Thomas A. Jefferson
Stow,OH
Summary
Professional with strong background in program management and coordination. Skilled in stakeholder communication, project planning, and issue resolution. Known for fostering team collaboration and driving results in dynamic environments. Adept at adapting to changing needs and ensuring seamless program execution.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Education Program Liaison
Akron Children's Hospital
Akron, OH
12.2022 - Current
- This was a brand-new position for the hospital. All programs, initiatives, and services were developed from the ground up.
- Career Academy Liaison/Coordinator of Special Projects, Ext. Affairs Jan2018 to 2022
- Special Projects- Advised, supported and assisted the Chief Engagement Officer & Vice President of External Affairs with special projects. Gathered, analyzed, and served as liaison over multiple short-term projects. Collaborated with individuals internal and external to the hospital. Serve as liaison for related projects. Serve on various internal and external committees. Hospital liaison for Leadership Akron. Assisted with presenting unity and engagement presentation for new employee orientation.
- Career Academy- A majority of the students served are first-generation, minority, refugee, and/or international. Responsible for oversight and day to day implementation of the hospital’s partnership with Akron Public Schools (APS). Streamlined all communications, outreach, requests, and partnership development between the two organizations. Recognized the strengths of each entity, and made connections for continued growth and support. Maintained regular communication, developed relationships with stakeholders and compiled an inventory of needs and assets. Developed various programs and initiatives to support the partnership with APS ranging from speakers, industry field trips (leading to CPR certification), job shadow experiences (students & teachers), paid summer internships, and a scholar cohort program for high achieving students within the partnership. Worked collaboratively with various hospital departments for program implementation. Expanded the program to work at the middle school level for access and engagement opportunities. Continue to expand precollege educational partnerships, access, and engagement experiences. Conducted numerous presentations for students on a variety of topics.
Founder and Executive Director
Jefferson Family Foundation
Ohio
12.2020 - Current
- Founded a non-profit with the main focus to shrink educational, and socio-economic barriers for first-generation, low-income students, veterans and families. Responsible for programming and financial management of the Foundation. Developed scholarships and outreach/engagement efforts to benefit first-generation and veteran students. Recruited Board of Directors. Developed relationships with supporters, and potential stakeholders and funders.
Director, TRIO Upward Bound Classic Academy
Kent State University
Kent, OH
07.2013 - 01.2018
- Responsible for grant oversight and implementation of services for first-generation and low-income college bound students. Possesses in-depth knowledge and expertise of TRIO legislation and regulations. Responsible for development of and monitoring of program budget (approximately $500,000 per year). Responsible for grant writing and successful renewal of grant. Worked collaboratively with Sponsored Programs and Grants Accounting for grant compliance. Collected data and led effort for evaluations and annual reports for the University and the U.S. Department of Education. Responsible for the professional development of three full-time staff members. Recruited and responsible for undergraduate and graduate interns. Trained, supervised and evaluated summer staff (resident directors, instructors, mentors, academic coaches). Supervised student employees and part time staff (school liaisons and tutors). Conferenced with parents/guardians about academic progress of students. Collaborated with school personnel (principals and guidance counselors) to implement innovative academic support services for participants. Collaborated with Kent State University’s Colleges of Business; Aeronautics and Engineering; Communication Information; Architecture and Environmental Design; and Nursing and Department of Psychological Sciences for programming for program participants. Provided academic, career, social and personal counseling for program participants. Developed Plans for Postsecondary for program participants to remediate academic deficiencies and enhance academic strengths. Maintained accurate records of program activities and student academic progress, including roster and directory upkeep. Developed program recruitment plan for new participants. Conducted on-site visits to high schools. Organized college tours and campus visitation days. Developed Saturday Pre-College Sessions, activities, and curriculum. Facilitated Parent Advisory Council meetings and parent workshops. Administered college readiness tests and workshops. Conducted academic and career assessments. Assisted students in completing college, financial aid, and scholarship applications. Maintained communication with alumni to monitor postsecondary persistence. Completed training and led efforts for the Summer Food Services Program.
