Laura Kathryn Neal

Strategic Leadership and Program Development:

• Set vision for College of Health Sciences, aligning curriculum with industry demands and diverse learner requirements through innovative design and external partnerships.
• Launched five innovative academic programs tailored to emerging market trends, ensuring graduates' relevance in the workforce.
• Directed development of interdisciplinary programs, fostering departmental collaboration and enhancing academic offerings focusing on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

Faculty and Staff Development:

• Recruited, hired, and trained academic deans, chairs, faculty and analytics staff, supporting them in the creation of new programs.
• Implemented faculty development strategies, recognizing outstanding achievements and promoting professional growth.

Student Engagement and Academic Excellence:

• Enhanced administrative efficiency, realigned curriculum development, reducing faculty workload and streamlining operations to support student learning and academic excellence.
• Led technology initiatives and innovative teaching strategies to improve curriculum quality and learning outcomes integrating artificial intelligence, DE&I, and simulation into curriculum.
• Coordinated with Teaching & Learning team to ensure seamless course delivery and address operational issues, enhancing student experiences.

Community and Industry Relations:

• Fostered strong relationships with alumni networks and established partnerships with industry leaders, facilitating practical experiences and career placement for graduates.
• Organized interdisciplinary events such as symposiums and guest lectures to showcase scholarly expertise and enhance community engagement and co-curricular activities for students.

Accreditation and Compliance:

• Managed institutional (HLC) and programmatic (CAHIIM) accreditation processes, maintaining compliance and advocating for continuous academic improvement.
• Oversaw assessment of student learning outcomes, ensuring educational objectives are met or exceeded.

Strategic Planning and Collaborative Initiatives:

• Collaborated with executive leadership to define and achieve the college’s curricular and programmatic vision, aligning with strategic and academic plans.
• Advised executive leadership on educational trends and industry developments to guide strategic decisions and adapt academic offerings.
• Engaged internal and external SMEs in curriculum development, incorporating third-party content for real-world education.

Diversity and Inclusion Efforts:

• Advanced diversity initiatives, promoting inclusive hiring practices and cultural competence among staff to support a dynamic learning environment.

Resource Management and Continuous Improvement:

• Advocated for departmental needs, securing resources for growth from upper-level administration.
• Enabled data-driven decision-making by utilizing assessment tools to continually refine curriculum and align with professional standards and needs.

Academic Leadership and Strategic Oversight:

• Oversaw and enhanced academic advising processes to streamline support services and improve student retention.
• Spearheaded successful accreditation processes for both institutional (HLC) program-specific (ACEN, CCNE, CAPTE) standards.
• Developed and implemented strategies to improve graduation rates while maintaining rigorous academic standards.
• Led technology initiatives, integrating advanced tools into classroom settings to enhance learning experiences and outcomes.

Faculty and Staff Development:

• Managed academic personnel, overseeing hiring, evaluations, promotions, and conflict resolution.
• Assisted in the development and execution of faculty development programs, promoting continuous professional growth.
• Supervised key academic and operational staff, including the registrar, program chairs, and student services personnel.

Student Engagement and Success:

• Partnered with faculty and staff to develop initiatives that recognize and foster student success.
• Engaged students through successful orientation programs and utilized data-driven assessments to enhance institutional effectiveness.
• Supported student success in achieving licensure through detailed analysis of retention rates and program standards.

Curriculum Development and Instructional Excellence:

• Collaborated with faculty to continuously improve course quality and instructional methods.
• Regularly updated and improved curriculum to align with high educational standards and industry needs.
• Introduced innovative teaching methods to elevate student academic performance.

Community and Institutional Collaboration:

• Fostered interdepartmental collaboration through the creation of interdisciplinary committees and programs.
• Cultivated a positive work and study environment, aligning with the university's P.R.I.C.E model.
• Promoted a positive and inclusive learning environment, enhancing diversity and inclusion among staff, faculty, and students.

Marketing and Enrollment Management:

• Boosted enrollment rates by implementing targeted marketing strategies and collaborating with admissions teams.
• Championed the integration of technology into marketing and recruitment efforts, enriching outreach and engagement.

Regulatory Compliance and Resource Management:

• Ensured compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations in higher education.
• Managed the hiring, development, and performance of staff, aligning budgetary goals with instructional costs and student retention.
• Led campus academic operations, ensuring alignment with university, accreditation, and regulatory standards.

