Carlos R. Clark, Ph.D. 35 South Saint Clair - UL...

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Carlos R. Clark, Ph.D.

35 South Saint Clair

Street Apartment 507

Dayton, Ohio 45402

July 8, 2016

The University of Louisiana System

1201 North Third Street

Suite 7-300

Baton Rouge, LA 70802

RE: Application Materials for the Position of President at Grambling State University

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am very interested in the position of President at Grambling State University as

advertised on the University of Louisiana System’s web site. My curriculum vita is

enclosed for your review. Given my related experience and capabilities I would

appreciate your consideration for this job opening.

Relevant Prior Work Experience

Currently, I serve Arkansas Baptist College in a consultative capacity as Special Assistant

to the President for Accreditation. It was my responsibility to collaborate with the

Arkansas Baptist College Higher Learning Committee (HLC) Steering Committee

members and formulate responses to items in Criterions 2 and 5, as well as, respond to

the twenty-eight (28) questions posed by the HLC leadership. In addition to the

aforementioned duties, I wrote the President’s Eight Step Plan (included in the Vision

2020 Strategic Plan); the Risk Management Plan; the Planning, Budgeting and

Assessment Plan; the Financial Stability Plan; as well as strategic plans for Finance and

Administration, Enrollment Management, and the Office of Financial Aid. I also

collaborated with the school’s Internal Auditor to create the Fiscal Year 2017 Budget

Presentation for the Board; Financial Pro Forma included in the Financial Stability Plan;

and the Business Office Policies and Procedures Manual.

As the Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management and Data Research at

Wilberforce University, I had the responsibility of managing personnel in the Office of

Financial Aid, Office of Cooperative Education and Career Services, and the Office of the

Registrar. In addition to managing the aforementioned areas, I was also charged with the

responsibility of supporting the Vice President of Institutional Research. I analyzed data

for HLC, IPEDs, and created a plethora of reports for internal and external stakeholders.

During my tenure as Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management and Data

Research, I led teams of professionals that increased enrollment 48% (652) and

quadrupled the amount of financial aid disbursed to students in the first 30 days of class

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at the nation’s oldest private Historically Black College and University (HBCU). I was

also part of the team that created the school’s HLC Show Cause Response which

eventually led to Wilberforce University being removed from Show Cause Designation

and given full reaffirmation of accreditation (10 years).

As a result of my work as Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management and Data

Research, I was eventually promoted to the position of Executive Vice President. I was

responsible for the Office of Student Financial Aid, Office of Cooperative Education and

Career Services, the Office of the Registrar, Academic Advising, Data Research, Title III,

as well as serve as Project Manager for the new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

System, Jenzabar. In the absence of the President, it was also incumbent upon me to

assume full responsibility for the institution. During my tenure as Executive Vice

President, I collaborated with the Title III Director to successfully obtain renewed funding

of the institution’s Title III SAFRA proposal until 2020 ($500,000.00 per year).

Prior to my tenure at Wilberforce University, I served as Assistant Provost for Enrollment

Management at Prairie View A&M University. I was the financial aid administrator for a

University of approximately 8,600 students. I supervised a staff of twenty-one individuals;

developed and oversaw a budget of $692,000.00; as well as, managed a $110-million-

dollar financial aid portfolio. According to the U.S. Department of Education officials,

Prairie View became the first institution to automate the data flow between the US

Department of Education and the University using AppWorx (UC4) and TDClient. The

automated system improved speed of awards and accuracy, as well as, provided a

significant increase in customer satisfaction. In addition to streamlined processes and

revised scholarship policies, enrollment grew 30%. Enrollment among merit students also

increased 20%.

At Alabama A&M University, I served as an interim Vice President for Student Affairs,

financial aid administrator, adjunct professor for undergraduate and graduate courses,

and fundraiser. I was the financial aid administrator for Alabama A&M University (AAMU).

At its peak, the institution had 6,283 students. I reported directly to the Vice President for

Student Affairs. I supervised twelve staff members and successfully managed a budget

of approximately $498,000.00 dollars and raised $30,000.00 per year (for four years) for

the William Hooper Councill Challenge Scholarship Program. I was also very privileged

to work very closely with the Alabama A&M University Board of Trustees on numerous

projects for approximately six (6) years. In addition to my regular duties as Director of

Financial Aid, I served as interim Vice President for Student Affairs. Reporting to the

President, I was responsible for enhancing the learning environment through student

services, educational support programs, and experiences gained through co-curricular

programs and activities. Reporting to the Vice President are student organizations,

Financial Aid, Admissions, Registrar, Athletics, Career Development, Student Health

Services, Student Activities, Dean of Students, Residence Life, Judicial Affairs,

International Students, and Intramural Sports. I supervised 12 departments,

approximately 60 staff members, and successfully managed a budget of approximately

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$9 million dollars. I also served as a member of the President’s Cabinet. During my tenure

I wrote and implemented the school’s first enrollment management plan. As a result, the

University’s enrollment increased 21%.