- INTERIM Senior Director, TRIO Upward Bound Programs Jan 2017 to Apr 2017
- Associate Director, TRIO Upward Bound Classic Academy June 2012 to July 2013
- Assistant Director, TRIO Upward Bound Classic Academy Apr 2008 to June 2012
Doctoral Intern
Kent State University
Kent, OH
01.2017 - 08.2017
- Office of the President
Residence Hall Director
Kent State University
Kent, OH
07.2007 - 04.2008
- Department of Residence Services
First Year Experience Residence Hall Director
Kent State University
Kent, OH
07.2005 - 07.2007
- Department of Residence Services
Summer Hall Director
Kent State University
Kent, OH
06.2004 - 07.2006
- TRIO Upward Bound Programs
Intern/Practicum
Kent State University
Kent, OH
01.2005 - 05.2005
- Dean of Students/Ombudsman Office
Assistant Residence Hall Director
Kent State University
Kent, OH
07.2003 - 05.2005
- Department of Residence Services
Intern/Practicum Student
Mount Union College
Alliance, OH
08.2004 - 12.2004
- Office of Student Involvement & Leadership
Intern/Practicum Student
Kent State University
Kent, OH
12.2003 - 05.2004
- Office of University Orientation
Education
Ph.D. - Higher Education Administration Student Personnel
Kent State University
Kent, OH08-2020
Certificates - Institutional Research and Assessment, College Teaching
Kent, OH05-2018
M.Ed. - Higher Education Administration Student Personnel
Kent State University
Kent, OH05-2005
BA - Physical Education, Multi-Age Education & Health
Mount Union College
Alliance, OH05-2003
Skills
- Servant Leader
- Detail Oriented
- Team Work
- Fast Learner
- Results Oriented
- Trustworthy
Affiliations
- Akron NAACP, 2022 – 2023 Member
- American College Personnel Association (ACPA), 2020-2021 Member
- Educational Opportunity Association (EOA), 2008 - present Member. Association formerly was known as the Mid-America Association for Educational Opportunity Program Personnel (MAEOPP)
- Leadership Akron Alum, 2021-present Member
- Ohio TRIO, 2008 - present Member
- Ohio Association for College Admission Counseling (OACAC), 2015 - 2019 Member
- National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), 2020 - 2023 Member
Timeline
Education Program Liaison
Akron Children's Hospital
12.2022 - Current
Founder and Executive Director
Jefferson Family Foundation
12.2020 - Current
Doctoral Intern
Kent State University
01.2017 - 08.2017
Director, TRIO Upward Bound Classic Academy
Kent State University
07.2013 - 01.2018
Residence Hall Director
Kent State University
07.2007 - 04.2008
First Year Experience Residence Hall Director
Kent State University
07.2005 - 07.2007
Intern/Practicum
Kent State University
01.2005 - 05.2005
Intern/Practicum Student
Mount Union College
08.2004 - 12.2004
Summer Hall Director
Kent State University
06.2004 - 07.2006
Intern/Practicum Student
Kent State University
12.2003 - 05.2004
Assistant Residence Hall Director
Kent State University
07.2003 - 05.2005
Ph.D. - Higher Education Administration Student Personnel
Kent State University
Certificates - Institutional Research and Assessment, College Teaching
M.Ed. - Higher Education Administration Student Personnel
Kent State University
BA - Physical Education, Multi-Age Education & Health
Mount Union College
PRESENTATIONS AND INVITED SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
- Presenter, Leadership Akron, Diversity on Board- Leadership and Board Experience, November 2024
- Panelist, Ford Next Generation Learning, Optimizing Internal Structures and Processes for Successful School-Employer Partnerships, October 2024
- Panelist, Ford Next Generation Learning, Insights from the Frontlines: Strategies and Successes from Engaged Organizations, September 2024
- Panelist, Akron Public Schools, Akron In Action Conference, Business partner representative, September 2022; October 2023
- Panelist, Akron Public Schools, College and Career Academies Showcase, Business partner representative, March 2022
- Panelist, University of Mount Union, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Alumni Panel “Careers That Bring About Change”, January 2022
- Co-Presenter, Pipeline Programs, Children’s Hospital Association Community Health Group, December 2021
- Co-Presenter, Partner Exemplar- Business Engagement, Akron Public Schools- Elementary College and Career Academy Master Planning Session, August 2021
- Co-Presenter, How To Improve Your Partnership, Akron Public Schools Aligning Leaders with Learners Event, June 2021
- Conference Co-presenter, Assessment: What’s The Mystery?; Educational Opportunity Association Annual Conference, November 2017
- Conference Presenter, Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc. Alpha Chi Chapter; Latina Youth Leadership Conference, 2016
- Guest Presenter, Student Affairs Function Class (Graduate Level), 2016
- Guest Presenter, “The Success of Upward Bound” Barberton Kiwanis Club, 2015
- Keynote Address, “What is Your Purpose” Kirkmere 8th grade graduation, 2015.