Continuous Improvement and Strategic Planning:

• Engaged in ongoing development and maintenance of campus effectiveness plans through performance analysis.
• Ensured the quality and effectiveness of academic initiatives through collaboration with System Division Chairs and the Office of the Provost.

Academic and Administrative Leadership:

• Enhanced administrative efficiency by streamlining course scheduling, student advising, and budget management.
• Managed daily operations of Allied Health programs across multiple campuses, overseeing a range of disciplines.
• Administered complex budgets, aligning fiscal decisions with institutional priorities.
• Represented departmental interests and strategic objectives on various university committees, including strategic planning committees and professional community groups.

Faculty Development and Performance:

• Boosted faculty performance through regular evaluations, professional development opportunities, and constructive feedback.
• Orchestrated faculty professional development sessions to enhance pedagogical skills and stay current with higher education trends.
• Coordinated with division chairs on faculty development, scheduling, curriculum development, accreditation, and staffing.
• Oversaw the hiring, supervision, and evaluation of full-time and adjunct faculty within the School of Health.

Curriculum and Program Development:

• Supported the creation and launch of new academic programs, guiding faculty and staff.
• Elevated academic program quality by introducing innovative curricula and teaching strategies.
• Drove improvements in curriculum quality and learning outcomes.
• Facilitated interdisciplinary collaboration to design courses integrating diverse academic perspectives.

Student Engagement and Success:

• Fostered student engagement through effective orientation programs and support for student clubs.
• Partnered with community organizations to provide internships and experiential learning opportunities, improving job placement rates for graduates.
• Addressed student grievances and academic integrity issues, promoting a transparent organizational culture with clear communication across faculty and staff.

Technology Integration and Data-Driven Strategies:

• Utilized technology to enhance instruction, increase student engagement, and support data-informed decision-making.
• Led technology enhancements to bolster academic performance and excellence.

Diversity and Community Relations:

• Developed initiatives focused on diversity and inclusion to enhance departmental culture.
• Engaged with peers and external bodies to propel school and college strategic priorities.
• Forged partnerships with local businesses and community organizations to enrich the educational experience and community integration.

Accreditation and Compliance:

• Managed accreditation processes, ensuring adherence to standards and continual improvement.
• Worked closely with the Dean of the School of Health on capital budgeting, new program initiatives, and nursing strategies.

Academic Administration and Leadership:

• Maintain a yearly teaching schedule of 36 hours, incorporating both instructional and administrative duties, coordinated with the Dean and Vice President.
• Supervise Healthcare programs, managing updates, curriculum revisions, and the introduction of new courses.
• Manage course scheduling and assign teaching responsibilities for both undergraduate and graduate Healthcare programs.
• Oversee partnerships, internship opportunities, and program expansion efforts across different campus locations.
• Collaborate with LETU's Enrollment and Marketing teams to implement recruitment and retention strategies aligned with the Strategic Enrollment Plan.
• Work closely with Healthcare academic advisors and the Provost’s office to ensure accurate course rotations and sequencing for effective degree mapping.

Faculty Development and Evaluation:

• Conduct annual evaluations of faculty and adjuncts involved in Healthcare programs.
• Mentor new adjunct faculty across various departments, facilitating their integration and development.

Student Engagement and Support:

• Engage with LETU constituencies to promote Healthcare programs and foster corporate partnerships.
• Serve on the Student Retention Committee and handle student communications, addressing academic concerns and catalog updates.
• Facilitate life groups on diverse topics and act as faculty advisor for polytechnic senior design projects within the School of Engineering.

Research and Academic Compliance:

• Gather and report data on institutional effectiveness for Healthcare programs, ensuring compliance with SACSCOC accreditation requirements.
• Judge the Student Research Symposium, contributing to the promotion of student research and academic excellence.

Committee Participation and Community Involvement:

• Participate in the Teaching Faculty Organization Executive Committee and the Interpersonal Affairs Committee.
• Manage the submission of textbooks and contribute to continuous improvements in the Healthcare academic programs.

Program Development and Leadership:

• Initiated new academic programs aligned with emerging industry trends to ensure graduates' skills meet market demands.
• Elevated program visibility and rankings with strategic marketing efforts, highlighting departmental strengths.
• Championed the creation of interdisciplinary programs to enhance collaboration across departments and enrich the academic environment.
• Led technology integration initiatives to support student learning and academic excellence.

