Shari Corprew
Director, Graduate School
Houston,TX
Summary
Accomplished executive with a proven track record of success and a focus on delivering consistent results. Known for resourcefulness, drive, and innovation, this professional possesses a keen eye for detail and excels in strategic decision-making. A decisive leader who inspires and motivates teams to reach their full potential, a strong reputation has been built for building and leading high-performing teams that drive organizational success. Demonstrating a collaborative approach, new opportunities have consistently been identified and growth fostered. A seasoned executive with a passion for excellence, this candidate is an ideal fit for organizations seeking exceptional leadership.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
Work History
Director, Graduate School
University Of Houston
Houston, TX
02.2018 - Current
- Proactively sourced funding opportunities and spearheaded development of standard operating procedures for successful implementation of 7 newly established graduate award programs. Streamlined processes by designing and implementing efficient systems to support administration and management of these programs.
- Demonstrated exceptional leadership in directing and managing entire award process for diverse portfolio of 24 fellowship and scholarship programs, collectively valued at $32.6 million. Oversaw range of critical responsibilities, including communications, data auditing, student eligibility verification, award disbursement, compliance adherence, and tuition waiver coordination.
- Strategically enhanced resource allocation by optimizing utilization of federally funded part-time staff, increasing team size from 4 to 13 members. Additionally, effectively managed department-funded part-time staff, optimizing their utilization from 3 to 5 members.
- Provided hands-on supervision and guidance to team of 18 part-time staff members, ensuring prompt and efficient execution of all fellowship programs, strategic initiatives, major projects, and day-to-day operations.
- Strengthened department's hiring and onboarding process by conducting comprehensive preliminary interviews, prescreening candidates, and successfully hiring and training new part-time staff members. Demonstrated strong leadership by providing coaching and taking necessary action, including termination, for part-time staff who did not meet established goals and expectations.
- Effectively managed portfolio of 7 contracts to support recruitment and retention of graduate students, both locally and abroad.
- Remained highly composed and calm in very fast-paced, stressful and constantly changing environments to provide optimal leadership and achieve desired results.
Associate Director, Graduate School (Grade 113)
University Of Houston
Houston, TX
02.2017 - 02.2018
Associate Director, Graduate School (Grade 112)
University Of Houston
Houston, TX
12.2015 - 02.2017
Assistant Director of Scholarship Services, Grants
University Of Houston
Houston, TX
08.2011 - 12.2015
- Provided expert guidance and recommendations to executive management regarding best practices and regulatory compliance in development of comprehensive financial aid packages for student population exceeding 30,000.
- Tracked key business metrics and made recommendations for proactive adjustments to policies and procedures.
- Held accountability for overseeing expenditure and ensuring compliance of endowment agreements across portfolio of 134 scholarship endowment accounts and 6 state-funded programs, collectively valued at $1.74 million.
- Managed and coordinated all aspects of student accounting system and various electronic systems vital for efficient handling, distribution, and administration of grants, scholarship funds, external waivers, and third-party payments for student population exceeding 30,000.
- Diligently managed and monitored annual expenditure of grant and scholarship funds, amounting to approximately $80 million. Oversaw administration of substantial portfolio of over 250 scholarship accounts, ensuring proper allocation and compliance with fund guidelines.
- Effectively managed portfolio of over 30 contracts between university and external non-profit organizations participating in federal college work-study program. Oversaw contract negotiations, compliance, and ongoing relationship management to ensure successful collaboration and implementation of program.
- Took on key responsibility of ensuring quality control and compliance with range of regulations, including federal, state, institutional, and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) guidelines, as well as donor requirements. Demonstrated meticulous attention to detail in delivery of scholarships, tuition waivers, grants, and work-study programs while adhering to all relevant regulations.
- Submitted proposal to hire 1 full-time position to be shared between Athletics and Financial Aid. This proposal was approved, and this position has been upgraded to Associate Director Financial Aid - Athletics and is housed full-time in Athletics.
- Provided direct supervision to 22 full-time and part-time staff, ensuring efficient and timely delivery of services, setting priorities, and assigning duties for special projects.
- Significantly reduced processing times from average of 4-6 business weeks to 2-3 business weeks during peak periods and 1-2 business weeks during non-peak periods.
Financial Aid Program Coordinator 2
University Of Houston
Houston, TX
01.2011 - 08.2011
Coordinator of Loan Processing
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
04.2010 - 12.2010
- Played instrumental role in facilitating transition from Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) to Direct Lending program for substantial student borrower base of approximately 30,000.
- Efficiently facilitated disbursement of annual sum totaling approximately $379 million in federal loans to student borrowers.
- Demonstrated unwavering accountability for successfully resolving rejected Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) loan disbursements, averaging impressive $1 million per week.
- Provided effective supervision to team of 7 full-time staff members, ensuring timely completion of assigned duties in alignment with specified timelines and departmental objectives.
- Designed and developed student-centric form that continues to be utilized by students to this day.
Loan Adjustment Specialist
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
12.2008 - 04.2010
Loan Processor
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
07.2007 - 12.2008
Human Resources and Marketing Assistant
United States Air Force
Eglin AFB, FL
Jan.2005 - Jan.2006
- Led design and authorship of monthly newsletter aimed at keeping over 700 members of 96th Services Squadron informed about latest personnel changes, updates, and advertised training opportunities. Garnered exceptional feedback for newsletter's clarity, timeliness, and professional structure.
- Developed comprehensive employee-training handbook tailored for 400 Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) Services employees. This handbook serves as vital resource, equipping both newly assigned and permanent employees with essential personnel information.
- Designed and developed robust NAF Tuition Assistance Program guide to efficiently track and manage financial disbursement for 400 NAF employee training programs.
- Led revision of 30 position descriptions (PDs) and core documents, resulting in establishment of accurate wage/grade structures.
- Demonstrated innovative initiative by autonomously organizing office space and efficiently managing office supplies, resulting in enhanced mobility and safety within office. Achieved remarkable cost savings by averting unnecessary office supply purchases, with average savings of over $500.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Marketing
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL 01.2006 - 04.2007
Skills
Strategic Planning
Financial Management
Team Leadership
Business Development
Operations Management
Change Management
Relationship Building
Risk Management
Communication and Presentation
Innovation and Problem Solving
Timeline
Director, Graduate School
University Of Houston
02.2018 - Current
Associate Director, Graduate School (Grade 113)
University Of Houston
02.2017 - 02.2018
Associate Director, Graduate School (Grade 112)
University Of Houston
12.2015 - 02.2017
Assistant Director of Scholarship Services, Grants
University Of Houston
08.2011 - 12.2015
Financial Aid Program Coordinator 2
University Of Houston
01.2011 - 08.2011
Coordinator of Loan Processing
Liberty University
04.2010 - 12.2010
Loan Adjustment Specialist
Liberty University
12.2008 - 04.2010
Loan Processor
Liberty University
07.2007 - 12.2008
Bachelor of Science - Marketing
Florida State University
01.2006 - 04.2007
Human Resources and Marketing Assistant
United States Air Force
Jan.2005 - Jan.2006