Vision

Several critical state and national public policy issues form the context for the next phase

of leadership at Grambling State University. Chief among these is the need for a more

highly educated citizenry so that we have the intellectual capacity in our state and nation

to confront the problems and opportunities before us. Greater degree production is

needed at the baccalaureate and graduate levels. Beyond simply the number of degrees,

though, is the nature and quality of the education our students receive along the way.

Does their education equip them to function as productive citizens and leaders in today’s

world? A further issue is that college research and scholarship is expected to contribute

to economic and social development in more demonstrable ways, creating new jobs and

ideas that find their way to the marketplace. Finally, higher education is expected to

operate with ever-greater cost-effectiveness and accountability states and individuals are

pressed harder for competing demands on resources.

Grambling State University has the promise to become a model for today’s colleges and

universities through the integration of its research, education, and service missions. The

campus has attracted a stellar faculty of teacher-scholars that has built an array of

intriguing academic programs. The size combines the best of critical mass and

community spirit. The campus definitely has its own distinctive “personality” and is among

the most attractive in the nation. Its foundation of accomplishment, if honed through a

deliberate effort to focus resources, can propel it to a position of leadership among

research colleges.

In articulating a vision for Grambling State University, I will focus on four (4) areas.

Grambling State University’s various divisions present both contributions and challenges

in each area, but each has a strong base upon which to build. Grambling State University

must strive to be an institution that achieves leadership in the following areas:

Opportunity – I firmly believe that the core function of colleges and universities is

to maximize opportunities for the people who study and work in them. At the

undergraduate level, a healthy range of challenging programs must be in place to

permit students to pursue their dreams, develop their talents, and open their eyes

to possibilities that they didn’t otherwise see. We must work with our K-12

colleagues to articulate clearly the preparation needed to ensure student success

and make such preparation available to all Louisiana students. We must provide

the academic, financial, and social support such that students can keep their

attention on achieving their goals. The faculty, staff, and administrators also need

to be continually challenged and provided with the support needed to grow

professionally. In other words, the entire University should be focused upon

continual learning of all its members.

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Impact – It is crucial that the work we do at Grambling State University has the

highest possible impact on people’s lives and on the communities we serve. The

impact might be measured in the number and quality of our graduates who enter

the workforce. It might also be expressed in the depth of understanding of the

most abstract intellectual matters or in the way a creative work moves those who

experience it. Our students need to understand their own impact by having the

chance to put their education to work through internships, civic engagement,

research and creative activity. Our faculty must focus on research questions of

high significance and the results should be disseminated in the best venues. We

must bring our collective knowledge to bear upon key problems through

technology transfer, service and outreach. The University should consider its

impact on a scale from its immediate surrounding communities to the world.

Responsibility – Grambling State University has a special set of responsibilities

to the state of Louisiana and the nation. First and foremost, the University must

be a place that fosters freedom of thought and expression. It is our responsibility

to promote constructive dialogue on forefront issues so that our students,

employees, and community members can arrive at informed conclusions. It is our

responsibility to be a center of diversity in all forms, embracing and providing a

safe environment for responsible people of all backgrounds. We have a special

responsibility to honor our African-American heritage and it is gratifying to see our

progress in that regard. Grambling State University must assume leadership

toward a sustainable future, and our urban setting reminds us on a daily basis of

the importance of our environment. We have a responsibility to help our students

realize the connections between their daily actions and the rest of the world.

Vitality – Underpinning any successful college or university is a sense of

excitement and energy. The people that come to the University, whether on a

daily basis to study or work, as visitors to the array of cultural, athletic or academic

events, or as participants in outreach efforts, must feel immersed in a “charged”

atmosphere. They should feel surrounded by colleagues who are committed,

enthusiastic, and among the best in their respective roles. An ambitious program

of special events should provide abundant opportunities for the campus and

community. The University must bring in provocative thinkers from “outside” to

continually challenge us. At the time of hire, we must ask about each applicant,

“Is this a person who will raise our expectations and help infuse our institution with

creative energy?”

