Edward M. Willis Email & Phone Number

Asheville, Nc, Us

Brevard, North Carolina

The Gardner Institute’s mission is to work with postsecondary educators to increase institutional responsibility for and outcomes associated with teaching, learning, retention, and completion. Through these efforts, the institute strives to advance higher education’s larger goal of achieving equity and social justice.

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Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States

Served as a member of the President’s leadership team with oversight for the divisions of Student Affairs, Enrollment Management and Student Success, and budgets totaling $15.5M. Responsible for the effective operations of following departments: Admissions, Recruitment, Financial Aid, Scholarships, New Student Orientation, University College, Student Advocacy Services, Pre-College Programs and Dual Enrollment, Career Services, Counseling Services, Disability Services, Residence Life and Housing, Student Center, Student Health Services, Student Life, Student Recreation Programs, Student Conduct, Center for Student Success, and Campus Food Services. Oversees 250+ professional, paraprofessional, and student staff.

Asheville, North Carolina Area

Norfolk, Virginia Area

Recruited as Interim VP for Student Affairs and appointed to permanent VP within a year. Member of the president’s cabinet, the strategic planning and policy/procedures development team, with oversight for $20M budget. Responsible for operations of Admissions, Financial Aid, Scholarships, New Student Orientation, Registrar, Student Advocacy Services, Military Services and Veteran Affairs, Career Services, Counseling Services, Disability Services, International Student Services, Living-Learning Communities, Residence Life and Housing, Student Activities and Health Services, Student Life, Student Programs/Involvement, Student Rights and Responsibilities, Student Support Services, the Marching Band, Cheerleaders, and Campus Choir. Oversees 300+ professional, paraprofessional, and student staff. •Created the foundational mission, vision, and core values for the Division of Student Affairs.•Spearheaded first Freshmen Common Reading Program from conception to full implementation.•Conducted National Student Satisfaction Inventory (Noel-Levitz).•Re-engineered a Federal Title III grant to create “Living-Learning Communities” in residence halls that resulted in 22 living-learning communities being developed.•Created/launched first Norfolk State University Leadership Academy to provide 25-50 incoming students with a continuous, intense, and transformative leadership experience.•Served as university lead on the development of a comprehensive Housing/Residential Life Master Plan.•Introduced The Ideal Spartan Campaign to identify student core values: integrity, excellence, engagement, curiosity, civility, and pride.•Established a new signature campus event to enhance the student experience: NSU – Dance Marathon: the only area school to host the program and donated more than $20K to Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.•Additional Initiatives: re-engineered Welcome Week, New Student Convocation, Student High-risk Behavior Campaign, and Student Fee Allocation Committee.

Tallahassee

As a member of the student affairs leadership team, provided administrative, operational, and programmatic support, with supervisory responsibility for 100 professional, paraprofessional, and student staff and a $4.2M budget.• Assisted with and executed procedures for accreditation, assessment, strategic planning, human resource management, budgeting, development of policy and procedures, and special projects. • Worked collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff to support and promote strategic initiatives. • Oversaw Counseling Services, Student Health Services, The Career Center, The Center for Disability Access and Resources (CeDAR), University Ombudsman Office, and the Office of New Student Orientation. • Initiatives: Student Satisfaction Assessment/Inventories, Student Retention, and divisional e-newsletter.

Toledo, Ohio Area

Served as lead administrative team member representing the college to its external communities and constituencies. Provided counsel to the college president on issues impacting the local community through outreach, engagement, and on diversity initiatives.• Developed and implemented partnerships and programs to foster commitment in the surrounding community.• Assisted in the recruitment of faculty, staff, and students.• Served as the lead advocate for a more diverse and inclusive community college environment.

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Recruited to work with individual students and student groups, faculty, administrators, and staff to resolve conflict, eliminate barriers, and influence systemic change. • Oversight for Student Activities and Leadership; Greek Life; Student Legal Services; Counseling and Psychological Services; Multiethnic Student Affairs; International Center; The Program on Intergroup Relations; Services for Students with Disabilities; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Affairs (LGBTA); Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center; and The William Monroe Trotter Multicultural Center. Supervisory responsibility for 150 professionals with a $6.5M budget.• Advised the Vice President for Student Affairs on divisional programs and services. • Initiatives: Student Fan Behavior at athletic events, LGBTA Task Force, and Student-athlete support programs.

Toledo, Ohio Area

Dean of Students 1996-2002Directed/developed programs to enhance the quality of student life and assisted/advised the Vice President in planning and assessment of divisional programs and services. Served as division Chief Officer in the absence of the Vice President. Supervisory responsibility for 125 professional, paraprofessional, and student staff associated with campus life functions and budgetary responsibility for $5.2M.• Oversight for Student Activities and Organizations, Student Conduct, Greek Life, Student Media, Student Development and Academic Support Services, Student Leadership, Service Learning, Orientation Programs, Multicultural Student Center, Center for Women, Office of Accessibility, Career Services, Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, Residence Life, and Veteran Affairs. • Initiatives: Multicultural Leadership Institute, Leadership UT, Parents Day, University Service Learning, University Homecoming, and First Week UT.Director, Student Unions 1993-1996Recruited to manage/coordinate programs, services, and activities for the student unions’ two buildings totaling 320,000 square feet. Services included food service, bookstore, retail, maintenance/custodial, room reservations/event planning, information stations, vending, child care, building management, and an ethnic restaurant. Direct/indirect supervisory responsibility for 500+ professional, paraprofessional, and contractual staff. Budgetary coordination and liaison responsibility for $16.7M. • Served as the university contract manager/liaison for campus-wide food services (Sodexho/Marriott), campus bookstore (Barnes & Noble), and campus vending services (AVI Foodsystems and Gladiuex Food Service).

Master Of Education - Ed.M., Social And Philosophical Foundations Of Education, Concentration: History Of American Education

Bachelor Of Arts - B.A., American History, Minor: African American Studies