Hi, I’m
Laura Ramos
Olean
Summary
Accomplished Executive Director recognized for leveraging strong team leadership while providing consistent and organized administrative stability. Proven track record with leading teams in customer service, innovative practices and project management. Knowledgeable and comfortable in broaching difficult client or staff situations which may need case management, coaching, conflict management, individualized planning, or quick-thinking collaborative meetings to result in beneficial resolve. Adept at using counseling techniques & competency with interpersonal skills to interact with diverse individuals and groups at all organization levels and audiences whether traditional aged college students, parents or higher education professionals and college deans. Accomplished Executive Director recognized for leveraging strong team leadership and development to drive forward progress. Collaborative with relentless work ethic. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude.
Overview
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Regent UniversityVirginia Beach, VA (Remote Position)
Executive Director of Student Support
06.2022 - 12.2023
Job overview
- Increased organizational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing new systems, including leading a successful LMS launch from Blackboard to Canvas in 2023.
- Developed strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to expand the organization''s reach and influence.
- Collaborated with a diverse team of professionals, fostering a collaborative work environment for increased productivity.
- Implemented innovative marketing email communication strategies to increase student access and retention, as well as drive revenue growth.
- Forge strong relationships with Executive Vice Presidents, Deans, Faculty and other departmental leaders, serving as the main point of contact for applicant or student related issues, while soliciting their expertise when needed.
- Contributed to resilient & informed staff teams by assisting with onboarding training for new hires, as well as leading continuing education training to increase staff knowledge and overall retention.
- Collaborated often with the Dean of Student Services, Title IX Coordinator and Office of Disability Services to find amiable resolutions for escalated student, staff and parent needs.
- Served as primary Point of Contact for all staff or student behavioral issues, escalations or complaints.
- Conducted Student Engagement Surveys and virtual town meetings to solicit feedback on their student experience with the goal of greater student retention and support, as well as making deliberate system updates for higher efficiency, enjoyment and simplification for students.
- Collaborated with legal, business office, financial aid and other professional teams to review and discuss student needs, policy updates and to maintain compliance with regulations.
- Served as Enrollment Management liaison for numerous accreditation meetings (SACSCOC, CACREP, APA, ABET, CCNE and others).
- Cultivated company-wide culture of innovation and collaboration.
- Oversaw business-wide changes to modernize procedures and organization.
Regent University
Executive Director of Enrollment Services
05.2020 - 06.2022
Job overview
- Supervise, manage & provide leadership to 150+ employees in Enrollment Management
- Serve as the leading role in the leadership of student facing enrollment teams & successful attainment of enrollment goals for the University
- Provide expert guidance and direction on student recruitment and retention strategy & tactics
- Provide leadership and oversight with best practices for lead conversion, application completion & necessary trainings to ensure retention and essential support for each student
- Maintain close collaboration with the Associate VP for EM, while playing critical role in liaising with the school deans, faculty and directors to gain program knowledge and develop strategies to serve prospective students and applicants at Regent
- Serve as liaison with Regent University legal counsel on conduct- related issues, dishonesty & fraudulent activities; serve as main POC within Enrollment Management on Admissions Rescind protocol
- Work in partnership with EM leadership on lead quality, volume and program details creating a positive and collaborative relationship with University Marketing
- Develop leaders & team of directors with intentional professional development, regular feedback, and projects which sharpen their skills for potential future opportunities
- Collaborate with Registrar’s Office on essential student related issues, forms & petitions as well as oversight of needed policy updates
- Oversee the Director of Academic Evaluation to coordinate timely and proper evaluation of applicants, ensuring appropriate procedures are followed for rendering admissions decisions
- Meet often with Financial Aid leadership team to assist with applicant and student retention & overall ability to access Financial Aid, Scholarships and Merit-based awards from Regent University.
- Increased organizational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing new systems.
- Guided staff through periods of organizational change, maintaining morale and engagement during transitions.
Regent University
Senior Director of Academic Evaluation
09.2018 - 05.2020
Job overview
- Provide key oversight in evaluation and review of quality enrollment outcomes for academic programs
- Oversee compliance of academic policies as they relate to advising special requests, retention & graduation for escalated student petitions.
- Coordinate the timely and proper evaluation of applicants, ensuring appropriate procedures are followed in the rendering of decisions.
- Ensure appropriate training and evaluation of the staff under their supervision.
- Supervise the Transcript Request team and Transfer Credit Evaluation team to provide the seamless attainment of necessary documents to determine admissions decisions and to increase transfer credit student matriculation.
- Work closely with the Registrar’s Office and Academic Affairs on policy simplification and improvements to academic policy and procedures.
- Serve as liason to Academic Affairs on grievance appeals and investigations therein.
Regent University Virginia Beach, VA
Director of Traditional Graduate Admissions
05.2016 - 09.2018
Job overview
- Increased company revenue by streamlining processes and implementing cost-saving measures.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Developed high-performing team of 10-15 Admissions team members by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Implemented innovative solutions to solve complex problems, resulting in increased productivity and streamlined operations.
- Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
- Increased staff retention by 25% resulting in greater knowledge, competency with sales and stronger applicant matriculation to enrolled students for all Regent University specialized graduate and doctoral programs.
Regent UniversityVirginia Beach, VA
Asst. Director of Traditional Graduate Admissions
06.2015 - 05.2016
Job overview
- Increased student engagement by incorporating real-life examples and hands-on activities in lesson plans.
- Assisted the Director in developing innovative programs to improve students'' academic performance and retention rate.
- Implemented data-driven strategies for continuous improvement of instruction and curriculum alignment.
- Streamlined communication between teachers, parents, and administrators to foster a collaborative learning environment.
- Planned and executed successful special events, such as college fairs, open houses, and prestigious on-campus PsyD and PhD CES interview weekends & collaboration events.
Regent University Virginia Beach, VA
Admissions Counselor / Recruiter
08.2013 - 06.2015
Job overview
- Enhanced applicant experience by providing personalized guidance and support throughout the admissions process.
- Collaborated with faculty and staff to develop targeted recruitment strategies for prospective students.
- Increased enrollment rates by organizing and participating in college fairs, open houses, and information sessions.
- Developed strong relationships with high schools and community organizations to promote the institution''s programs and offerings.
- Supported diversity initiatives by actively recruiting underrepresented student populations through targeted outreach efforts.
- Assisted with the launch of multiple new graduate level programs.
Tripp's RestaurantVirginia Beach, VA
Waitress
08.2012 - 07.2013
Job overview
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing attentive service and anticipating guest needs.
- Streamlined order processing for increased efficiency through clear communication with kitchen staff.
- Maintained a clean and organized dining area, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere for guests.
- Managed high volume of customers during peak hours, maintaining prompt and efficient service.
ACCORD Corporation
Respite Home Manager
06.2011 - 07.2012
Job overview
- Oversee 5-7 on-call staff members & schedule
- Meet with local case managers and CPS workers as needed
- Maintain budget and paperwork for NYS grant funded pregnancy program for teens
- Transport children – teenagers to home & to respite home in Emergency situations.
Advent Group Ministries
Boys’ Program Supervisor
11.2008 - 05.2011
Job overview
- Hiring and Managing Live-in Treatment Team (6 staff)
- Lead All-Staff trainings on Run & Suicide protocol & licensing Standards for California State requirements
- Served as interim Client Caseworker
- Provide Quality Assurance on timecards, monthly reports & Resident safety checklists
- Lead treatment team in programmatic decisions for clients.
Advent Group Ministries
Senior Counselor
05.2008 - 05.2009
Job overview
- Supervision of one residential home with 6 adolescents and 4 staff members
- Manage all behavioral issues and needed case referrals
- Facilitate hospitalizations for suicidality and issues, as needed
- Hold key role on case management team to create case plans
- Serve as main support for on-call emergencies at 3 different group homes.
Advent Group Ministries
Resident Counselor
08.2007 - 05.2008
Job overview
- Provide in home supervision, to 6 dual-diagnosed adolescents
- Administer psychotropic and topical medications to clients
- Maintain schedule for school, NA / AA meetings and sponsor visits
- Keep detailed SOAP notes for each client
- Part of Case Management team to discuss progress, behavioral issues or needed interventions or adjustments
- Interact & inform parents, social workers, psychologists, as needed.
Education
Regent University
Master of Arts from Community Counseling (Clinical Mental Health)
05.2015
Liberty University
Bachelor of Science from Human Resources / Counseling Concentration
01.2006
Skills
- Project & Operations Management
- Quality Control
- Business Development
- Strategic Planning & Innovation
Volunteer Experience
Coach: Soccer, Basketball & Baseball, California, Virginia, 2009, 2015, Help teach kids from ages 5-13 the skills and team work of competing each week
Timeline
Executive Director of Student Support
Regent University
06.2022 - 12.2023
Executive Director of Enrollment Services
Regent University
05.2020 - 06.2022
Senior Director of Academic Evaluation
Regent University
09.2018 - 05.2020
Director of Traditional Graduate Admissions
Regent University
05.2016 - 09.2018
Asst. Director of Traditional Graduate Admissions
Regent University
06.2015 - 05.2016
Admissions Counselor / Recruiter
Regent University
08.2013 - 06.2015
Waitress
Tripp's Restaurant
08.2012 - 07.2013
Respite Home Manager
ACCORD Corporation
06.2011 - 07.2012
Boys’ Program Supervisor
Advent Group Ministries
11.2008 - 05.2011
Senior Counselor
Advent Group Ministries
05.2008 - 05.2009
Resident Counselor
Advent Group Ministries
08.2007 - 05.2008
Regent University
Master of Arts from Community Counseling (Clinical Mental Health)
Liberty University
Bachelor of Science from Human Resources / Counseling Concentration