Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Top Skills for Vice President of Student Affairs
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Wendy Arzate

Chicago,IL

Summary

Innovative and equity-focused leader with extensive experience in strategic planning, student success initiatives, and continuous improvement within academic institutions. Expertise in institutional governance, budget oversight, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to advance retention and equity goals. Ready to drive impactful change as Vice President of Student Affairs, leveraging data-driven strategies to support student achievement and inclusion.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Interim Dean of Office of Instruction

Malcolm X College
01.2025 - Current
  • Spearheaded strategic oversight of instructional departments, driving performance improvement plan conversations to support faculty development, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Supervised a dedicated team of 8 professionals within the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) Works initiative, fostering collaboration, accountability, and high-quality service delivery.
  • Managed and presented a comprehensive $10 million academic budget, aligning fiscal priorities with institutional goals and ensuring efficient resource distribution across departments.
  • Directed the CCC Compliments and Complaints System, providing responsive and student-centered leadership to resolve concerns and implement institutional feedback loops.
  • Initiated efforts to promote and empower collaboration among administrative staff, including the Associate Deans, to ensure an equitable distribution of responsibilities across the Office of Instruction.
  • Partnered with Associate Deans to manage departmental budgets and align instructional initiatives with the MXC Strategic Plan, Equity Plan, and Achieve the Dream Action Plan.
  • Led deans, department, and department chair meetings alongside Associate Deans, setting clear norms and expectations to ensure productivity and timely follow-through on action items.
  • Co-developed a faculty-facing feedback tool to support use of the Course Success Rate Dashboard, enhancing instructional effectiveness and promoting student achievement.
  • Began implementation of equitable workload expectations for administrative assistants in the Office of Instruction.
  • Coordinated the Summer 2025 Summer Start program, overseeing planning, implementation, and evaluation to ensure a supportive and impactful experience for students.
  • Collaborated with Associate Deans and Department Chairs to investigate and resolve all written complaints submitted through the CCC Compliments and Complaints System.
  • Collaborated with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Academy and the Assessment Committee to co-author the HLC Institutional Action Plan and define next steps for AY 2025–2026.
  • Served on the Executive Assessment Committee, ensuring that assessment plans reflect current institutional initiatives and align with Malcolm X's Institutional Assessment Handbook and HLC standards.
  • Partnered with the Office of Institutional Effectiveness to drive instructional improvements using equity dashboards, course-level data, and targeted student success metrics.
  • Led the development and submission of Program Review Reports for Humanities & Fine Arts and Library Services, including the ICCB Performance and Equity section.
  • Developed and expanded flexible academic options by increasing the number of 8-week course offerings, low-cost/no-fee classes, and Guaranteed-to-Run (GTR) courses.
  • Chaired the Malcolm X Centennial Celebration Committee, leading the design and execution of a commemorative event marking the 100th anniversary of Malcolm X's birth.
  • Co-Chaired the Faculty Development Week Committee, curating impactful professional development programming that supports faculty growth and instructional excellence.
  • Led strategic initiatives to enhance academic programs and student engagement.
  • Fostered partnerships with community organizations to enrich educational resources and opportunities.
  • Oversaw faculty recruitment, training, and professional development initiatives for continuous improvement.
  • Analyzed institutional performance data to inform decision-making and resource allocation strategies.
  • Cultivated an inclusive campus culture promoting diversity, equity, and student success initiatives.
  • Facilitated data-driven decision making by utilizing assessment tools to evaluate program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

Director of Academic Projects

Malcolm X College
09.2023 - 01.2025
  • Streamlined the Sabbatical, Promotion In Rank, tenure and post-tenure processes by optimizing academic workflows and ensuring strict adherence to institutional policies and collective bargaining agreements.
  • Designed and led comprehensive onboarding and training programs for administrators and new hires, clarifying procedural expectations around tenure, promotion, and faculty development.
  • Co-coordinated Faculty Development Week 2024 and 2025, contributing to schedule development, producing a digital handbook, managing virtual logistics via Zoom, and supporting the seamless execution of all activities.
  • Oversaw faculty activity tracking through the Faculty Service App, ensuring timely and accurate submission of service confirmations aligned with spring semester requirements.
  • Co-developed and implemented the Malcolm X Teacher Program Form App, leading in-service training and individual coaching sessions to enhance user adoption, efficiency, and data integrity.
  • Audited and validated documentation for a wide range of faculty personnel actions, including lane advancements, sabbaticals, and rank promotions, to ensure accuracy and compliance.
  • Collaborated with the Office of Institutional Effectiveness to develop and implement Student Course Evaluation Work plans for Tenure, Post-Tenure, TAP, Adjunct Faculty, and Accredited Programs.
  • Served as a member of the Executive Assessment Committee, evaluating departmental assessment plans for alignment with Malcolm X College's Institutional Student Learning Outcomes.
  • Directed all communications, data tracking, and event logistics for the Spring 2025 Malcolm X Mentorship Program, including agenda development and stakeholder engagement.
  • Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
  • Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Lead Coach

