Hi, I’m
R. JAKE HINTON RIVERA
Higher Education Executive
Salt Lake City,Utah
Summary
Experienced and steady higher-education executive with 25 years of progressive leadership experience across student affairs, academic affairs, enrollment management, workforce development, and rural-serving community college operations. Proven record of stabilizing enrollment, expanding workforce-oriented academic pathways, strengthening shared governance, and leading institutions through transformational periods of change. Known for presence-based, relational leadership and a deep commitment to rural communities, equity, and institutional mission.
Overview
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Great Basin CollegeElko
Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs
10.2018 - 12.2024
Job overview
- Chief academic and student affairs officer for a multi-campus, rural-serving institution. Oversaw instruction, student services, workforce development, academic deans, campus directors, and institutional effectiveness.
- Led development and implementation of GBC’s first Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) Plan, resulting in a 28% enrollment increase over two years despite regional demographic decline.
- Expanded dual enrollment by 24% through strengthened K–12 partnerships and aligned academic pathways.
- Improved persistence and early credit momentum by strengthening mandatory advising and improving advisor-to-student ratios.
- Oversaw successful 2020 accreditation self-study and site visit, ensuring mission integrity and institutional quality.
- Expanded employer-driven workforce programs in mining, energy, agriculture, healthcare, education, and public safety.
- Represented GBC on the Northeastern Nevada Regional Development Authority to align academic programs with regional economic priorities.
- Co-led development of applied bachelor’s programs that expanded local workforce mobility and access.
- Founded the IDEAS Committee, advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives; Latino students achieved highest institutional graduation rate (52%).
- Provided steady leadership through organizational restructuring, pandemic recovery, and cross-departmental coordination improvements.
Gateway Community CollegePhoenix
Dean of Enrollment Management
08.2014 - 09.2018
Job overview
- Directed enrollment operations and SEM strategy, achieving 42% increase in international student enrollment.
- Led redesign of advising and first-year experience through chairing SEM, Enrollment Operations, and Guided Pathways committees.
- Implemented Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM to modernize recruitment pipelines and communication systems.
- Co-led integration of three colleges during districtwide consolidation, aligning clock/credit programs.
- Developed proactive advising models aligned with Guided Pathways to enhance student support.
- Established partnerships with educational institutions and organizations to expand services for diverse populations.
- Managed budgeting processes to ensure efficient resource allocation and adherence to institutional policies.
- Engaged in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at increasing student success rates across programs.
Northland Pioneer CollegeHolbrook
Dean of Student Services
12.2010 - 08.2014
Job overview
- Directed collegewide student services across a large rural service area, including Navajo and Apache counties.
- Expanded culturally grounded student supports for Hopi, Navajo, and Apache communities.
- Directed orientation for over 1,400 new students each semester, strengthening transition and retention.
- Implemented Mandatory Advisement and enhanced academic support structures.
- Established NPC’s first Career Services department.
- Designed unit-level assessment plans tied to enrollment, retention, and student experience KPIs.
Northland Pioneer CollegeHolbrook
Director of Enrollment Services
07.2007 - 12.2010
Job overview
- Provided leadership in advising, admissions, recruitment, tutoring, student life, records, and veteran services across nine campus/center locations.
- Strengthened Tribal partnerships and expanded Native student access and success.
- Developed College 101 orientation for families and communities.
- Collaborated with SGA to implement five new student engagement programs across all nine locations.
- Modernized admissions workflows, document imaging systems, and student services processes.
Rock Valley CollegeRockford
Registrar
01.2003 - 06.2007
Job overview
- Managed registration, academic records, scheduling, compliance, data integrity, and reporting functions.
- Led Latino enrollment initiatives that resulted in double-digit increases.
- Implemented Datatel enhancements, improving reporting efficiency and data accuracy.
- Created new international admissions coordinator role; improved compliance and audit processes.
High-Tech InstituteMinneapolis
Director of Financial Aid
01.2001 - 01.2003
Job overview
- Increased student scholarship funding by $100,000.
- Supervised the preparation of reports related to financial aid programs and activities.
- Expanded financial aid counseling and improved debt-management guidance.
- Extended service hours to accommodate working learners.
- Oversaw the administration of federal, state, and institutional aid programs.
- Developed financial aid policies aligning with institutional goals and regulations.
- Implemented training programs for staff on financial aid systems and compliance updates.
- Ensured compliance with relevant laws governing Title IV programs as well as other applicable regulations.
- Served as a liaison between college personnel, lenders, guarantors, servicers and outside agencies concerning issues relating to financial aid programs.
- Maintained records of all fund disbursements according to established guidelines.
- Met regularly with senior administrators regarding the status of financial aid initiatives within the college.
- Conducted training sessions for staff members on new systems or procedures relating to financial aid services.
- Gave workshop and other group presentations to inform students of options and educate on financial aid process.
Georgia Student Finance CommissionTucker
State Service Grants & Compliance Coordinator
01.1999 - 01.2001
Job overview
- Managed $22M in state scholarship programs, ensuring effective fund distribution.
- Completed compliance audits with a 100% on-time success rate.
- Increased office productivity by 15% through enhanced training and software upgrades.
- Coordinated compliance reviews for financial aid programs and associated regulations.
- Reviewed applications to verify funding eligibility requirements were met.
- Provided compliance guidance to internal stakeholders and external partners.
- Investigated violations of laws, rules, and regulations related to scholarship programs.
- Developed processes for ongoing monitoring of compliance with applicable laws.
Education
Fort Hays State University
Master of Liberal Studies from Public Administration
01.2011
Clayton State University
Bachelor of Science from Political Science
01.2001
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Institutional Effectiveness
- Data Analytics
- Crisis Leadership
- Shared Governance
- Rural Community Engagement
- Technology Modernization
- Public Speaking
- DEI Leadership
- Guided Pathways
- SEM implementation
- Change Management (Prosci Certified)
Professional Service And Leadership
- Commissioner, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), 08/01/21, 08/01/24
- Board Member, Northeastern Nevada Regional Development Authority
- Regional Coordinator, NASPA Enrollment Management KC
- Member, Excelencia in Education
- NCCHC Fellow, National Community College Hispanic Council, 08/01/17, 08/01/18
- Board Member, National Council on Student Development
- Leadership roles, AACRAO, NAFSA, NACADA, NASFAA
Core Leadership Competencies
- Strategic Enrollment Management
- Workforce Partnerships
- Organizational Stability
- Academic & Student Affairs Integration
- Applied Bachelor’s Degree Pathways
- Change Management
- Multi-Campus Leadership
- Equity & Belonging
- Institutional Effectiveness
- Technology Modernization
- Accreditation
- Data Analytics
Languages
Spanish
Advanced (C1)
C1
Timeline
Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs
Great Basin College
10.2018 - 12.2024
Dean of Enrollment Management
Gateway Community College
08.2014 - 09.2018
Dean of Student Services
Northland Pioneer College
12.2010 - 08.2014
Director of Enrollment Services
Northland Pioneer College
07.2007 - 12.2010
Registrar
Rock Valley College
01.2003 - 06.2007
Director of Financial Aid
High-Tech Institute
01.2001 - 01.2003
State Service Grants & Compliance Coordinator
Georgia Student Finance Commission
01.1999 - 01.2001
Fort Hays State University
Master of Liberal Studies from Public Administration
Clayton State University
Bachelor of Science from Political Science