, interests and characteristics of different students.
- Provided resources to support students in achieving career goals.
3rd Grade Teacher
Mastery Charter School
02.2018 - 02.2020
- Developed and implement rigorous and appropriate lesson plans, assignments, and assessments for over 90 students
- Analyzed student assessment data to measure progress and use data to improve instruction
- Collaborated in grade level teams to discuss student work, share best practices, plan events for joy and humor, and ensure student mastery of standards
- Continuous interactions with families in their children's education by building relationships and maintaining regular communication
- Demonstrated genuine interest, belief, and care for students' personal and academic success
- Participated in on-going professional development in spirit of continuous improvement.
Campus Experience/ Recruitment Coordinator
Lincoln University
08.2016 - 02.2018
- Managed and Monitored tour and campus experience for prospective students and campus visits
- Managed and Monitored special event experiences for over 1,000 prospective students and campus visitors
- Provided report analytics on visits, applications, accepted and enrollment yields
- Developed campus experience policy and procedure manual
- Oversaw planning and execution of large-scale recruitment events, including Open House, Feel the Roar, STAR Days.
- Devised recruiting strategies and implemented through marketing campaigns, grassroots advertising initiatives, and innovative presentations.
- Created and delivered HR training sessions to staff, managers and executives.
Admissions Counselor
Lincoln University
03.2015 - 08.2016
- Represented University both on and off campus to prospective students, parents, secondary school counselors, and other individuals or organizations involved in college selection process
- Planned and implemented recruitment activities for assigned high schools and territories including, California, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware and Washington D.C
- Conducted one to one and group counseling sessions for prospective applicants both in-person and virtually through email and phone calls
- Assisted with large on-campus events and programs; schedule and facilitate personal tours for students.
Supports Coordinator
Empowering People in the Community
04.2014 - 03.2015
- Identified and located services for children and adults with intellectual disabilities
- Coordinated services through a team approach based on recipient's choice and needs
- Monitored service delivery to ensure satisfaction and positive outcomes for over 30 individuals
- Advocated for equitable treatment and inclusion of individuals and families
- Ensured health and safety of individual being supported.
Applied Behavioral Analysis Counselor
Melmark
09.2011 - 04.2014
- Provided educational instruction to assigned individuals in a structured classroom environment designed to promote intellectual, emotional and social growth
- Assisted in implementing individualized programs that are appropriate to the ages and populations served, specifically children and adolescents (ages 7-21) who suffer from intellectual and developmental issues
- Served as a case manager to keep record of individual educational and clinical data
- Evaluated student progress and program efficacy to maintain continuous improvement; provide program evaluation reports to leadership team on bi-weekly basis.
Education
Master of Science - Education
Wilmington University
Wilmington, DE12.2016
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Lincoln University in The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Lincoln University, PA05.2011
Skills
- MS Office [Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook]
- Ellucian Recruiter
- Program Planning
- Classroom Management
- Curriculum Planning
- Staff Training
- Program Optimization
- Course design
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Organizational Development
- Training facilitation
- New Employee Training
- Customer Service
- Program Implementation
- Keynote Speaking
- Team building
Volunteer Experience
- Gateway Lab Charter School, Board of Director, 03/2017, 08/2019, Vice President
- Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority Inc., Member, 11/2010, Present
Timeline
Senior Seminar Counselor
KIPP Dubois Collegiate Academy
08.2023 - Current
Post-Secondary Advisor
Baltimore City Public School District
03.2022 - 08.2023
Senior Admissions Counselor
Lincoln University
02.2020 - 03.2022
3rd Grade Teacher
Mastery Charter School
02.2018 - 02.2020
Campus Experience/ Recruitment Coordinator
Lincoln University
08.2016 - 02.2018
Admissions Counselor
Lincoln University
03.2015 - 08.2016
Supports Coordinator
Empowering People in the Community
04.2014 - 03.2015
Applied Behavioral Analysis Counselor
Melmark
09.2011 - 04.2014
Master of Science - Education
Wilmington University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Lincoln University in The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
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