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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:
Education
Doctor of Philosophy 1996-2003
University of Mississippi University, MS
Major: Higher Education – Student Affairs
Activities: Not Applicable
Master of Arts 1994-1996
University of Mississippi University, MS
Major: Higher Education – Student Affairs
Activities: *Kappa Delta Pi (Zeta Eta Chapter),
*National Education Honorary
Bachelor of Arts 1988-1993
University of Mississippi University, MS
Major: English
*Modern Literary Criticism
*Seventeenth Century English Literature
Activities: Dean’s List
Bachelor of Business Administration 1988-1993
University of Mississippi University, MS
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
University of Mississippi University, MS
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.