Shawanda Benjamin
Bessemer,AL
Summary
Higher education leader with 20 years of experience driving student success through innovative program development and effective grant writing. Proven track record in managing budgets and compliance, fostering an inclusive climate, and enhancing retention and graduation rates through strategic partnerships and staff training.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Director
UAB TRIO Academic Services
Birmingham, AL
09.2015 - Current
- Serve as liaison between the Department of Education and the University of Alabama at Birmingham while directing daily operations for program services and events.
- Prepare annual performance report, communicate program success with UAB, and submit report to the Department of Education
- Establish and track annual budgets to support grant compliance.
- Write successful continuation grants.
- Provide updates and strategic insights to the Vice Provost of Enrollment Management on program initiatives.
- Hire, onboard, and develop all full and part-time staff.
- Maintain accurate financial records and personnel files.
- Foster an inclusive atmosphere for eligible students.
- Taught first-year experience course at university, facilitating student engagement and learning.
Consultant/Trainer
College Bound Institute
Orlando, FL
09.2024 - Current
- Facilitated training sessions for support staff, improving their skills and knowledge.
- Conducted presentations to educate Trio professionals on essential topics, enhancing their understanding.
- Provide one-on-one guidance to program directors.
- Edited and updated curriculum materials to ensure relevance and clarity.
- Review program regulations and legislation in a hybrid setting.
Counselor
UAB TRIO Academic Services
Birmingham, AL
02.2009 - 09.2015
- Provided individual counseling to program participants.
- Facilitated group counseling sessions monthly to support participants' mental health.
- Reviewed and monitored individual graduation plans each semester to ensure program participants stayed on track for graduation.
- Recruited and supervised peer mentors and assistants to provide support and guidance to program participants.
- Led first-year learning experiences for program participants.
- Coordinated graduate school and cultural enrichment trips to enhance participants' educational experiences.
- Worked with institution advisors on course selection.
- Managed budget for standing program activities.
Tutorial Coordinator
UAB TRIO Academic Services
Birmingham, AL
08.2007 - 02.2009
- Coordinated tutoring sessions for one hundred sixty students each semester, enhancing accessibility, support, academic standing.
- Developed a tutor manual and led monthly training and professional development sessions for tutors.
- Hired, onboarded, and supervised up to thirty tutors.
- Analyzed session outcomes and tutor performance to inform pay increase eligibility and ensure compliance with tutoring policies.
- Reviewed payroll for tutors to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Maintained tutor inventory list to facilitate timely supply orders.
- Partnered with team members to foster student success through coordinated efforts and shared resources.
Education
Juris Doctorate -
Birmingham School of Law
Birmingham, AL08-2025
Master of Arts - Agency/Community Counseling
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL01-2007
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL12-2000
Skills
- Program management
- Grant writing
- Budget management
- Performance reporting
- Program evaluation
- Compliance oversight
- Curriculum development
- Stakeholder engagement
- Financial analysis
- Risk management
- Staff development
- Group facilitation
- Team leadership
- Team building and collaboration
- Effective communication
- Conflict resolution
- Policy analysis
Volunteer Experience
- SAEOPP, TRIO Alumni Committee Chair, 2025-present
- SAEOPP, Membership & Marketing Committee Chair, 2023-2025
- SAEOPP, Leadership Development Committee Member, 2023- 2025
- SAEOPP, Development Committee member, 2021-2023
- SAEOPP, Conference Co-Chair, 2019-2021
- Eternal Life Christian Center, ongoing monthly efforts to provide food and clothing to the displaced population
- COE National Student Leadership Congress, Counselor, 2005-2017
- UAB Big Brother, Big Sister, 2015
- Alabama TRIO Association, President, 2015-2019, (served two consecutive terms)
- Alabama TRIO Association, Vice President, 2013-2015
- SAEOPP Association, Membership Committee Co-Chair, 2011-2013
Affiliations
- Twenty-five years managerial/supervisory experience Twenty years' experience working positively with first generation, low-income college students
- Curriculum development for Program First Year Learning experience series
- Eighteen years of budget management experience State, regional, and national conference presenter
- Superb interpersonal, written, and communication skills
- Five years fundraising experience
- Grant writing and editing experience
Timeline
Consultant/Trainer
College Bound Institute
09.2024 - Current
Director
UAB TRIO Academic Services
09.2015 - Current
Counselor
UAB TRIO Academic Services
02.2009 - 09.2015
Tutorial Coordinator
UAB TRIO Academic Services
08.2007 - 02.2009
Juris Doctorate -
Birmingham School of Law
Master of Arts - Agency/Community Counseling
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Alabama at Birmingham