- Workshop, “Deconstructing the role of COE, Fair Share & TRIO: Common Questions & Myths” Ohio TRIO Professional Conference, 2013.
- Workshop, “Campus Connections…Are You Hooked Up?” MAEOPP Professional Conference, 2012.
- Workshop, “GOT ELI? A Look at the Emerging Leaders Institute” MAEOPP Professional Conference, 2012.
- Workshop, “GOT ELI? A Look at the Emerging Leaders Institute” Ohio TRIO Professional Conference, 2011.
- Keynote Address, “What is Your Purpose” Rayen High School Class 1999 Reunion, 2010.
PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE ATTENDANCE
- ACPA, 2005 & 2007
- ACT College Readiness Workshop, 2015 – 2016
- College Board Counselor Workshop, 2016
- Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) Policy Seminar, 2013 – 2017
- Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) National Conference, 2014
- Department of Education Seminar, 2014 – 2017
- EOA/MAEOPP, 2008 – 2016
- OACAC Articulation, 2015 – 2016
- Ohio TRIO, 2009 – 2017
FUNDRAISING
- Ohio TRIO
- Chair- COE Fair Share, 2010 – 2014, 2016 – 2018
- Successfully raised more than $85,000 annually through memberships and individual contributions in support for the Council for Opportunity In Education for advocacy efforts
- President, 2015
- Successfully raised $7,000 in support for the Student Leadership Conference
COMPUTER SKILLS
- Applications: Google and Microsoft Office suite
- Platforms: Blumen Software
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
- Arlington Church of God
- Member- Finance Committee, 2023 - present
- Member- Men on the Move Committee, 2026 - present
- Akron NAACP
- Member, 2022-2023
- Akron Public Schools
- Member- Steering Committee for the College and Career Academies, 2022 - present
- Planning Committee- Action In Action Conference, 2022
- Member- Advisory Board for the Akron Children’s Hospital Academy of Health & Human Services at North High School, 2021 - Present
- Member- Advisory Board for Jennings CLC, 2022 - present
- Co-Chair- Advisory Board for the Akron Children’s Hospital Academy of Health & Human Services at North High School, 2019 - 2021
- Akron Symphony Orchestra
- Board Member, 2021- present
- Committee Member- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, 2020-present
- Chair, 2022-present
- ConxusNEO
- Member- Healthcare Sector College & Career Academy partnership, 2020 - 2022
- EOA/MAEOPP
- Chair- Men of Excellence Conference, 2015 – 2017
- Moderator- Professional Conference, 2015, 2016
- Co-Chair- Special Concerns & Affiliations Committee, 2013
- Ohio TRIO Representative- Emerging Leaders Institute, 2011
- Greater Akron Chamber
- Diversity Professional Roundtable Group, 2021-2023
- Kent State University
- University Diversity Action Council, 2014 – 2017
- Martin Luther King Jr Committee, 2010 – 2012
- Chair- Resident Assistant Recruitment and Selection Committee, 2006
- Leadership Akron
- Diversity on Board: Class 5, 2020-2021
- Ohio TRIO
- Parliamentarian, 2017
- Immediate Past President, 2016
- Chair- COE Fair Share, 2016 – 2018 & 2010 – 2014
- President, 2015
- President- Elect, 2014
- Chair- Professional Development Conference, 2014 & 2012
- Stow-Munroe Falls Schools
- Member- District wide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee. Member of the Policy and Hiring subcommittee, 2020 - 2024
- Member- Kimpton Middle School Inclusivity committee 2020 -2022
PEER- REVIEWED BEST PRACTICES
Jefferson, T., Rivera, K., Brown, S. “Senior Curriculum- College Exploratory,” National EOA Best Practices Center, 2015.
HONORS AND AWARDS
Heart to Heart Purposeful Leadership Program 2022, Ohio TRIO- Joseph D. Lewis Trailblazer Award 2022, Diversity on Board: Class 5 2020-2021, Educational Opportunity Association- Men of Excellence Conference 2018, Ohio TRIO- Louis M. Brownlowe New Professional Award 2012, Emerging Leaders Institute 2011, Kent State University Residence Services Staff of the Year 2006, Kent State University Residence Services Graduate Mentorship Award 2005, Mount Union College Most Outstanding Senior Male 2003, Mount Union College Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award 2003
PUBLICATIONS
Newspaper Article Jefferson, T., “I Learn From Others, They Learn From Me”, Alliance Review, 2003.