Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Gia'Donna Nichols-Holmes

Gia'Donna Nichols-Holmes

Bowie,Maryland

Summary

Collaborative leader dedicated to partnering with coworkers across various departments to promote an engaged, empowering work culture. Documented strengths in building and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders in dynamic, fast-paced settings. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to impact school success positively. Effective leader and problem-solver dedicated to streamlining operations to decrease costs and promote organizational efficiency. Skilled in working under pressure and adapting to new situations and challenges to best enhance the organizational brand. Self-motivated, with strong sense of personal responsibility. Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations. Core Qualifications: school administration, budgeting, expenditure approvals, policies and procedures, planning and prioritization, contract management, and verbal and written communication.

Work History

Manager

School of Business, University of Maryland Global Campus
2020.01 - Current
  • Established and administered annual budget with controls to prevent overages, minimize burn rate, and support sustainability objectives
  • Proposed and executed budget of $1,000,000 per school year
  • Using Workday, performed contract business processes, such as creating requisitions, supplier invoice requests, and purchase orders
  • Using Workday, ran financial reports to perform consolidations, track actual spending and review balances
  • Approved regular expense requests for staff
  • Planned and budgeted accurately to provide business with resources needed to operate smoothly
  • Compiled data highlighting key metrics to report information, determine trends and identify methods for improving administrative processes
  • Expanded cross-functional organizational capacity by collaborating across academic departments on priorities, functions, and common goals

Director of Systems and Communications/Information Technology Specialist

University Of Maryland Global Campus
2017.01 - 2019.12
  • Supervised and mentored employees, providing guidance and support to ensure high performance and productivity
  • Conducted regular performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback, and coaching to enhance individual performance
  • Delivered feedback to decision-makers regarding employee performance and training needs
  • Assisted eight technical upgrade projects for school by working and coordinating with consultants and developers for integrations
  • Documented and analyzed processes and procedures and adhered to regulatory guidance
  • Identified opportunities for application optimization, redesign, and development and troubleshot and resolved user and application issues
  • Communicated regularly with project management and school staff concerning data exchange and technology integration
  • Performed biannual audits and tests of infrastructure and applications to monitor and control assets
  • Coached and trained end-users on functions, features, and basic troubleshooting of software such as Tableau and OnBase DMS
  • Facilitated best user experience for 85 staff members through continuous support, training classes, webinars, improvements, and communication of system changes

Academic Specialist

University Of Maryland Global Campus
2012.07 - 2017.01
  • Designed and maintained faculty relational database and electronic records for 120 instructor contacts
  • Investigated academic related complaints and worked with students on finding positive resolutions
  • Developed a faculty engagement and feedback quality assessment matrix to meet firm deadlines while applying result-driven and goal-oriented methodology to teaching initiatives
  • Provided support and guidance to students experiencing academic and personal troubles
  • Advised students individually and in groups on academic programs for individual interests
  • Helped students with initial adjustment to university academic life and interpreted institutions policies and requirements
  • Mentored students, offering advice and support on topic selection, appropriateness, and academic value

Academic Administrative Director

University of Maryland Global Campus
2007.04 - 2012.07
  • Created and maintained relational database using MS Access to document and report on student issues
  • Worked with Human Resources to expedite and track faculty recruitment process
  • Managed faculty, staff, and administrative support functions
  • Worked with directors within Business and Professional Programs department to create and update Web content and print materials
  • Proofed and edited schedule and catalog drafts for format, style, and grammatical correctness
  • Managed and performed wide range of administrative and program responsibilities, including staffing, and creation and tracking of mentoring assignments
  • Interpreted and enforced policies and made recommendations for improvement of operations and procedures
  • Responded to program inquiries from adjunct faculty applicants, students, and faculty

Academic Coordinator, Management Program

University of Maryland Global Campus
2004.07 - 2007.04
  • Analyzed budget and implemented financial plans for academic programs and related events
  • Kept institution financially sound by tracking expenses and maintaining detailed records
  • Assisted faculty and staff in duties such as teaching classes, conducting orientation programs, and issuing transcripts
  • Determined course schedules and coordinated teaching assignments and room assignments to optimize use of buildings and equipment
  • Conferred with educators to identify current classroom concerns and diversify instructional strategies
  • Devised strategies to reduce expenses, modernize operations and revamp procedures to improve institution operations
  • Promoted program courses, activities and accomplishments, both internally and externally, to boost recruitment and retain diverse student body

Education

Doctor of Management - Business Management

University of Maryland Global Campus
06.2016
Equality in the workplace: Examining the viability of antidiscrimination policy to foster an inclusive organizational culture Dissertation Focus: Workplace diversity, workplace policy/anti-discrimination policy, organization justice, and organizational culture.

Master of Science - Computer Systems Mgt, Database Systems & Security

University of Maryland Global Campus
05.2004

Bachelor of Science - Business Administration

Strayer University
05.1999

Skills

  • Microsoft Office
  • School Administration
  • Expenditure Approvals
  • Statistical Data
  • Compliance Requirements
  • Staff Supervision
  • Staff Support
  • Team Collaboration
  • Performance Monitoring and Evaluation
  • School Policy and Procedure Modification

Timeline

Manager - School of Business, University of Maryland Global Campus
2020.01 - Current
Director of Systems and Communications/Information Technology Specialist - University Of Maryland Global Campus
2017.01 - 2019.12
Academic Specialist - University Of Maryland Global Campus
2012.07 - 2017.01
Academic Administrative Director - University of Maryland Global Campus
2007.04 - 2012.07
Academic Coordinator, Management Program - University of Maryland Global Campus
2004.07 - 2007.04
University of Maryland Global Campus - Doctor of Management, Business Management
University of Maryland Global Campus - Master of Science, Computer Systems Mgt, Database Systems & Security
Strayer University - Bachelor of Science, Business Administration
Gia'Donna Nichols-Holmes