There are a number of practical operational areas to which we must attend in order to

realize the ideals above. In recent months there has been a great deal of publicity

regarding issues with strategic planning, budgeting and extensive assessment. Leading

one to assume that energy needs to be focused on communication within divisions and

across the campus and with our various constituencies. We need to improve the

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connection between strategic thinking and our budgeting process, and we must

strengthen our assessment protocols. In some cases, lines of responsibility need to be

clarified and the roles of our cherished shared governance bodies defined more clearly.

There is room for improvement in our information technology and supporting

infrastructure to provide for greater responsiveness.

The Presidency

If given the opportunity to serve as President, I will approach the position with

approximately a ten-year timeframe in mind. The first two years will focus on solidifying

strategic direction through active conversation, optimizing organizational structures and

practices, building relationships that will carry the University forward, and undertaking a

resource-focusing exercise. Years three through seven will emphasize transformative

resource generation from all sources. In those years, we will focus on building one of the

most effective learning environments available in higher education. The final years will

be used to complete implementation, with the last year dedicated to an effective transition

to the next President.

Conclusion

After reviewing the desired qualifications and characteristics as outlined in the job

description, I believe that my background and approach present an excellent match to the

needs of the University at this time. My twenty-five years in higher education as a faculty

member, administrator, and fundraiser have given me a broad perspective and set of

experiences that will serve Grambling State University well.

I look forward to the opportunity to serve as President. Please let me know if I can provide

any further information regarding my candidacy. Thank you for your hard work and your

consideration.

Sincerely,

Carlos R. Clark, Ph.D.

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Carlos R. Clark35 South Saint Clair Street, Apt.

507 Dayton, OH 45402

Personal Phone Number: (502)

232-2465 Email:

[email protected]

Education

Doctor of Philosophy 1996-2003

University of Mississippi University, MS

Major: Higher Education – Student Affairs

Activities: Not Applicable

Master of Arts 1994-1996


Major: Higher Education – Student Affairs

Activities: *Kappa Delta Pi (Zeta Eta Chapter),

*National Education Honorary

Bachelor of Arts 1988-1993


Major: English

*Modern Literary Criticism

*Seventeenth Century English Literature

Activities: Dean’s List

Bachelor of Business Administration 1988-1993


Major: Management

* Human Resources

* Production Management

Activities: National Business Honorary

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Professional Development

Management Development Program Certificate of Completion 2000

Harvard University Cambridge, MA

Contributions to Teaching

August 2013 – December 2013

Division of Math, Education, Engineering, and Student Success

Courses taught at Lone Star Community College - Kingwood

HUMD 0330 – Student Success

August 2013 – December 2013

Division of Fire Science, Letters, Arts, and Kinesiology

Courses taught at Lone Star Community College - Kingwood

ENGL 0304 – Developmental Reading I

1999 – 2004

Department of English and Foreign Languages

Courses taught at Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University

English 101 – Composition I

English 102 – Composition II

English 201 – Survey of English Literature I

English 202 – Survey of English Literature II

English 203 – World Literature I

English 204 – World Literature II

2000 – 2004

Department of Curriculum, Teaching, and Educational Leadership

Courses taught at Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University

FED 529 – Computer-Based Instructional Technologies

FED 531 – Current and Emerging Instructional Technologies

FED 532 – Curriculum Integration of Technology

FED 600 – Advanced Curriculum Development

EAS 603 – School Administration: Federal, State, and Local Legislation

HEA 523 – Planning, Management, and Evaluation in Higher Education

HEA 524 – Higher Education

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Publications

Clark, Carlos R. (2003). The influence of student background, college experience, and financial aid on community college within-year retention. Unpublished doctoral Dissertation, The University of Mississippi, University, MS.

Reaffirmation of Accreditation Committees

Southern Association for Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Mary Holmes College

Institutional Effectiveness Committee

Strategic Planning Committee

Institutional Research and Self-Study Committee

Planning and Evaluation Self-Study Committee (Co-Chair)

Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University

Financial Resources Committee

Federal Requirements Committee

Prairie View A&M University

Federal Requirements Committee

Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

New Mexico State University

Wilberforce University

Arkansas Baptist College

Professional Experience

Arkansas Baptist College Little Rock, AR

Special Assistant to the President for Accreditation November 2015 – Present

Currently, I serve Arkansas Baptist College in a consultative capacity as Special Assistant

to the President for Accreditation. It was my responsibility to collaborate with the

Arkansas Baptist College Higher Learning Committee (HLC) Steering Committee

members to respond to items in Criterions 2 and 5, as well as, provide a response to the

twenty-eight (28) questions posed by the HLC leadership.