Faculty Management and Development:

• Collaborated with the Provost on effective online faculty retention strategies.
• Provided instructional leadership across medical specialties, pharmacy technician, and healthcare administration programs.
• Conducted quarterly course audits for compliance with University, ACCSC, and DOE guidelines.
• Oversaw the assignment of over 50 faculty members to courses each month, ensuring policy compliance.
• Delivered ongoing professional development and conducted monthly performance analyses to enhance faculty and curriculum based on course completion rates and student satisfaction.
• Recruited and oriented new associate deans, faculty program advisors, full-time, and adjunct faculty, incorporating coaching and hands-on teaching experiences.

Student Engagement and Success:

• Implemented successful orientation programs that engaged students from the outset, fostering a supportive learning community.
• Resolved student conflicts and counseled students on both academic and non-academic matters, focusing on graduation and employment outcomes.
• Developed strategies with student advisors and career services to improve graduation rates and employment placement, surpassing ACCSC and DOE benchmarks.

Compliance and Strategic Oversight:

• Enforced and updated University, ACCSC, and DOE policies across programs.
• Contributed to the continual assessment and enhancement of course and program quality.
• Assisted in curricular refinement efforts in collaboration with the Lead Associate Dean, Associate Dean of Curriculum, and faculty.

Committee and Community Involvement:

• Served as chair of the Allied Health PAC and IndependenceMedEd Simulation committees.
• Acted as a member and scribe for the Academic Council, ensuring thorough documentation and communication of council activities.

Faculty Management and Development:

• Collaborated with the Dean to implement and refine best practices for retaining online faculty.
• Led the recruitment and hiring of associate deans, faculty program advisors, full-time faculty, and adjunct faculty.
• Designed and executed a comprehensive orientation and onboarding program for new faculty, incorporating coaching, shadowing, and solo teaching activities.
• Managed the assignment of over 50 faculty members to courses, ensuring adherence to policies and procedures, with an average of 90 assignments per month.
• Made decisions on faculty retention, dismissal, or probationary status according to established policies.
• Facilitated ongoing professional development and conducted monthly reviews of course completion rates and student satisfaction to maintain academic rigor and meet accreditation standards.

Academic Leadership and Oversight:

• Provided instructional leadership across nursing, medical specialties, healthcare informatics, and healthcare administration programs at both bachelor's and master's levels.
• Assisted in the continual assessment and development of courses and programs.
• Contributed to the creation of a rigorous and relevant curriculum in collaboration with the Dean, Associate Dean of Curriculum, and faculty.

Compliance and Policy Implementation:

• Conducted monthly audits of all courses to ensure compliance with University, ACCSC, and DOE guidelines.
• Implemented and updated policies across all programs, ensuring alignment with regulatory standards.
• Served as a member of the Faculty Committee on Academic Policy and Procedure, reviewing policy documents for accuracy and compliance.

Student Engagement and Success:

• Advised faculty on resolving student issues related to schedules, financial aid, transcripts, and technology.
• Resolved student conflicts, providing exceptional customer service to support successful program completion.
• Regularly counseled students on both academic and non-academic matters.
• Collaborated with student advisors and career services to develop strategies that improved graduation rates and employment outcomes, exceeding ACCSC and DOE standards.

Research and Academic Evaluation:

• Acted as a second reader for the Master of Public Health, Master of Science in Healthcare Informatics, and Master of Science in Healthcare Administration programs, ensuring scholarly rigor and compliance with academic standards.

Teaching and Instructional Duties:

• Instruct courses at both bachelor's and master's levels within the School of Healthcare - Health Sciences, teaching 1-3 classes per module with each module lasting 4 weeks.
• Utilize Zoom and an Online Learning System for course delivery in an online format.

Student Engagement and Success:

• Evaluate and enhance instructional delivery methods to improve student retention and performance, developing strategies to boost the Successful Satisfied Student (SSS) program.
• Collaborate with the Dean to devise best practices and strategies for improving student retention across the program.
• Partner with student advisors and career services to develop strategies that increase graduation rates and employment placements, exceeding ACCSC and ACICS standards.
• Address and resolve student conflicts, providing exceptional customer service to ensure successful program outcomes.
• Regularly counsel students on both academic and non-academic issues, managing a student population of up to 175 and maintaining weekly reports on student progress and challenges.

Thesis Supervision and Compliance:

• Serve as the Thesis Chair for the Master of Public Health, guiding students through the thesis writing process following a 144-hour practicum in their discipline.
• Oversee the review, editing, and approval of master’s theses, ensuring compliance with IRB, NIH protocols, accreditation standards, and school policies.