Francisco I. Madero Middle School
08.2022 - 09.2023
  • Collaborated with 25 classroom teachers, five instructional leadership teams, school principals, and professional development providers within Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to design and implement strategic action plans and continuous improvement strategies aligned with the CPS Framework for Teaching and district-wide instructional priorities.
  • Led departmental and interdisciplinary meetings to facilitate learning cycles, provide instructional feedback, and analyze student data and work samples.
  • Conducted instructional core walks focused on learning environment quality, academic rigor, differentiated instruction, and student engagement.
  • Facilitated discipline-specific curriculum development across departments to ensure alignment with CPS academic standards and the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (MYP) criteria, promoting coherence and rigor in instructional planning.
  • Provided individualized coaching support to teachers to enhance instructional practices, promote reflective teaching, and integrate culturally responsive pedagogy.
  • Established a regular cadence for departmental collaboration, ensuring consistent communication, shared planning, and alignment with school-wide goals.
  • Developed and implemented a structured coaching cycle and support plan for all teachers, fostering continuous instructional improvement and professional growth.
  • Supported the development and execution of the school's Continuous Improvement Work Plan (CIWP), aligning instructional strategies with CPS performance metrics and equity goals.
  • Regularly reported progress toward school improvement goals to leadership teams through scheduled check-ins and data-informed reflections.
  • Designed and facilitated professional learning experiences for CPS educators, focusing on instructional best practices, student-centered learning, and data-driven decision-making.
  • Developed and implemented individualized coaching plans for diverse student populations.
  • Facilitated professional development workshops for educators to enhance instructional strategies.
  • Mentored teaching staff, fostering collaboration and enhancing classroom management skills.
  • Analyzed student performance data to identify areas for improvement and inform instructional strategies.
  • Streamlined communication channels between faculty, students, and administration to improve feedback loops.
  • Advocated for best practices in pedagogy through regular observations and constructive feedback sessions.
  • Enhanced team performance by implementing new coaching strategies and techniques.

Out of School Time Lead

Francisco I. Madero Middle School
01.2022 - 06.2023
  • Led the recruitment, training, supervision, and evaluation of 25 staff members to support multiple program areas, including direct oversight of the Out-of-School Time (OST) Program at Madero School.
  • Managed biweekly payroll processing and ensured compliance with CPS operational procedures.
  • Implemented high-quality program expectations across all OST initiatives, aligning with CPS standards and student development goals.
  • Developed and distributed instructional and enrichment resources to support both staff and student success.
  • Facilitated stakeholder engagement by building strong partnerships with families, students, and educators.
  • Utilized presentations, classroom visits, marketing materials, flyers, and digital content to promote program visibility and participation.
  • Oversaw daily program operations, conducted site visits, and led continuous quality improvement efforts through structured evaluations, feedback collection, and data-informed decision-making.
  • Planned, organized, and coordinated daily schedules and enrichment activities, ensuring alignment with student interests, academic support needs, and community engagement goals.
  • Prepared and monitored program budgets over $30,000, ensuring accurate financial reporting and strategic allocation of resources to maximize impact for students and educators.
  • Maintained inventory and managed procurement of supplies and equipment to support OST programming, ensuring timely distribution and resource availability.
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Managed time efficiently to complete all tasks within deadlines.
  • Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.

International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme Coordinator

Francisco I. Madero Middle School
08.2018 - 06.2022
  • Led the implementation and continuous improvement of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) within Madero Middle School, aligning curriculum, instruction, and assessment with IB philosophy, CPS instructional priorities, and postsecondary readiness standards.
  • Facilitated MYP curriculum planning meetings with over 25 faculty members across disciplines, guiding the development of subject group overviews, course assessment frameworks, unit plans, and task-specific rubrics aligned with IB MYP objectives and criteria.
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive assessment plans that emphasized authentic, criterion-related evaluation, supporting faculty in designing rigorous, standards-aligned assessments that promote critical thinking and global competencies.
  • Led data-driven instructional conversations with teachers and school leadership, using student achievement data to inform differentiated instruction, identify skill gaps, and enhance academic outcomes.
  • Provided professional development and coaching to staff, students, and families on the IB MYP philosophy, aims, and requirements through structured workshops, one-on-one coaching, and community engagement sessions.
  • Ensured compliance with IB regulations and assessment protocols while fostering innovation in internal assessment practices.
  • Successfully coordinated the school's five-year IB evaluation visit, including completion of the self-study, evidence collection, and post-visit response management.
  • Designed and implemented an IB MYP onboarding and training program for new teachers, including mentorship assignments, discipline-specific PD, and ongoing support to ensure instructional alignment with IB standards.
  • Managed the IB MYP program budget, strategically allocating resources to support curriculum development, professional learning, and instructional materials aligned with program goals.
  • Organized and facilitated internal and external professional development, including attendance at IB conferences and workshops, ensuring faculty remained current with evolving IB practices and global education trends.