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Accomplishments during tenure at Arkansas Baptist College

Successfully proposed that Academic Advising and Career Services be combined

and repatriated to the Division of Academic Affairs.

Collaborated with the school’s Internal Auditor to create the Fiscal Year 2017

Budget Presentation for the Board; Financial Pro Forma included in the Financial

Stability Plan; and the Business Office Policies and Procedures Manual.

Wrote the following plans and policies for inclusion in the HLC Show Cause

Response:

o President’s Eight Step Plan (included in the Vision 2020 Strategic Plan);

o the Risk Management Plan;

o the Planning, Budgeting and Assessment Plan;

o the Financial Stability Plan;

o Strategic plans for Finance and Administration, Enrollment Management,

and the Office of Financial Aid; and,

o Internal Audit Plan and Policy.

Wilberforce University Wilberforce, OH

Executive Vice President June 2015 – October 2015

As the Executive Vice President at Wilberforce University, I was responsible for

leadership and supervision of the Office of Student Financial Aid, Office of the Registrar,

Office of Cooperative Education and Career Services, Title III, Academic Advising as well

as, assisting the University’s Vice President for Institutional Research and Senior Vice

President for Administration and Finance with further developing more effective

institutional research methods and utilizing business intelligence more effectively. My role

also allowed me to foster collaboration with faculty, staff, and student organizations to

advance the mission of the institution and to enhance shared governance and servant

leadership principles within the University. I also served as a member of the President’s

Executive Leadership Team.

Accomplishments during tenure at Wilberforce University

In order to improve accountability, productivity, and sustainability, secured

approval from the President and Board of Trustees to purchase a new Enterprise

Resource Planning System (Jenzabar).

Co-wrote policies and procedures manual for Title III

Co-wrote Title III SAFRA proposal to renew funding until 2020 ($500,000.00 per

year)

Sponsored the University’s first White House HBCU All-Star Scholar by

developing her application packet to apply for the highly selective program.

Created an early alert process to assist Faculty with notifying Academic Advising

when students needed assistance with their class(es)

Participated in University negotiations with the Faculty Union.

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Successfully negotiated a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Education

at Work. Education at Work partners with colleges and universities to establish

contact centers. The University’s students will be able to work in the contact

center and earn an hourly wage as well as a stipend to assist with the cost of

attending the University. Please note, Wilberforce University is the first HBCU in

the nation to obtain a partnership with Education at Work.

Created a registration committee to facilitate streamlining the registration

process, increase communication between units, as well as, ensure we met

student expectations.

Collaborated with the Vice President for Institutional Research to coordinate the

development, organization, and submission of all institutional accreditation

documents.

Coordinated the development, implementation, and monitoring of the University’s

strategic plan.

Coordinated assessment of programs and student outcomes.

Collaborated with the Vice President for Institutional Research to submit all

college data reports and external survey requests.(i.e., IPEDS)

Collaborated with the Vice President for Administration and Finance to develop

cash flow analyses.

Recruited new staff to meet the Higher Learning Commission’s mandates.

Participated in writing responses to our accrediting agency’s inquiries.

Wilberforce University Wilberforce, OH

Assistant Vice President January 2015 – May 2015

Reporting to the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Services, I

was responsible for managing the Office of Student Financial Aid and the Office of

Cooperative Education and Career Services.

Accomplishments during tenure at Wilberforce University

Implemented the Job, Location and Development Program (JLD) to assist

students that did not receive Federal Work-Study find jobs in the community.

Created and implemented the Wilberforce Promise Program. The program has

assisted Federal Pell Grant eligible students cover the direct costs of their

education without student loans. The new program along with increased

recruitment efforts increased enrollment 48%.

Revised the University’s Financial Aid Web Page to ensure compliance with

federal regulations.

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Collaborated with the Vice President for Enrollment Management to implement

Parchment. Parchment will allow current and former students to purchase

academic transcripts. The program can also be used by the Office of Admissions

to receive electronic academic transcripts from high schools and participating

colleges and universities.

Collaborated with various University officials in academia and cooperative

education to improve the Federal Work-Study Process.

Secured approval to purchase the College Board’s PowerFaids software. The

purchase of the software enabled the University to award roughly $6.4 million

dollars to eligible students. When compared to fiscal year 2015 initial

disbursements, the University experienced an increase of roughly 90% in funds

available 10 days before the first day of class.

Secured approval to purchase Symplicity’s Career Services Management

Software to facilitate the University’s Internship Program, as well as, job

searches (alumni and students).

