Sara Thomas
Clyde,OH
Summary
Driven academic professional with a proven track record, at Purdue University Fort Wayne, enhancing student engagement and success through innovative teaching and advisement. Skilled in utilizing educational technology tools and data analytics for continual process improvement. Achieved significant improvements in course content and student support services.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Director of Integrated Studies
Purdue University Fort Wayne
07.2019 - 02.2024
- Managed caseload for approximately 200 students in the Department of Integrated Studies
- Planned educational activities and taught two sections of the Freshman Success course in in-person format.
- Taught and provided graded feedback for approximately 25 students per semester for the Capstone course in an online format.
- Utilized educational technology tools to administer course content, record grades, track student performance and feedback, support student success, and evaluate course content for continual improvement.
- Created and executed presentations for educational, data reporting, and promotional purposes.
- Fostered a positive culture by promoting open communication among staff members and celebrating successes together as a team.
- Oversaw project management, ensuring timely completion within budget constraints.
- Maintained a calm and professional demeanor when addressing student and parental concerns.
Academic Advisor
Purdue University Fort Wayne
07.2016 - 07.2019
- Managed caseloads effectively for approximately 200 students, prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance while maintaining high-quality service delivery.
- Created four-year academic plans for all incoming freshmen in the College of Engineering Technology and Computer Science
- Helped students with initial adjustment to university academic life and interpreted institutions policies and requirements.
- Promoted campus resources such as tutoring services or counseling centers to help students overcome barriers to success.
- Developed and coordinated the LEAD peer and industry mentoring program and coordinated the College of Engineering Technology and Computer Science peer tutoring program.
- Conducted academic advisement services for students on a reoccurring basis to maintain educational progression.
- Organized workshops and seminars to further enhance student skills and knowledge in relevant areas.
- Served as a liaison between students, faculty, staff, and administration to address concerns or conflicts that arose during the course of study.
- Provided support and guidance to students experiencing academic and personal troubles.
- Developed strong relationships with students, providing mentorship and fostering personal growth.
- Participated in professional development activities to stay current on best practices in higher education advising.
- Utilized data-driven decision-making processes to identify trends in student success factors and adjust advising strategies accordingly.
Education
Master of Arts - College Student Personnel-Academic Advising Focus
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, OH08.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, OH08.2003
Skills
- Excellent oral and written communication
- Administrative abilities
- Experience utilizing Microsoft Office Suite
- Skilled in DegreeWorks, EAB, Canvas, Blackboard
- Case management
- Academic monitoring
- Academic planning
- Academic support
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Student support
- Peer tutoring programs
Timeline
Assistant Director of Integrated Studies
Purdue University Fort Wayne
07.2019 - 02.2024
Academic Advisor
Purdue University Fort Wayne
07.2016 - 07.2019
Master of Arts - College Student Personnel-Academic Advising Focus
Bowling Green State University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Bowling Green State University
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