Education

Education Masters - Educational Leadership

American College of Education
Indianapolis, Indiana
01.2020

Masters of Science - Science Education

DePaul University
Chicago, IL
05.2007

Bachelor's Education - Elementary Education

Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL
12.1999

Skills

  • Bilingual: Fluent in Spanish and English
  • District Computer Applications: Fluent in using CS9, Sharepoint, and Qualtrics to maintain employee, student, and school records
  • Microsoft Office 365: Proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other Office 365 applications
  • Communication Skills: Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Dedication: Passionate and dedicated to serving children and families
  • Team Player: Service-centered, team player with a high work ethic and standards
  • Collaboration: Collaborative and experienced in team building
  • Project Management: Experienced in launching, organizing, and managing projects
  • Educational Standards: Knowledgeable with HLC, Talents of Teaching, Malcolm X Strategic Plan, Equity Plan, and Achieve the Dream Action Plan that align with Malcolm X's mission and vision
  • Learning Environment: Skilled in creating a learning environment that fosters student success
  • Assessment Improvement: Proficient in improving assessment of student learning

Accomplishments

  • Selected as a member of 2025-2026 Seventh Cohort of HACU's Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo
  • Collaborated with team of 20 in the development of Malcolm X Centennial Celebration
  • Achieved the implemented of the Malcolm X Teacher Program Form App, leading in-service training and individual coaching sessions to enhance user adoption, efficiency, and data integrity.
  • Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets for Summer Start Programs and Academic Processes.

Certification

  • Fostering a Culture of Belonging Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) 2025 Certificate in Effective Teaching Practice Framework
  • Association of College and University Educators 2024 BSP 201 Certificate: Certificate of Completion Course Name: BSP 201-D0075-041425-Teaching Async Online Learning Courses at CCC
  • English As a Second Language 5th – 8th
  • Elementary Education K – 9
  • General Science 5th – 8th
  • Language Arts 5th – 8th
  • IB MYP Individuals and Societies IB MYP Language Acquisition (Spanish)
  • IB MYP Creating Authentic Units IB MYP Inclusion and Diversity

Top Skills for Vice President of Student Affairs

  • Strategic Leadership & Institutional Planning
  • Proven ability to align initiatives with institutional mission, vision, and equity goals.
  • Student Success & Retention Strategies
  • Expertise in designing first-year experience programs, guided pathways, and equity-driven student support systems.
  • Equity, Inclusion & Community Engagement
  • Leadership in culturally responsive programming and inclusive leadership development.
  • Assessment, Accreditation & Institutional Effectiveness
  • Experience co-authoring accreditation reports and leading program reviews aligned with HLC and ICCB standards.
  • Faculty & Staff Development
  • Skilled in onboarding, mentorship, and professional development for academic leaders and faculty.
  • Conflict Resolution & Student Advocacy
  • Strong background in managing complex student and faculty complaints with a student-centered approach.
  • Cross-Functional Team Leadership
  • Demonstrated success in leading collaborative initiatives across departments and governance structures.
  • Budget Management & Resource Allocation
  • Oversight of multimillion-dollar academic budgets and strategic resource distribution.
  • Data-Informed Decision-Making
  • Use of equity dashboards, course-level data, and institutional metrics to drive continuous improvement.
  • Technology Integration & Operational Excellence
  • Implementation of digital tools for academic workflows, faculty tracking, and program evaluation.

Languages

Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Interim Dean of Office of Instruction

Malcolm X College
01.2025 - Current

Director of Academic Projects

Malcolm X College
09.2023 - 01.2025

Lead Coach

Francisco I. Madero Middle School
08.2022 - 09.2023

Out of School Time Lead

Francisco I. Madero Middle School
01.2022 - 06.2023

International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme Coordinator

Francisco I. Madero Middle School
08.2018 - 06.2022

Education Masters - Educational Leadership

American College of Education

Masters of Science - Science Education

DePaul University

Bachelor's Education - Elementary Education

Eastern Illinois University

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