Facilitated the purchase of the College Board’s Institutional Documentation

Service (IDOC) which made Wilberforce University the first HBCU in the Midwest

to allow prospective and current students to upload their verification documents

via the web.

Created an online financial aid summer application.

Created and implemented a social media campaign to increase University

visibility and advertise its unique programs.

Kentucky State University Frankfort, KY

University Registrar February 2014 – January 2015

I was the University Registrar for approximately 2,300 students. I supervised a staff of

five individuals. I developed and managed a budget of $240,000.00.

Accomplishments during tenure at Kentucky State University

Implemented an electronic transcript request and fulfillment system;

Implemented an online student complaint system;

Revised and implemented the Office of the University Registrar’s policies and

procedures manual;

Utilized Microsoft Sharepoint to streamline semester course list creation;

Wrote a proposal to utilize LinkedIn and Facebook to increase marketing in

various target areas throughout Kentucky, Illinois, Georgia, Missouri, Texas, and

California;

Collaborated with the Transfer Evaluation System (TES) to allow transfer

students to conduct online transfer evaluations;

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Collaborated with Academic Advising to update transfer tables (transfer

articulation process) to electronically accept courses from the Kentucky

Community and Technical College System (KCTCS);

Collaborated with faculty and academic affairs executive administration to

streamline the semester course list development process;

Implemented customer service representative model for each of the University’s

colleges;

Revised and implemented a new Office of the University Registrar web page;

Updated the both the Master’s and Baccalaureate diplomas to enhance security

features;

At the request of the Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management, I

utilized the University’s CRM, WordPress, to revise the Office of Admissions,

New Student Orientation, and Dual Enrollment web pages;

At the request of the Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management, I

drafted recruitment letters to 1) request that recent graduates consider attending

graduate school; 2) reclaim those that may have formally withdrawn or ‘stopped

out’ at Kentucky State University; 3) explain the new flat tuition rate plan to

current students to ensure they understood the value of remaining at Kentucky

State University. As a result, Graduate enrollment increased 30%.

Provided written responses and supporting documentation for various Southern

Association for Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) mid-

term reports;

Collaborated with University Faculty and various administrators to create an

online (not PDF) university catalog for both the 2013 – 2014 and 2014-2015

academic years;

Streamlined the Dual Enrollment application process for potential students and

admissions staff.

Lone Star Community College – Kingwood Kingwood, TX

Adjunct Professor August 2013 – December 2013

I taught Student Success: 1st Year Experience (HUMD 0330) and Developmental

Reading I (ENGL 0304) courses.

South Texas College of Law Houston, TX

Director of Scholarships and Financial Aid August 2011 – February 2012

I was the financial aid administrator for roughly 1,270 students. I supervised three

people and oversaw a budget of $428,022.00 dollars.

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Accomplishments during tenure at South Texas College of Law

Improved the use of the Banner Federal Work-Study Module

Revised the Financial Aid Web Page to be more ‘user friendly’ and increased the

number of private scholarships to students

Implemented OpenNet to automate and streamline the Private (Alternative) Loan

Process

Secured a Net Price Calculator (NPC) from Student Aid Services at no cost to

the institution (projected cost of services - $70,000). The product will assist the

institution with transparency, marketing, and recruitment efforts.

Successfully negotiated the transfer of Veterans Administration to the Financial

Aid Office

Served as a liaison between the College and the Veterans Administration to

include enrollment certification of eligible veterans and the resolution of problems

regarding payment of veteran education benefits

Worked with other College offices to coordinate all student services for military

and veteran students, including assisting with registration, billing, reconciliations,

and payments.

New Mexico State University Las Cruces, NM

Director of Scholarships and Financial Aid July 2010 – April 2011

I was the financial aid administrator for 31,000 students that attended either New Mexico

State University or Dona Ana Community College. I supervised a staff of twenty-eight

individuals; developed and oversaw a budget of $1.50 million dollars, as well as, managed

a $200-million-dollar financial aid portfolio.

Accomplishments during tenure at New Mexico State University

Worked closely with Records Management to implement the Banner Document

Management System (BDMS) throughout the NMSU System

Improved amount of aid disbursed to students on-time by thirty percent (30%)

Worked closely with Student Information Services (SIS) to implement TDClient to

further automate and streamline the financial aid award process

Created the NMSU Lucky Day Scholarship to increase recruitment and retention

yields

Automated federal grant and William D. Ford Direct Loan reporting to the

Common Origination and Disbursement System (COD)

Worked closely with SIS to implement the Banner Financial Aid Federal Work-

Study modules

Used best practices to improve reconciliation of federal, state, and institutional

funds

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Implemented mandatory Financial Literacy Counseling for all students receiving

financial aid

Proposed New Mexico State University Crimson Scholar Program to assist low

socio-economic, high achieving students to attend the institution

Prairie View A&M University Prairie View, TX

Assistant Provost December 2006 – June 2010

I was the financial aid administrator for a University of approximately 8,600 students. I

supervised a staff of twenty-one individuals; developed and oversaw a budget of

$692,000.00, as well as, managed a $110-million-dollar financial aid portfolio.

