William Soto
Miami,USA
Summary
Dynamic higher education leader with extensive experience at Miami Dade College, excelling in strategic planning and team management. Proven track record of enhancing student retention and implementing successful programs, including a 30% increase in applicants. Adept at resource management and fostering diversity, driving continuous improvement in student services. Innovative leader in student services with a strong track record in strategic planning and policy development. Skilled in stakeholder engagement and financial oversight, successfully directing multiple departments to align with college goals and improve student outcomes.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Dean of Student Services - Wolfson Campus
Miami Dade College
Miami, USA
01.2023 - Current
- Oversee student services operations at Wolfson Campus of Miami Dade College.
- Direct leadership, guidance, and oversight for multiple student services departments, including New Student Center, Recruitment, Academic Advisement, Financial Aid, Admissions and Registration, International Student Services, Student Life, and Single Stop Center.
- Direct financial operations of the campus through strategic budget development and oversight.
- Collaborate with Dean of Faculty and Department Chairperson to boost enrollment and support student retention.
- Oversee, coordinate, and guide a team of more than 70 staff members alongside 11 directors.
- Spearheaded Campus Enrollment Management team as Cabinet sponsor.
- Directed strategic planning initiatives for Student Services Division to align with college goals and values.
- Coordinated academic schedule for over 1,800 sections with Dean of Faculty.
Adjunct Professor - School of Education at Eduardo Padron Campus
Miami Dade College
Miami, USA
01.2022 - Current
- Facilitate interactive classroom discussions to enrich students' learning experiences.
- Develop engaging course materials tailored for diverse student populations.
- Provide academic support and mentorship to students beyond scheduled class hours.
Adjunct Professor at Broward College - Online Campus
Broward College
Pembroke Pines, USA
01.2019 - Current
- Instruct junior and senior courses in School of Education for teachers pursuing ESOL endorsement.
- Evaluate student assignments, providing constructive feedback to enhance performance.
Adjunct Professor - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Miami Dade College
Miami, USA
01.2002 - Current
- Instructed acquisition learners in English as a second language across multiple proficiency levels.
- Developed comprehensive EAP curriculum focusing on reading, writing, grammar, and speaking skills.
Dean of Student Services - Medical Campus
Miami Dade College
Miami, USA
01.2020 - 01.2023
- Directed comprehensive student services at Medical Campus of Miami Dade College.
- Managed enrollment, academic guidance, job placement, financial aid, and student life initiatives.
- Oversaw financial operations, developing and monitoring assigned budgets.
- Collaborated with deans to enhance enrollment and improve student retention.
- Achieved 30% growth in applicant pool across all medical programs.
- Secured $10,000 in external funding to establish campus food pantry.
- Spearheaded integration of Maxient tool for operational efficiency.
- Selected for inaugural College president's leadership program.
Dean of Student Services | Judson A. Samuels - South Campus & Partnership Centers
Broward College
Pembroke Pines, USA
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Led and managed inclusive student services program, including admissions, academic counseling, Seahawk Outreach Services, and more.
- Developed and maintained policies relevant to student services, ensuring compliance with college regulations.
- Conducted effective supervision of staff management across student services, overseeing three associate deans and a team of 70.
- Acted as Campus President when required, representing the campus in local, state, and national professional organizations.
- Directed and implemented EAB Navigate in the academic advising department collegewide to increase retention and graduation rates.
- Earned selection for 2018 - 2019 College President's Executive Practicum (PEP) team.
- Instituted advising tool EAB Navigate across the college to boost retention and graduation rates.
- Spearheaded initiatives resulted in a 5.25%-point increase in Fall 2014, 150% more than the previous year's completion cohort.
- Designed and launched a college-wide Veterans Lounge, providing student veterans with space for study, socialization, and resource access.
World Languages Department Chairperson - Wolfson Campus
Miami Dade College
Miami, USA
01.2013 - 01.2017
- Supervised 15 full-time tenured faculty and over 40 adjunct instructors in World Languages Department.
- Conducted recruitment, supervision, and evaluation of department personnel.
- Executed course planning, faculty assignments, and departmental budget preparation.
- Maintained rigorous standards for faculty advancement and SACS accreditation compliance.
- Forged partnership with Polytechnic International in Colombia to enhance teacher training programs.
- Secured grant from IIE for training program serving 60 Brazilian teachers.
- Led implementation of EAP orientation for all new English as second language students.
Admissions, Registration, and Financial Aid Director
Miami Dade College
Miami, USA
01.2010 - 01.2013
- Managed all aspects of financial aid, ensuring compliance with regulations, and oversaw admissions, registration, and financial aid budgets.
- Led a team of 15 support employees responsible for student registration, class enrollment, attendance, grading, and graduation.
- Collaborated with academic department heads and campus leadership on academic scheduling and enrollment strategies.
- Served as chief satellite administrator at Ronald Reagan Senior High School, ensuring alignment of campus procedures with relevant regulations.
- Contributed as a key College Financial Aid Committee member, offering recommendations on financial aid initiatives.
- Launched development and execution of a One-Stop Center for all new and continuing students, initiating the West Summer Scholars Program for first-generation college students.
- Refined admissions procedures for under-prepared students, enhancing Admissions and Registration and Financial Aid Office efficiency.
