Tara Houston Taylor

• Support the university strategic plan, implementation plan, educational evaluation and use for results for accreditation, and the department program objectives for Social Sciences majors with a concentration in African American Studies, Human Services, Pre-Law, Psychology, and Criminal Justice majors
• Promote teaching and research excellence, contributing to university's strategic goals
• Spearhead curriculum updates, ensuring relevance in rapidly evolving social sciences field. Implement cutting-edge teaching methodologies
• Launching a new degree program based on industry demand, expanding educational offerings to attract diverse student populations.
• Establish clear performance expectations for faculty members, promoting accountability and professional growth, while nurturing a positive academic climate
• Oversee the hiring processes to recruit top-tier faculty, mentoring for departmental growth and student success
• Spearhead innovative academic initiatives, aligning social sciences programs with emerging industry trends to enhance educational relevance and impact
• Collaborate regularly with the Division Dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs to align departmental strategies with institutional goals and ensure successful implementation

• Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating real-world examples and case studies into lectures.
• Lead courses in Social Sciences, enhancing digital literacy, in-person learning, adaptive online learning strategies, and student engagement
• Implement online strategies as Apple Teacher, improving learning outcomes
• Mentor students in thesis preparation, facilitating interdisciplinary research projects and promoting academic excellence
• As the campus advisor, guide Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society to cultivating leadership skills and fostering a community of high-achieving social science scholars
• Nurture academic excellence through personalized thesis mentorship, guiding students to develop robust interdisciplinary research projects
• Spearhead innovative Social Sciences curriculum development, integrating real-world applications to prepare students for evolving industry demands
• Advise undergraduate students on course selection and career planning, helping them navigate their academic journey successfully.

Courses Taught: Intro to Human Services, Case Management and Problem-Solving, Social Welfare, Ethics in the Helping Profession, Social Theory, Child and Adolescent Welfare, Social Welfare, Aging in the Family, Social Research, Social Science Internship

• Managed and maintained confidential student case files, ensuring compliance with FERPA and institutional policies
• Conducted intake assessments and developed individualized support plans for students facing academic, personal, and mental health challenges ensuring appropriate support and follow-up
• Served as the liaison between the institution and external mental health, law enforcement and crisis response agencies to enhance student support services
• Delivered insightful bi-weekly reports to the Vice President of Student Affairs, facilitating data-informed decision-making and continuous improvement of counseling services
• Conceptualized and implemented innovative behavioral health initiatives, fostering psychological growth and significantly boosting student participation in mental wellness programs
• Streamlined crisis intervention processes, enhancing response time and effectiveness in supporting students during critical situations
• Partnered with campus stakeholders to integrate mental health awareness into broader college initiatives, promoting a culture of holistic student support
• Served as the Co-Chair of the Judiciary Committee to assess disciplinary penalties for students who violate the Student Code of Conduct
• Oversaw the institution’s Behavior Intervention Team (BIT), facilitating regular meetings and ensuring a proactive approach to identifying and addressing student behavioral health concerns

• Pioneered an early alert system for at-risk students, enhancing retention outcomes and fostering proactive academic support measures
• Implemented advisement, improved student success and graduation timeliness
• Maintained case files and monitored student progress through regular follow-ups, documentation, and collaboration with faculty
• Fostered cross-departmental partnerships with Financial Services and Dean of Students, aligning efforts to monitor academic progress and enforce conduct standards
• Orchestrated comprehensive Senior Success Series, equipping students with vital career skills and facilitating connections through job fairs and industry engagements
• Leveraged evidence-based theories to develop and refine retention strategies, continuously analyzing program effectiveness and student needs for optimal outcomes
• Spearheaded retention initiatives, driving rates from 36% to 61% through targeted strategies and continuous program refinement

• Directed strategic planning to enhance student retention and inclusivity, fostering a supportive campus
• Led the campus Behavior Intervention Team (BIT), overseeing crisis interventions, coordinating mental health support, and enhancing student success outcomes
• Optimized new student orientation (SOAR) program, boosting new student engagement and academic preparedness through on campus initiatives
• Championed ADA compliance initiatives, creating an inclusive campus environment and ensuring equal access for all students
• Spearheaded campus-wide inclusivity initiatives, fostering a supportive environment and driving measurable improvements in student retention rates
• Revamped career services program, introducing cutting-edge tools and resources that substantially enhanced student career exploration and job placement outcomes
• Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth
• Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.

• Managed a caseload of undecided and students across majors, provided counseling to diverse students, improving academic performance and personal growth
• Offered short-term counseling, and academic advising to students facing behavioral health and academic challenges
• Facilitated crisis interventions and group sessions, enhancing student support and well-being
• Partnered with local high schools to ensure seamless transition of services for students with disabilities, promoting inclusive education
• Coached students in the development of academic and social skills, assisted with the process of making career decisions
• Utilized evidence-based practices and career assessment tools to guide students in making informed academic and career decisions
• Spearheaded the development, coordination of and evaluated the effectiveness of the African American Male Leadership Institute (AAMLI) mentoring and retention services program. Mentored African American female participants in the sister circle leadership development program
• Collaborated with Student Development Services and Academic Affairs for college wide enrollment and registration. Served as a member of the college’s crisis response team and judicial committee as assigned

• Facilitated the adult learning process
• Encouraged the philosophy of and mission of the institution, devised student learning materials, taught subject matter using various learning materials and equipment, participated in faculty meetings, maintained records of attendance, involvement and progress, evaluated student performance promptly and accurately based on departmental rubrics
• Courses Taught - COL 105: Freshman Seminar, IDS 102: Leadership Development

• Utilized a variety of instructional strategies to engage adult learning, devised student learning material, communicated with students to provide supplementary instruction, participated in faculty meetings, maintained records of attendance, evaluated student performance promptly
• Courses Taught - SSC 303: Social Problems, University 101: Introduction to College

• Facilitated in-person adult learning using teaching strategies and learning styles per individual
• Utilized a variety of instructional strategies to engage adult learning, cooperative and experiential learning, devised student learning materials, enactment of student-centered learning, communicated with students to provide supplementary instruction, implementation of research-based strategies
• Courses Taught - SSC 308: Social Problems