Melanie Sims
Tuskahoma,OK
Summary
Dedicated and proactive academic advisor and ADA coordinator skilled in enrollment management and accommodation coordination. Experienced in mentoring students and ensuring compliance with federal guidelines, driving successful outcomes for veteran and diverse student populations.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Academic Advisor | ADA Coordinator | SCO Veterans | Testing Coordinator
Eastern Oklahoma State College
Wilburton, OK
05.2023 - Current
- Provide one-on-one academic advising and career planning for a diverse student body.
- Oversee accommodations and maintain compliance with ADA and Section 504 federal guidelines.
- Serve as the School Certifying Official for veteran students, managing enrollment certifications, and coordinating annual VA audits.
- Coordinate standardized and placement testing (ACT, ACCUPLACER, CLEP); manage testing platform accounts and documentation.
- Award and manage scholarships under Reach Higher and Carl Perkins Grants; ensure regulatory compliance and proper recordkeeping.
- Mentor students through personal and academic challenges, referring to appropriate resources as needed.
- Represent the institution on staff councils and committees, advocating for student success and inclusive practices.
Grants Manager / Assistant to the VP of Business Affairs
Eastern Oklahoma State College
Wilburton, OK
01.2020 - 05.2023
- Tracked multiple grant budgets to ensure appropriate expenditures, timely drawdowns, and proper documentation for audits.
- Assisted the VP with managing office functions, including scheduling, procurement, and vendor communication.
- Maintained student support services such as meal voucher programs during academic breaks.
- Processed and reviewed purchase orders, ensuring accuracy of coding and compliance with state guidelines.
- Coordinated documentation and communications with stakeholders for funded projects.
Accounting Assistant II – Accounts Payable
Eastern Oklahoma State College
Wilburton, OK
11.2018 - 01.2020
- Handled full-cycle accounts payable, including invoice verification, data entry, and payment processing using Ellucian and OMES systems.
- Created purchase orders and processed employee reimbursements, ensuring alignment with financial policy.
- Maintained fixed asset files, processed vendor W-9s, and supported monthly reconciliation of office safe and financial statements.
- Collaborated with the business office team to support accurate monthly and year-end financial reporting.
Accounts Payable Team Lead
Electro Enterprises
Oklahoma City, OK
01.2017 - 10.2018
- Led a team in managing AP operations for domestic and international vendors.
- Audited U.S. and overseas freight invoices weekly to ensure accuracy and contract compliance.
- Implemented automation tools to reduce processing time and improve accuracy.
Assistant General Manager
Hilton Hampton Inn
Shawnee, Oklahoma
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Supervised hotel operations, staff schedules, and guest services to maintain brand standards.
- Resolved guest concerns and billing issues in a professional and timely manner.
- Handled group bookings, special requests, and room inventory to maximize occupancy.
- Assisted with budgeting, payroll, and processing vendor payments.
Administrative Assistant
Hiland Dairy Foods
Norman, OK
02.2008 - 11.2012
- Supported executive staff with meeting coordination, budget planning, and vendor communication.
- Managed customer accounts and complaints, ensuring satisfaction and issue resolution.
- Compiled fleet mileage, registration, and fuel usage reports for quarterly review.
- Maintained project timelines and financial records for internal and external use.
Education
B.S. - Psychology – Behavioral Health
East Central University
Ada, OK12.2024
B.A. - Human Service Counseling
East Central University
Ada, OK12.2024
A.A. - Psychology
Eastern Oklahoma State College
Wilburton, OK12.2022
A.A. - Child Development
Eastern Oklahoma State College
Wilburton, OK12.2022
Certificate of Mastery - Child Development
Eastern Oklahoma State College
Wilburton, OKWilburton, OK
Skills
- Student Advising
- Enrollment Management
- Accommodation Coordination
- School Certifying Official Duties
- Academic Testing
- Budget Management
- Scholarship Administration
- Effective Communication
- Team Collaboration
Professional Attributes
- Strong Communicator: Experienced in working with students, faculty, and diverse populations. Skilled in handling sensitive conversations with discretion and empathy.
- Collaborative Leader: Frequently lead campus initiatives and staff meetings; serve as senior advisor in the department.
- Adaptable & Resourceful: Thrive in fast-paced environments; excel at balancing multiple priorities and responsibilities under tight deadlines.
Involvement
- Psi Chi International Honor Society – Psychology
- Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society – Academic Excellence
- Chair, College Staff Council Committee
- Member on various College & Community Committees
Timeline
Academic Advisor | ADA Coordinator | SCO Veterans | Testing Coordinator
Eastern Oklahoma State College
05.2023 - Current
Grants Manager / Assistant to the VP of Business Affairs
Eastern Oklahoma State College
01.2020 - 05.2023
Accounting Assistant II – Accounts Payable
Eastern Oklahoma State College
11.2018 - 01.2020
Accounts Payable Team Lead
Electro Enterprises
01.2017 - 10.2018
Assistant General Manager
Hilton Hampton Inn
01.2015 - 01.2017
Administrative Assistant
Hiland Dairy Foods
02.2008 - 11.2012
B.S. - Psychology – Behavioral Health
East Central University
B.A. - Human Service Counseling
East Central University
A.A. - Psychology
Eastern Oklahoma State College
A.A. - Child Development
Eastern Oklahoma State College
Certificate of Mastery - Child Development
Eastern Oklahoma State College
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