Lawrence R. Daniel

Dynamic and results-oriented higher education leader with over 20 years of experience in driving innovation, operational excellence, and student-centered services within large, complex university environments. Expertise includes student affairs, strategic planning, information technology, marketing and communications, leadership development, budget oversight, and cross-divisional collaboration. Recognized change agent dedicated to fostering inclusive, engaging, and outcomes-driven environments that promote student success and retention. Skilled at building collaborative teams, managing multimillion-dollar portfolios, and launching high-impact programs that align with institutional priorities and support student development.

• Streamlined IT Service Requests:
  Led the development and implementation of user-friendly request portals for desktop support, website maintenance, and computer inventory management—improving service delivery and internal response times across the Division.
• Enhanced Security and Compliance Across Divisional Units:
  Collaborated with technical staff to document and resolve complex server vulnerabilities and IT security concerns, supporting over 25 departments across Student Affairs and Enrollment Services and ensuring compliance with institutional and state-level security standards.
• Secured Enterprise-Level Server Support:
  As part of a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with University IT, successfully negotiated and secured 24/7/365 monitoring and support for 26 departmental servers—enhancing system uptime, security, and reliability across the Division.
• Introduced Division-Wide Computer Replacement Plan:
  Implemented a 4-year staff computer replacement cycle for all DSA departments to improve operational efficiency, ensure equitable technology access, and maintain consistency in performance and system compatibility across the division.
• Leadership of High-Performing Team:
  Supervised and developed a diverse team of 14 professional and student staff, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and high-quality customer service.
• Improved Inventory Management:
  Designed and maintained dynamic inventory tracking tools using Microsoft Excel, increasing equipment oversight accuracy and informing strategic planning for technology refresh cycles.
• Career Launchpad for Media Professionals:
  Developed a robust experiential learning environment that has prepared students for careers at top-tier organizations such as ESPN, The Washington Post, and major oil & gas companies, as well as professional and collegiate sports franchises.
• Alumni Success Stories: Former student leaders and contributors from The Cougar, CoogTV, Coog Radio, and Cooglife have gone on to secure competitive roles in journalism, broadcasting, corporate media, marketing, and sports management.
• Revenue Growth Amid Financial Challenges:
  Balanced previous advertising deficits by revitalizing CSM's revenue model, implementing cost-saving measures, and diversifying income streams through strategic partnerships.
• Advertising Innovation through MediaMate, Inc.:
  Partnered with MediaMate to increase advertising revenue and streamline client relations, resulting in consistent revenue growth and a more professionalized approach to campus media sales.
• Internship Development & Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration:
  Created structured internships in social media, marketing, and assessment that offered hands-on, transferable skills and created cross-campus collaborations.
• Expanded Academic Partnerships:
  Strengthened institutional relationships with the Valenti School of Communication and the C. T. Bauer College of Business, leading to greater student involvement, co-curricular learning, and talent pipelines into CSM operations.
• Enhanced Student Involvement & Inclusion:
  Broadened CSM's reach beyond traditional student organization participation, creating diverse pathways for involvement that attract students from across disciplines and career interests.
• Strategic Program & Leadership Development:
  Implemented leadership development frameworks and professional standards within student media organizations to align with industry best practices and increase student readiness for post-graduate opportunities.

PROFESSIONAL & CAMPUS COMMITTEE INVOLVEMENT

• 2013 - ACUI Region 12 Leadership Team - Volunteer Coordinator
• 2013- 2022 - Co-Chair, UH Weeks of Welcome Planning Committee
• 2012 – 2018 - Chair, The Cat’s Back Planning Committee – University of Houston
• 2012 ACUI Region 12 Regional Conference Planning Team - Conference Chair - Texas A&M University - Commerce
• 2011 -2013- Chair, Division of Student Affairs Marketing Communications Committee
• 2011-2015 – Member, UC Project Development Committee
• 2011 ACUI Region 12 Regional Conference Planning Team - Chair, Graphic Design Competition – University of Texas - El Paso
• 2010 - ACUI Region 12 Regional Conference Planning Team – Chair, Silent Auction – University of Texas - San Antonio
• 2009 – 2018 - Chair, Cougar Resource Fair Committee
• 2009 – 2014 - Chair, University Centers Events Committee

PROFESSIONAL AWARDS

• 2017 – Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. - Xi Eta Lambda Chapter Brother of the Year
• 2016 – Division of Student Affairs & Enrollment Services – “Department- Tier One Customer Service Award” – University of Houston – DSAES IT Services
• 2012 – Division of Student Affairs – “Outstanding Professional Award of Excellence” – University of Houston
• 2012 - Division of Student Affairs - “3C Award” (Collaboration, Communication, and Community) – Cat’s Back Event - University of Houston

• Association of College Unions International (ACUI)
• Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc
• National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA)
• Collegiate Media Association