Tara Zirkel
Miami
Summary
Accomplished leader with expertise in quantitative and qualitative research, driving impactful initiatives in higher education. Proven ability to translate complex findings into actionable strategies for student success and institutional decision-making.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Strategic Research
EAB
07.2022 - Current
- Lead EAB's research agenda on student success, enrollment, AI, and higher education strategy, conducting original mixed method research that informs institutional decision making and market positioning.
- Publish 4+ original research studies, deliver 10+ executive webinars, and present at 5+ national conferences annually, translating research into practical guidance for higher education leaders.
- Serve as EAB's community college and student success subject matter expert, advising internal stakeholders and representing the organization through media interviews, conference presentations, and executive briefings.
- Translate complex research into compelling thought leadership and market narratives that strengthen EAB's brand, support product strategy, and engage prospective partners.
Director, Community College Enrollment & Retention
Blackboard
09.2021 - 07.2022
- Served as Blackboard's subject matter expert on community college enrollment and retention, advising product strategy and solution development to address institutional priorities and emerging trends.
- Partnered with executive leaders and enrollment teams to understand strategic goals and recommend technology and service solutions that improved enrollment, retention, and student success initiatives.
Senior Education Designer
Education Design Lab
03.2021 - 08.2021
- Led the Community College Growth Engine Fund's national human centered design initiative, guiding a cohort of 10 community colleges through the co-creation of workforce aligned microcredential programs with students, employers, and institutional leaders.
- Directed a six member team that facilitated cross sector design thinking workshops, resulting in the development of more than 20 new academic and workforce programs aligned with regional labor market needs.
Senior Manager, Community College Partnerships
RaiseMe
06.2018 - 03.2021
- Led RaiseMe's national community college partnership strategy, expanding the network to more than 50 partner institutions in three years to increase student access to transfer micro scholarships.
- Built and managed strategic relationships with community college leaders nationwide, helping institutions leverage transfer scholarships to support student access and bachelor's degree attainment.
- Served as the organization's community college subject matter expert, advising product, marketing, and sales teams on sector trends, institutional priorities, and best practices to strengthen strategy and market positioning.
Dean, Distance Education + Education Centers
Westmoreland County Community College
05.2016 - 05.2016
- Directed operations for six educational centers, overseeing academic programming, staffing, student success, and campus safety to ensure high quality educational services and operational excellence.
- Led the institution's distance education strategy, providing leadership in instructional design, faculty development, regulatory compliance, learning technology, program evaluation, and student outcomes to strengthen online teaching and learning
Director of Admissions
Community College of Allegheny County
05.2012 - 05.2016
- Developed strategic recruitment initiatives to enhance student enrollment and retention.
- Led cross-departmental collaborations to streamline admissions processes and improve service delivery.
- Analyzed data trends to inform decision-making and optimize outreach efforts for prospective students.
- Oversaw implementation of new admissions software enhancing application processing efficiency.
Education
Ed.D. - Higher Education Leadership & Administration
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, PA06-2018
Master of Arts - Sociology
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, PA05-2007
Skills
- Quantitative and qualitative research
- Strategic planning
- Design thinking
- Verbal and written communication
Timeline
Director, Strategic Research
EAB
07.2022 - Current
Director, Community College Enrollment & Retention
Blackboard
09.2021 - 07.2022
Senior Education Designer
Education Design Lab
03.2021 - 08.2021
Senior Manager, Community College Partnerships
RaiseMe
06.2018 - 03.2021
Dean, Distance Education + Education Centers
Westmoreland County Community College
05.2016 - 05.2016
Director of Admissions
Community College of Allegheny County
05.2012 - 05.2016
Ed.D. - Higher Education Leadership & Administration
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Master of Arts - Sociology
Indiana University of Pennsylvania