Summer Houston
Phoenix,AZ
Summary
Student-centered higher education professional with extensive experience supporting student retention, academic progression, compliance, and successful program completion. Proven ability to advise diverse student populations, navigate institutional policies, document student progress, and collaborate cross-functionally with faculty, administrators, and external partners. Strong background in case management, student engagement, reporting, and the use of CRM and student tracking systems in fast-paced academic environments.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Career Services & Externship Coordinator
UEI College
07.2024 - 06.2025
- Advised students across trade and allied health programs on academic progression, externship readiness, and post-completion pathways to support retention and timely program completion.
- Managed ongoing caseloads of students, monitoring progress toward graduation requirements and addressing barriers to successful completion.
- Coordinated externship placements aligned with academic timelines, ensuring compliance with institutional and programmatic standards.
- Maintained consistent communication with students to address questions, concerns, and challenges, providing guidance and referrals as needed.
- Collaborated closely with instructional staff, compliance teams, and campus leadership to resolve student issues and support academic success.
- Facilitated career readiness workshops, orientations, and one-on-one student meetings focused on professional skills and transition planning.
- Documented student interactions, outcomes, and employer feedback using CRM and reporting tools to support institutional tracking and performance metrics.
- Supported campus initiatives related to student engagement, retention, and successful transitions from education to employment.
One-Stop Operator Manager
Maximus, Inc. (Maricopa County Workforce Board)
08.2017 - 12.2022
- Served as primary liaison among education, workforce, and community partners to support participant success and service coordination.
- Provided guidance and technical assistance to partners on program requirements, documentation standards, and service delivery expectations.
- Conducted regular site visits and performance reviews to ensure compliance, quality service delivery, and positive participant outcomes.
- Analyzed program data and reporting to assess effectiveness, identify trends, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Facilitated trainings, meetings, and collaborative planning sessions to strengthen integrated service delivery models.
Senior Instructional Service Coordinator
Rio Salado Community College
11.2020 - 09.2021
- Led and supported college and career navigation services for adult learners pursuing high school equivalency, career pathways, and postsecondary transitions.
- Provided academic guidance and case management to students to support enrollment, retention, and completion outcomes.
- Collaborated with college staff, faculty, and workforce partners to align student advising with academic and career pathway opportunities.
- Monitored student progress and analyzed performance data to identify gaps and implement strategies to improve retention and completion.
- Developed and maintained student tracking systems to document advising interactions, referrals, and outcomes.
- Supported the expansion of integrated education and training (IET) programs across multiple sites, increasing access to academic and career pathways.
Community & Employer Relations Partner
Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona
01.2017 - 08.2017
- Supported community members and program participants through career readiness advising, workshops, and individualized guidance.
- Coordinated and facilitated events designed to connect participants with education, training, and employment opportunities.
- Collaborated with education partners and employers to align services with participant needs and workforce trends.
- Delivered presentations and group sessions focused on professional development, communication skills, and career planning.
Outreach & Recruitment Coordinator / Lead
Maricopa Community College, Corporate College
01.2014 - 12.2016
- Led outreach and recruitment initiatives supporting adult learners, and workforce training participants.
- Advised prospective students on program options, enrollment processes, and available support services.
- Developed and managed CRM systems to track participant engagement, inquiries, and outcomes.
- Coordinated events, presentations, and informational sessions to promote educational opportunities and student access.
Training Administrator
Apollo Group, Inc.
05.2007 - 10.2012
- Supported training, onboarding, and professional development initiatives within a higher education corporate environment.
- Developed and maintained training materials, documentation, and process guides aligned with institutional policies.
- Collaborated with leadership to ensure training programs supported organizational goals and quality standards.
Education
Master of Education - Educational Leadership Community College/Higher Education
Northern Arizona University
Phoenix, AZ12-2027
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
University of Phoenix-Arizona
Phoenix, AZ12.2008
Skills
- Academic Advising & Student Support
- Case Management & Documentation
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- CRM & Student Information Systems
- Customer Service & Problem Resolution
- Data Tracking & Reporting
- Degree & Program Progress Monitoring
- Student Advocacy & Referral
- Student Retention & Persistence Strategies
- Policy Interpretation & Compliance
- Workshop & Orientation Facilitation
Technology & Systems
- CRM Systems (including Salesforce-type platforms)
- Student Tracking & Reporting Tools
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
- Virtual Meeting Platforms (Zoom, Teams)
Timeline
Career Services & Externship Coordinator
UEI College
07.2024 - 06.2025
Senior Instructional Service Coordinator
Rio Salado Community College
11.2020 - 09.2021
One-Stop Operator Manager
Maximus, Inc. (Maricopa County Workforce Board)
08.2017 - 12.2022
Community & Employer Relations Partner
Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona
01.2017 - 08.2017
Outreach & Recruitment Coordinator / Lead
Maricopa Community College, Corporate College
01.2014 - 12.2016
Training Administrator
Apollo Group, Inc.
05.2007 - 10.2012
Master of Education - Educational Leadership Community College/Higher Education
Northern Arizona University
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
University of Phoenix-Arizona