Kisha Thomas
Hixson,TN
Summary
Experienced higher education leader with a proven track record in strategic enrollment management, student recruitment, and academic success initiatives. Skilled in fostering partnerships with K-12 schools, community organizations, and post-secondary institutions to promote college readiness and student transitions. Expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion, staff development, and program improvement. Adept at leading cross-functional teams, managing budgets, and implementing data-driven processes to enhance student outcomes and institutional goals. Recognized for excellence in leadership and community engagement.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Adjunct Faculty Professor
Chattanooga State Community College
Chattanooga, TN
08.2012 - Current
- Incorporated diverse instructional techniques to accommodate various learning styles within the classroom setting.
- Established positive relationships with students, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
- Advised and mentored students on academic progress, career goals, and personal development.
- Managed course materials through an online learning management system for easy accessibility by students and colleagues alike.
- Enhanced student comprehension by creating interactive lectures and incorporating multimedia resources.
Director, Recruiting & Orientation
Chattanooga State Community College
Chattanooga, TN
07.2008 - Current
- Set the strategic vision and led initiatives that enhanced student academic outcomes by aligning recruitment and orientation efforts with institutional goals, ensuring seamless integration with broader college and career preparation programs.
- Collaborated with senior leadership to create enrollment strategies that supported equitable and inclusive student success, fostering partnerships with local school districts, state agencies, and community organizations to improve college readiness and access.
- Developed and led a district-wide recruitment strategy that prioritized diversity and inclusivity, resulting in increased student engagement and enrollment, aligning efforts with Chattanooga State’s strategic objectives.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
- Ensured continuous improvement of recruitment and orientation programs through data-driven evaluation and iterative process refinements, using best practices to enhance student experiences and outcomes.
- Implemented innovative solutions to solve complex problems, resulting in increased productivity and streamlined operations. Spearheaded the implementation of new student orientation, integrating both online and in-person modalities to support a comprehensive student transition experience, in alignment with the strategic plan of the Tennessee Board of Regents.
Director of Enrollment Services
Chattanooga State Community College
Chattanooga, TN
11.2008 - 06.2015
- Led the development and operation of a one-stop Enrollment Services Center, integrating admissions, records, and financial aid services to streamline processes and improve student experiences.
- Managed communication workflows and conflict resolution processes between students, parents, faculty, and staff, fostering a customer-center environment while maintaining strong operational efficiency.
- Provided strategic leadership for multiple enrollment service departments, overseeing budget management, staff development, and process improvements to meet organizational goals.
- Administered the fiscal operations of the center, ensuring alignment with the college’s annual improvement plans and strategic priorities.
- Managed budgets related to enrollment efforts, maximizing resources available for optimal impact in attracting quality candidates.
- Implemented innovative solutions to improve the overall enrollment experience for both degree and technical applicants.
- Evaluated admission policies annually to maintain alignment with institutional goals while remaining compliant with all applicable regulations.
- Developed and maintained a comprehensive database of prospective students, enhancing recruitment strategies.
- Increased enrollment rates by implementing targeted marketing campaigns and outreach efforts.
- Utilized social media platforms effectively for promoting education programs which resulted in increased inquiries from potential applicants.
State Manager, Outreach & Admissions
US Department of Labor Job Corps
Chattanooga, TN
11.2000 - 06.2008
- Led statewide operations for Job Corps educational and technical training services across eight offices, focusing on building strong community partnerships and enhancing the provision of workforce services.
- Collaborated with stakeholders, including school systems and community-based organizations, to support the integration of workforce development services with educational outcomes, improving access for underserved populations.
- Managed and evaluated performance for a team of 15 employees, ensuring adherence to regional and government policies and fostering professional development.
- Increased customer satisfaction levels by implementing targeted service improvement programs.
- Managed a team of outreach & admissions counselors, providing guidance and support for their professional growth.
- Provided ongoing training and development opportunities for staff members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.
Education
Ed.D - Educational Leadership & Management
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN02.2021
Master of Science - Higher Education & Administration
Jones International University
Centennial, CO01.2011
Bachelor of Science - Sociology
University of West Georgia
Carrollton, GA08.2000
Skills
Strategic Planning
Operations Management
Verbal and written communication
Innovative pedagogy
Online Teaching
Course Planning
People Management
Project Management
Accomplishments
- Increased student enrollment by 20% over three years through strategic recruitment initiatives and partnerships with K-12 school districts and community organizations.
- Led the successful development and launch of a one-stop Enrollment Services Center, streamlining admissions, records, and financial aid processes, resulting in a 30% improvement in student service efficiency.
- Spearheaded the creation of an inclusive new student orientation program, improving student satisfaction scores by 25% and enhancing first-year retention rates by 15%.
- Collaborated on a $2.5 million Bill & Melinda Gates grant project to improve post-secondary transitions, boosting persistence and retention by 10% for underserved student populations.
Affiliations
- GIRLS INC. UNBOUGHT & UNBOSSED AWARD- 2018
- TENNESSEE BOARD OF REGENTS MAXINE SMITH FELLOWSHIP
- SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY INC.
- TRAINED TO GO YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION BOARD MEMBER
- ROYAL EVENTS & MEMORIES- OWNER
Timeline
Adjunct Faculty Professor
Chattanooga State Community College
08.2012 - Current
Director of Enrollment Services
Chattanooga State Community College
11.2008 - 06.2015
Director, Recruiting & Orientation
Chattanooga State Community College
07.2008 - Current
State Manager, Outreach & Admissions
US Department of Labor Job Corps
11.2000 - 06.2008
Ed.D - Educational Leadership & Management
Capella University
Master of Science - Higher Education & Administration
Jones International University
Bachelor of Science - Sociology
University of West Georgia
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