Assistant Director - Advisement and Career Services | School Relations Specialist - Pre-Admissions Counselor
Miami Dade College
Miami, USA
Classroom Teacher - Lead Teacher
David Fairchild Elementary
Miami, USA
Education
Doctoral Degree - Organizational Leadership - Specialization in Higher Education Administration
Barry University
Miami Shores, FL05-2026
Master of Science - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL06-2000
Bachelor's Degree - Elementary Education
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL12-1997
Associate of Arts - Elementary Education
Miami Dade College
Miami, FL06-1994
Skills
- Strategic planning and policy development
- Team leadership
- Program implementation
- Resource management
- Student retention strategies
- Cross-department collaboration
- Student services administration
- Diversity and inclusion advocacy
- Academic advising
- Regulatory compliance
- Stakeholder engagement
- Process improvement
- Grant writing
- Student advocacy
- Enrollment strategies
- Visionary leadership
College Involvement And Service
Member, RLI-2019-086-JH Scheduling Software Services, 2019, Member, Online Student Dean Search Committee, 2019, Member, Social Behavioral Sciences & Human Services Academic Dean Search Committee, 2019, Member, Dean's and Associate Vice President's Group, 2017 - 2023, Member, Environmental Sustainability Committee, 2018 - Present, Member, Honors College Committee, 2018 - Present, Member, Minority Male Initiative (MMI) Committee, 2017 - Present, Member, Technology Refresh Planning Committee, 2017 - Present, Member, Dean's & Associate Vice President's Group, 2017 - Present, Member, Seahawk Student Steering Council, 2017 - Present, Member, South Events Committee, 2017 - 2018, Chair, Campus Graduation Committee, 2020 - Present, Chair, Campus Strategic Planning Committee, 2015 - 2016, Chair, Legislative and Advocacy Committee, 2014 - 2016, Co-Chair, Hispanic Heritage Committee, 2015 - 2017, Co-Chair, Graduation Committee, 2020 - Present, Co-Chair, Convocation Committee, 2014 - 2017, Co-Chair, Service Area Awards, 2014 - 2017
Speaking Engagements
- That's A Wrap - Student Retention Presentation, Denver, CO, 2023
- Children's Harbor Foster Child Facility Welcome and Keynote Speaker, 2018
- Out of School Time Youth Development Program (Hispanic Unity) Welcome and Keynote Speaker, 2018
- Connected 18 EAB Case Study Presentation, Washington, DC, 2018
- Maximizing Value: Earning a Bachelor's at a Community College is a Game Changer for Hispanic Students, Chicago, IL, 2025
Languages
- English, Proficient
- Spanish, Proficient
Professional Development
- PER-375: Surviving an Active Threat: Run-Hide-Fight Training with NCBRT-FEMA, 2019, Attendee
- PER-374: Active Threats on Campuses: Protective Measures and Responses with NCBRT-FEMA, 2019, Attendee
- MDST 4 Performance Management-Supervisory Training, 2019, Attendee
- MDST 3 Coaching - Supervisory Training, 2019, Attendee
- MDST 2 The Legal Side of Supervision - Supervisory Training, 2019, Attendee
- SKYWARN-National Weather Service Training, 2019, Attendee
- Crowd Management Training-Webinar, 2019, Attendee
- Continuing Improvement Conference (CIC), 2018, Attendee
- Behavioral Intervention Team Training, 2018, Attendee
- Dean's Academy-Session 9, 2018, Attendee
- Dean's Academy-Session 8, 2018, Attendee
- Dean's Academy-Session 7, 2018, Attendee
- Dean's Academy-Session 5, 2018, Attendee
- Workday Customer Accounts Training, 2018, Attendee
- Workday Invoicing System Training, 2017, Attendee
- Dean's Academy-Session 4, 2017, Attendee
- Teaching in the 'SLO' Lane-Webinar, 2017, Attendee
- Student-Centered Mindset: An Attribute of Teaching Excellence and Educational 'Hotness'-Webinar, 2017, Attendee
Languages
English
Professional
Timeline
Dean of Student Services - Wolfson Campus
Miami Dade College
01.2023 - Current
Adjunct Professor - School of Education at Eduardo Padron Campus
Miami Dade College
01.2022 - Current
Dean of Student Services - Medical Campus
Miami Dade College
01.2020 - 01.2023
Adjunct Professor at Broward College - Online Campus
Broward College
01.2019 - Current
Dean of Student Services | Judson A. Samuels - South Campus & Partnership Centers
Broward College
01.2017 - 01.2020
World Languages Department Chairperson - Wolfson Campus
Miami Dade College
01.2013 - 01.2017
Admissions, Registration, and Financial Aid Director
Miami Dade College
01.2010 - 01.2013
Adjunct Professor - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Miami Dade College
01.2002 - Current
Assistant Director - Advisement and Career Services | School Relations Specialist - Pre-Admissions Counselor
Miami Dade College
Classroom Teacher - Lead Teacher
David Fairchild Elementary
Doctoral Degree - Organizational Leadership - Specialization in Higher Education Administration
Barry University
Master of Science - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Nova Southeastern University
Bachelor's Degree - Elementary Education
Nova Southeastern University
Associate of Arts - Elementary Education
Miami Dade College