Accomplishments during tenure at Prairie View A&M University

Increased the number of students awarded and disbursed by the 12th class day

from 34% to 67% utilizing existing technology.

First school in the state of Texas to successfully implement Sallie Mae’s

OpenNet for loan processing and their Lender Comparison Gateway. The

Gateway allowed students to compare borrower benefits then apply without

having to go through multiple portals for service

In two years, reduced the University’s student loan cohort default rate from

14.8% to 11.4%.

Reengineered the entire financial aid web page to make it more user-friendly

Revised the University Scholarship policy to streamline the process, enhance our

ability to recruit exceptional academic scholars, and improve objectivity in the

process

Implemented Banner Financial Aid module for the 2008-2009 award year

According to the federal government officials, first institution to automate data

flow between the US Department of Education and the University using AppWorx

(UC4) and TDClient. Automation improves speed of awards and accuracy, as

well as, provides a significant increase in customer satisfaction

To ensure student access, implemented the federal government’s William D.

Ford Direct Loan Program

Appointed by the Texas Coordinating Board’s Director of Grants and Special

Programs to a committee charged to create and test a new method of reporting

Texas Grant disbursements

Principal investigator for $362,000.00 Title III Grant to purchase AppWorx (UC4),

document imaging and telecommunications software, as well as, staff support to

automate Banner Financial Aid module processes (2007-2008), automate

processes in the Financial Aid, Registrar, and Treasury Services Offices

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Principal investigator for $682,000.00 Title III Grant to outsource a Call Center for

the Enrollment Management and Treasury Services and, staff support to

automate Banner Financial Aid module (2008-2009)

Implemented a call center for the following offices: Financial Aid, Treasury

Services, Registrar, Orientation, Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions (June

2009)

Before the first day of class, roughly 88% of our students were in a paid status.

By the 12th class day, approximately 98% of our students were in a paid status.

Assisted the Registrar in implementing Ellucian’s Degree Works.

Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University Normal, AL

Interim Vice President of Student Affairs January 2001 – June 2001

In addition to my regular duties as Director of Financial Aid, I served as interim Vice

President for Student Affairs. Reporting to the President, I was responsible for enhancing

the learning environment through student services, educational support programs, and

experiences gained through co-curricular programs and activities. Reporting to the Vice

President are student organizations, Financial Aid, Admissions, Registrar, Athletics,

Career Development, Student Health Services, Student Activities, Dean of Students,

Residence Life, Judicial Affairs, International Students, and Intramural Sports. I

supervised 12 departments, approximately 60 staff members, and successfully managed

a budget of approximately $9 million dollars. I also served as a member of the President’s

Cabinet.

Accomplishments during tenure at Alabama A&M University

Co-wrote a proposal for a new Doctor of Educational Leadership program

Utilized and taught graduate courses that discussed the latest enrollment

management strategies

Developed and implemented the institution’s first enrollment management plan

Proposed and implemented New Student Orientation

Developed and submitted proposal to the University Board of Trustees to create

and build the Alabama A&M University Wellness Center

Worked closely with the Director of Admissions to create a new outreach strategy

for disadvantaged students

Revised the Office of the Registrar’s Policies and Procedures

Worked closely with the Registrar to set goals, develop strategies, establish

metrics and enact procedures to support continuous process improvement.

Created plans to provide leadership and coordination for educational and staff

development programming with emphasis in customer service

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Identified, defined, and documented the Registrar’s business processes,

including sub-processes, and staff performance objectives and metrics to support

organizational objectives and goals

Provided ongoing promotion of campus wide and interdepartmental collaboration

to establish best practices and business process efficiency in student services

Implemented, coordinated and oversaw participation with the National Student

Clearinghouse

Worked closely with the Registrar to improve the use of technology in daily

processes, as well as, enhanced University academic self-service resources (i.e.

registration, grading, class rosters, etc.)

Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University Normal, AL

Director of Student Financial Aid and Adjunct Professor May 1998 – November 2006

I was the financial aid administrator for Alabama A&M University (AAMU). At its peak,

the institution had 6,283 students. I reported directly to the Vice President for Student

Affairs. I supervised twelve staff members and successfully managed a budget of

approximately $498,000.00 dollars. I was also very privileged to work very closely with

the Alabama A&M University Board of Trustees on numerous projects for approximately

six (6) years.

Accomplishments during tenure at Alabama A&M University

Successfully negotiated with a vendor to provide an electronic payment gateway

at no cost to the University

Instrumental in the reaffirmation of accreditation process (Southern Association

for Colleges and Schools) as well as NCAA accreditation

Recognized by the AAMU Office of Planning, Institutional Research, and

Evaluation for the financial aid office’s great customer and value-added services

Received an award from General Revenue Corporation (GRC) for improving

Perkins collections to more than $1 million in less than two years

Wrote a successfully funded National Institute for Health grant to assist

economically and environmentally disadvantaged students majoring in Speech

Pathology

Enabled the Federal Work-Study Program to be nationally recognized by The

Center for Higher Education Support Services, Inc. (CHESS) as one of the top

five institutions in the nation for providing community Service

Created consumer/student surveys to gauge student satisfaction with services

Increased student federal work-study salaries

Collaborated with Business and Finance unit to improve fiscal accountability by

creating a plan to turn over old student accounts receivables to collection

agencies

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Increased AAMU’s Federal Work-Study allocation by more than 40%

Increased AAMU’s Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

(FSEOG) allocation by more than 25%

Adjunct professor in both the English department and School of Education

Promoted better customer service by creating a system in which counselors were

present at all times to talk to students

Saved the institution $120,000 by developing an imaging system that cost less

than $30,000 yet still allows all employees to access student records

Planned and implemented a successful Voter Registration Drive

Enabled Alabama A&M to be the first school in Alabama to process federal

student loans via the Internet

Reduced potential federal liabilities by reconciling the William D. Ford Federal

Direct Student Loan Program. Hence, the institution had to return $150,000.00 in

federal funds as opposed to $1.5 million dollars.

Enabled the office to publish financial aid offers on the web

Created the office’s first web page

Implemented the University’s Tuition Installment Plan that allowed students and

parents to register and pay via the web

Formulated and implemented a Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy that in its

first year increased retention at the institution by 20%

Reduced the time in which students received their award offers by at least 60%

and increased accuracy of their awards

Improved working conditions by redesigning the work area to accommodate new

employees and larger storage areas

Created an award winning financial aid student technology group that created

web pages, serviced computers and other hardware, as well as created

databases for financial aid and other University departments

Implemented both the Federal Work-Study Community Service and Job Location

and Development Programs at Alabama A&M University

Automated the AAMU student loan system via File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

Successfully assisted the Vice President for Research and Development in her

Councill Scholarship fund raising efforts for four years ($30,000 per year).

Collaboration with the Business Office enabled us to disburse refund checks to

students the first day of class

Collaborated with Computer Services staff to develop a new confirmation

process which confirmed more than 6,000 students before the end of August and

reduced student frustration with the registration process

First-time freshmen time in the queue for service was reduced from 3 hours to 30

minutes

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Presented the Academic Partner Support Award by the Vice President of

Research and Development at the 2003 AAMU Business and Industry Cluster

meeting

Reduced the default rate from 13.4% to 7.7%

Collaborated with Title III Director and Vice President for Business and Finance

to secure $150,000 for five years to improve the use of technology in the

Financial Aid Office

Mary Holmes College West Point, MS

Director of Financial Aid November 1997 – April 1998

I was the Financial Aid Officer for a private community college of roughly 400 students.

During my tenure at Mary Holmes College, I reported directly to the college’s President

and supervised three staff members. There I played a significant role in the college’s

SACS reaffirmation efforts.

Accomplishments during tenure at Mary Holmes College

Increased the number of computers in the office to allow better access to student

electronic records

Acquired a server for the financial aid office at no cost to the institution

Reorganized the office to improve customer service and improve the office’s

ability to accumulate accurate performance statistics

97% accuracy rate when submitting reimbursement (HCM2) records to the

Department of Education

Assisted with the college’s reaffirmation efforts


Financial Aid Counselor July 1994 – October 1997

My role as a financial aid counselor was to advise prospective and currently enrolled

students concerning various types of financial assistance. In addition to advising

students, I analyzed financial information submitted by applicants, determine types, and

amount of aid to be awarded in accordance with state and federal guidelines.

