Taylor J. Austin
Special Assistant To The President
Norman,OK
Summary
Strategic higher education administrator with 10+ years of experience supporting senior executives, managing complex operations, and advancing institutional priorities across domestic and international campuses. Proven success as Special Assistant to the President at the University of Oklahoma, with expertise in executive communications, board relations, project management, and cross-campus initiatives. Recognized for discretion, collaboration, and translating vision into actionable outcomes.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Assistant to the President
University of Oklahoma (OU)
Norman, Oklahoma
08.2020 - Current
- Serve as a senior aide and trusted advisor to the President, managing executive priorities, high-level initiatives, and sensitive communications.
- Coordinate the Board of Regents and senior leadership engagement, preparing briefing materials, agendas, presentations, and follow-up reports.
- Draft speeches, communications, and briefing memos, ensuring consistency with institutional strategy and messaging.
- Lead cross-campus projects, collaborating with academic, athletic, and administrative units to advance strategic priorities.
- Act as a liaison with external stakeholders, including legislators, alumni, donors, and community leaders, supporting outreach and engagement initiatives.
- Oversee executive calendar management, scheduling high-profile meetings, events, and campus-wide initiatives.
- Plan and execute university events, including ceremonies, special programs, and recognition initiatives.
- Provide executive-level support in decision-making, problem-solving, and policy implementation.
- Manage confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
- Mentor and support staff on strategic project coordination, communications, and stakeholder engagement.
- Track, report, and evaluate progress on key initiatives to ensure alignment with institutional goals.
Senior Administrative Coordinator – Student Affairs
Texas A&M College of Medicine
Temple, TX
05.2019 - 08.2020
- Managed execution and review of Student Performance & Development Evaluations.
- Coordinated campus projects to meet strict deadlines.
- Administered Program Directors Survey and compiled qualitative and quantitative results.
- Served as main point of contact for clinical rotations, scheduling, evaluations, dean’s letters, the Residency Match process, and graduation.
- Collaborated with faculty and staff across departments to support student academic and professional development.
- Drafted, proofread, and presented memos, reports, and presentations.
- Planned and executed orientations, meetings, trainings, elective fairs, and graduation recognition ceremonies.
Assistant Director – Europe
University of Oklahoma – Europe
08.2016 - 11.2018
- Managed day-to-day operations and served as primary point of contact for OU Europe campuses.
- Oversaw 14 offices across Europe, ensuring accurate reporting and compliance.
- Developed and coordinated graduate program course schedules and monitored degree progress.
- Advised students on academic policies and degree requirements.
- Assisted in recruitment, hiring, training, and evaluation of Europe staff.
- Maintained budgets, reconciled purchase card accounts, and provided financial reporting.
- Planned and coordinated organization-wide annual conferences and community outreach events.
Office Manager & Ph.D. Site Director
University of Oklahoma – Europe
05.2015 - 08.2016
- Served as point of contact for graduate and Ph.D. program inquiries.
- Facilitated government deliverables and maintained compliance with the Tri-Services Education Contract.
- Coordinated graduation recognition ceremonies for all eligible students in Europe.
- Managed employee records, travel logistics, timesheets, and onboarding processes for 14 sites.
- Assisted in marketing programs, conducting community outreach, and providing information sessions.
Assistant Site Director
University of Oklahoma – Ramstein
08.2014 - 04.2015
- Supported students with graduate applications, course enrollment, and degree plans.
- Acted as liaison between European students and the Norman, OK campus.
- Assisted students with financial aid, tuition, billing, and scholarships.
- Coordinated outreach and marketing events to promote graduate programs.
Education
Master of Human Relations -
The University of Oklahoma
Norman, OK08.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
The University of Alaska
Anchorage, AK05.2013
Skills
- Executive Leadership Support Strategic Project Management Board & Government Relations
- Executive Communications External & Community Relations Cross-Institutional Coordination
- International Partnerships Organizational Development Event & Program Leadership
Timeline
Special Assistant to the President
University of Oklahoma (OU)
08.2020 - Current
Senior Administrative Coordinator – Student Affairs
Texas A&M College of Medicine
05.2019 - 08.2020
Assistant Director – Europe
University of Oklahoma – Europe
08.2016 - 11.2018
Office Manager & Ph.D. Site Director
University of Oklahoma – Europe
05.2015 - 08.2016
Assistant Site Director
University of Oklahoma – Ramstein
08.2014 - 04.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
The University of Alaska
Master of Human Relations -
The University of Oklahoma
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