Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
CORE COMPETENCIES
Timeline
Generic
Paula Payton

Paula Payton

Orangeburg,SC

Summary

Strategic and detail-oriented higher education leader with extensive experience in admissions, student outreach, and cross-sector collaboration. Proven ability to design and implement initiatives that support college readiness, persistence, and student success. Skilled in data-driven decision-making, policy development, and fostering productive relationships with stakeholders at secondary and postsecondary institutions. Skilled at managing complex projects and facilitating statewide partnerships to eliminate barriers to postsecondary completion. Resourceful Associate Director of Admissions known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Excel in strategic planning, student recruitment strategies, and data-driven decision-making. Possess strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills essential for fostering teamwork and navigating complex admissions environments. Committed to leveraging these abilities to improve enrollment processes and enhance the educational experience for all students.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience

Work History

Associate Director of Admissions

Claflin University
Orangeburg, SC
05.2015 - Current
  • - Spearhead recruitment and enrollment strategies aligned with institutional goals to increase college access and persistence.
  • - Collaborate with academic departments and leadership to identify and support students at risk of attrition.
  • - Utilize student data trends to improve outreach and engagement efforts across diverse populations.
  • - Engage with external partners, high schools, and community organizations to build pipelines to postsecondary success.
  • - Serve on committees focused on dual enrollment and transfer articulation to align institutional policies with statewide goals.

Director of Admissions

Voorhees University
Denmark, SC
03.2012 - 01.2015
  • - Led campus-wide efforts to improve student enrollment and retention, incorporating data to drive strategic decision-making.
  • - Developed outreach programs and dual enrollment pathways in partnership with regional high schools.
  • - Managed cross-functional teams to execute institutional marketing, recruitment, and community engagement campaigns.

Director of Catering & Service Manager

Sodexo
Orangeburg, SC
10.2006 - 06.2011
  • - Directed operations and managed logistics for high-visibility university events requiring coordination across departments.
  • - Developed service protocols and managed compliance with institutional standards—skills transferrable to stakeholder coordination and FOIA-compliant meeting management.

Assistant Director of Admissions

Claflin University
Orangeburg, SC
07.2002 - 10.2006
  • - Supported administrative functions related to student data collection, recruitment analytics, and policy documentation.
  • - Strengthened student service programs that contributed to first-year retention improvements.

Education

Doctor of Education (Ed.D) - Higher Education Leadership and Policy

Anderson University
Anderson, SC

Master of Science - Individual & Family Development

South Carolina State University
Orangeburg, SC

Bachelor of Science - Pre-Veterinary Medicine/Business

Tuskegee University
Tuskegee, AL

Skills

  • Microsoft Office proficiency
  • Recruitment strategy development
  • Education data systems familiarity
  • Enrollment management expertise
  • Community engagement skills
  • Relationship building
  • Program evaluation techniques
  • Effective communication
  • Admissions expertise
  • Student counseling skills
  • Self-motivation
  • Multitasking abilities

CORE COMPETENCIES

  • College Readiness & Persistence Strategy
  • Data Collection & Program Evaluation
  • Policy Development & Implementation
  • Transfer & Articulation Management
  • Strategic Planning & Project Management
  • Interagency & Institutional Collaboration
  • Public Speaking & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Student Enrollment & Recruitment Analytics
  • Communication (Verbal/Written) Excellence

Work Type

Full TimeContract Work

Work Location

RemoteHybridOn-Site

Timeline

Associate Director of Admissions

Claflin University
05.2015 - Current

Director of Admissions

Voorhees University
03.2012 - 01.2015

Director of Catering & Service Manager

Sodexo
10.2006 - 06.2011

Assistant Director of Admissions

Claflin University
07.2002 - 10.2006

Doctor of Education (Ed.D) - Higher Education Leadership and Policy

Anderson University

Master of Science - Individual & Family Development

South Carolina State University

Bachelor of Science - Pre-Veterinary Medicine/Business

Tuskegee University
Paula Payton
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