Sophia Tarver
Summary
Dedicated higher education leader with years of experience supporting first-generation, low-income, and at-risk students. Proven expertise in
program development, staff training, academic advising, and strategic initiatives that foster student success and retention. Passionate advocate for educational equity and student empowerment through innovative mentoring
and engagement program.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Academic Advisor - Parker College of Business
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, USA
01.2023 - Current
- Provide academic advising for up to 400 students, including completion of the Graduation Plans for Success and academic appeals.
- Documentation and assessment of student needs
- Design, coordinate, and implement program services, activities, to ensure student success and retention
- Monitor academic progress
- Serve on institutional committees that provide opportunities for coordination
- Attended Annual NACADA Conference
- Build rapport with students with diverse backgrounds by having real conversations with students about their aspirations and goals
- Checking in with students beyond required communication trackers to offer support
- Keep a journal to documents ideas, and improvements that can be discussed during staff meetings
- Analyzed student data to identify trends and recommend interventions for academic improvement.
- Collaborate with other advisors to build new processes to help students be successful such as group advising
- Conducted one-on-one advising sessions to clarify academic policies and degree requirements.
- Serve as fill in advisor and answer general questions for all PCOB majors
- Evaluate transcripts and determine transfer credit from numerous institutions
- Provide guidance, training and mentorship to new academic advisors
- Participate in SOAR sessions which include presentations, advisement and registration
- Communicate program curricula, graduation requirements, and university policies like FERPA
- Serve on hiring committee for PCOB vacancies
- Serve on institutional committees that provide opportunities for coordination Promoted campus resources such as tutoring services or counseling centers to help students overcome barriers to success.
- Helped students with initial adjustment to university academic life and interpreted institutions policies and requirements.
- Served as a liaison between students, faculty, staff, and administration to address concerns or conflicts that arose during the course of study.
Senior Customer Service Representative
PNC Bank
Remote
07.2022 - 01.2023
- Documented customer interactions and complete service requests to minimize customer effort or additional action
- Demonstrated commitment to quality customer service and service partner interactions
- Performed customer service activities and initiatives for a broad range of services
- Investigated and resolved customer inquiries and complaints, recommend appropriate solutions
- Resolved customer service issues using company processes and policies and provided updates to customers.
- Demonstrated excellent multitasking abilities by managing multiple concurrent tasks while ensuring timely completion.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly addressing and resolving complex inquiries and complaints.
- Trained and directed new employees in call script use, conflict resolution, and data entry practices to boost customer satisfaction ratings.
- Consistently exceeded performance targets, earning recognition as a top-performing Senior Customer Service Representative on multiple occasions.
- Mentored junior team members, contributing to their professional development and overall team success.
Practicum Student - Office of Career and Professional Development
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, USA
08.2022 - 12.2022
- Met with students to assist with career readiness including resume writing and job search assistance
- Assisted with virtual drop-in hours and created career manuals
- Conducted mock interviews and reviewed Big Interview submissions
- Facilitated career-related assessments as needed
Recreational Supervision
Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice System
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Coordinated activities with internal and external departments to determine program's needs
- Supervised 10-15 juvenile delinquency during recreational time frame
- Developed and implemented programs that meet the objectives and standards of the department
- Managed the daily operations of recreational staff and activities
- Enforced safety protocols, guaranteed adherence by staff and all personnel
- Provided supervision during recreational activities, promoting physical fitness and teamwork among program participants.
- Exceeded expectations for apprenticeship requirements, completing assigned tasks accurately and efficiently under minimal supervision.
- Encouraged active engagement in recreational activities that promoted cognitive stimulation, physical exercise, and social interaction among residents.
- Enhanced participant enjoyment by developing and implementing diverse recreational programs.
- Educated family members about recreational therapy''s role in rehabilitation processes and provided guidance on how to support their loved ones.
Special Education Paraprofessional
Cedarwood GNETS
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Coordinated with parents and caregivers to share insights on student development and challenges.
- Enhanced student engagement with hands-on activities and tailored instructional materials.
- Implemented communication strategies to enhance interaction among students with varying abilities.
- Provided additional support for students to improve comprehension and focus during lessons.
- Supported emotional well-being by recognizing individual needs and providing comfort during challenging moments.
- Developed strong rapport with students by demonstrating empathy, patience, and understanding during daily interactions both inside and outside the classroom setting.
- Managed challenging behaviors using de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe and productive learning environment for all students involved.
- Assisted in the implementation of effective behavior management techniques, resulting in a more focused and positive classroom environment.
- Collaborated with teacher to create customized classroom environment integral to students' needs.
- Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
- Maintained positive attitude and affirmatively communicated with each student.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in special education instruction and support services.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Oversaw class of students in absence of instructor.
- Supported students with various disabilities through one-on-one tutoring sessions, improving their understanding of course materials and concepts.
- Supported teacher in development of individual learning strategies.
- Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
Education
Masters of Education - Higher Education Administration And Leadership
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, GA12.2022
Bachelors of Science - Human Development and Family Science
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, GA05.2017
Associate of Arts - Psychology
East Georgia State College
Swainsboro, GA05.2015
Skills
- Adobe
- Big Interview
- Career Shift
- Data Entry
- Degree Works
- EAB Navigate
- Google Platform
- Handshake
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Georgia Teaching Certificate
- Green Zone Certification
- Excellent oral and written communication
- Student development
- Strategic Decision-making
- Proficiency in software
- Career guidance
Campus Involvement
Georgia Southern University Student Conduct Board, 08/24, Present
Operation Move-in Volunteer
Hiring Committee for PCOB
Career Expo Volunteer
Advisement Center Data Management
- Graduation Check and Clearance
- Wrong Campus Spreadsheet
- CPOS data entry
- SOAR Spreadsheet
- Duplicate Course Reports
- Student Information System: Banner
- Degree Audit Solution: Degree Works
- Content Management: ApplicationXtender
- Handshake
Awards
Nominated for Outstanding Advisor, Primary Role- 2023 National Level NACADA
Timeline
Academic Advisor - Parker College of Business
Georgia Southern University
01.2023 - Current
Practicum Student - Office of Career and Professional Development
Georgia Southern University
08.2022 - 12.2022
Senior Customer Service Representative
PNC Bank
07.2022 - 01.2023
Recreational Supervision
Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice System
01.2019 - 01.2020
Special Education Paraprofessional
Cedarwood GNETS
01.2017 - 01.2019
Masters of Education - Higher Education Administration And Leadership
Georgia Southern University
Bachelors of Science - Human Development and Family Science
Georgia Southern University
Associate of Arts - Psychology
East Georgia State College