Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Rachel Kreft

Bourbonnais,IL

Summary

Strategic educational leadership professional with over 17 years of experience in leadership, developing strategy, student services, admissions, regulation compliance, and institutional growth and sustainability. Serving as key catalyst in enabling and delivering strategic and organizational improvement while creating a positive culture institution-wide.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Chief Academic Officer

FOX COLLEGE
01.2020 - Current
  • Create a collaborative environment geared towards the mission between faculty, staff, and students, while maintaining curriculum integrity for programs
  • Hire, train and develop faculty, program chairs, and all staff
  • Conduct departmental budgeting process and monitor overall institutional budget
  • Developed comprehensive systems for tracking student progress, enabling early intervention efforts when necessary to promote success.
  • Collaborated with school leaders to develop effective school improvement plans focused on instructional excellence.
  • Set ambitious goals and led change process with specific and measurable outcomes to strengthen overall academic program.
  • Evaluated program effectiveness using data analysis techniques, refining instruction as needed to maximize results for diverse learners.
  • Championed the integration of social-emotional learning within curricula, fostering a positive school climate conducive to academic achievement.
  • Oversaw accreditation processes ensuring adherence to quality standards set forth by regional accrediting bodies.
  • Provide leadership and mission-based vision to all departments, and oversee collaboration between departments
  • Oversee and assist with college admissions
  • Serve as the Title IX coordinator and 504 coordinator.
  • Led instructional program by overseeing curriculum, assessment, instructional quality and data use.

Campus Director

FOX COLLEGE
01.2015 - 01.2020
  • Hired, trained and developed faculty, program chairs, and all staff
  • Implemented safety measures and protocols on-campus, ensuring a secure learning environment for both staff and students.
  • Collaborated with faculty to create a cohesive academic curriculum, resulting in improved student outcomes.
  • Managed admissions efforts and drove marketing initiatives for new enrollment.
  • Conducted departmental budgeting process
  • Provided leadership and mission-based vision to all departments, and oversee collaboration between departments
  • Oversaw facilities management, ensuring that buildings were well-maintained and equipped to meet the needs of students and staff alike.
  • Directed daily academic administration, faculty support, and admissions efforts.
  • Increased campus efficiency by streamlining administrative processes and implementing new strategies.
  • Ensured all compliance regulations as well as assist with program and institutional accreditation
  • Served as the Title IX coordinator and 504 coordinator.

Associate VP of Strategic Initiatives

K-12 TEACHERS ALLIANCE
01.2013 - 01.2015
  • Managed and directed over 50 employees and 10 University accounts for admissions of distance education Master’s degrees
  • Aligned organizational objectives with company mission to increase business growth and integrate work strategies.
  • Cultivated a high-performance culture within the organization by setting clear expectations for employees at all levels, providing regular feedback, and recognizing achievement.
  • Championed change management initiatives within the organization to ensure smooth transitions during periods of growth or restructuring.
  • Led a cross-functional team to develop and launch a new marketing approaches, contributing to significant growth in enrollment.
  • Increased company revenue by implementing innovative marketing strategies and streamlining admissions processes.
  • Hired and managed employees to maximize productivity while training staff on best practices and protocols.

Director of Enrollment Management

K-12 TEACHERS ALLIANCE
01.2007 - 01.2013
  • Created staffing metrics to ensure proper coverage for student service
  • Analyzed market trends to inform the development of target-specific recruitment plans.
  • Served as an ambassador for the institution, representing its mission and vision in various community engagements, informational sessions, and networking events.
  • Mentored staff members through training programs and professional development opportunities, fostering a high-performing team environment.
  • Enhanced enrollment growth by implementing innovative marketing strategies and targeted recruitment initiatives.
  • Increased revenue by $9.8 million through a proprietary marketing plan
  • Collaborated with 4 institutions to develop online programs.

Education

Doctorate Degree - Educational Leadership - Emphasis on Student and Personnel Services

UNIVERSITY OF THE CUMBERLANDS
Williamsburg, KY

Master’s Degree - Organizational Leadership - Emphasis Higher Education

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO
River Forest, IL

Bachelor’s Degree - Spanish for Social Services

SAINT XAVIER UNIVERSITY
Chicago, IL

Skills

  • Academic Assessment
  • Strategic Decision-Making
  • Student Retention
  • Training and Development
  • Organizational Process Improvement
  • Admissions and Recruiting
  • Leadership Mentoring
  • Increasing Student Success
  • Excellent oral and written communication
  • Instructional Leadership
  • Innovative thinking
  • Accreditation Compliance

Timeline

Chief Academic Officer

FOX COLLEGE
01.2020 - Current

Campus Director

FOX COLLEGE
01.2015 - 01.2020

Associate VP of Strategic Initiatives

K-12 TEACHERS ALLIANCE
01.2013 - 01.2015

Director of Enrollment Management

K-12 TEACHERS ALLIANCE
01.2007 - 01.2013

Doctorate Degree - Educational Leadership - Emphasis on Student and Personnel Services

UNIVERSITY OF THE CUMBERLANDS

Master’s Degree - Organizational Leadership - Emphasis Higher Education

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO

Bachelor’s Degree - Spanish for Social Services

SAINT XAVIER UNIVERSITY
Rachel Kreft