Accomplishments during tenure at the University of Mississippi

Promoted better customer service by creating a system in which a counselor was

present at all times to talk to a student

Provided statistical information to the Director of Financial Aid on a weekly basis

detailing the percentage of students each counselor advised

Enabled the Financial Aid Office to reach the next stage of technological

advancement: access to the Internet and E-mail privileges.

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Served as liaison contact for the Information Services section of the Financial Aid

Office

Improved working conditions by redesigning the current work area to

accommodate new employees and larger storage areas for federal financial aid

records

Served as a consultant for new computers and software until a new systems

analyst was hired

Presented information about how student budgets were created and

administered to the staff accountant and other office personnel

Trained new counselors

Advised fellow counselors on federal, state, and university regulations and

procedures

Participated in brainstorming sessions to provide students that attended other

branches of the University better customer service in financial aid by using

mainframe and PC Computer support

Provided encouragement and customer service to non-traditional students

through seminars (i.e. Adult Learners Conference) and personal communication

Appointed Coordinator of Financial Aid for Pharmacy students by Director

Organized customer service workshops for staff

Created a private scholarship handout for current and prospective students

Worked as a part-time recruiter in the Admissions office for three years

Tested mainframe and financial aid software before awarding students each year

Current and Former Memberships

Association for Institutional Research

American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers

Southern Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers

Kentucky Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers

National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators

o 2004-2005 Advisory Group for NASFAA Web Site Development

o 2008-2009 Student Access and Diversity Committee

o 2009-2010 Access, Diversity, and Excellence Committee

o 2010-2011 Technology Initiative Committee

Southern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators

o 2001 SASFAA New Aid Officer Training Instructor

o 2004 SWAFSAA/SASFAA Mid-Level Workshop Instructor

o 2005 SASFAA Electronic Services Committee Member

Alabama Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators

o 2002 – 2003 Vice President

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Southwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators

Texas Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators

New Mexico Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators

Postsecondary Electronic Standards Council

National Association of College and University Business Officers

Southern Association of College and University Business Officers

National Direct Student Loan Coalition

National Association of Student Employment Administrators

Western Association of Student Employment Administrators

Recognitions, Honors, and Awards

Recognition Award, for outstanding service as Vice President, Alabama

Association for Student Financial Aid Administrators, April 2003

Academic Partner Support Award, for forging partnerships between Alabama

A&M University and private industry, Alabama A&M University 34th Annual

Business/Industry Cluster Conference, October 2, 2003

Recognition Award, for outstanding leadership in collecting more than $1 million

dollars, General Revenue Corporation, March 2004

Presentations

Byrd, D. and Clark, C., “Policies and Procedures 2001: An Aid Odyssey,” National

Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators Fall 2001 Training Series, John C.

Calhoun Community College, Decatur, AL, December 2, 2001.

Clark, C., “Investing in the Future Workforce through Industry Scholarships and More,”

Alabama A&M University 33rd Annual Business/Industry Cluster Conference, Alabama

A&M University, Normal, AL, October 10, 2002.

Clark, C., “Treatment of Resources and Packaging Considerations,” National Association

of Student Financial Aid Administrators Fall 2002 Training Series, Montgomery, AL,

December 6, 2002.

Clark, C., “Birds of a Feather,” 2003 U.S. Department of Education Electronic Access

Conference, Kansas City, MO, March 5-7, 2003.

Clark, C. and Givhan, M., “Financial Aid Fair: Applying for Financial Aid,” 2004 Southern

Association for Student Financial Aid Administrators, Birmingham, AL,

February 12, 2004.

Clark, C. and Fooks, K., “Getting the Message to the Top,” 2007 National Association of

Student Financial Aid Administrators Conference, Washington, DC, July 6-11, 2007.

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Clark, C., “An Overview of Prairie View A&M University’s Efforts to Improve Student and

Employee Financial Literacy” 2009 Institute for Higher Education Policy Symposium on

Financial Literacy and College Success at Minority-Serving Institutions, San Antonio, TX,

February 25-27, 2009.

Clark, C., Grugel, K., and Weber, E., “What is the Role of the Financial Aid Office in

Encouraging and Improving Student Retention and Success?” 2010 National Association

of Student Financial Aid Administrators Conference, Denver, CO,

July 18-21, 2010.

Clark, C., Reed, D., Schroeder, P., and Redwine, E., “HBCUs, Tribal Colleges, and

Hispanic-Serving Institutions: What are they? Where are they? and What is their role in

21st Century Higher Education?” 2010 National Association of Student Financial Aid

Administrators Conference, Denver, CO, July 18-21, 2010.

Carlos R. Clark, Ph.D. 35 South Saint Clair - UL...

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