Sophia Gaither, M.S. Email & Phone Number

Pullman, Wa, Us

Moscow, Idaho, United States

Leading a team of 10+ dedicated career services professionals and 10+ amazing interns to become the best versions of themselves in supporting the university mission and excelling in student success.

Spokane, Washington, United States

As a visionary leader, I shape our organization's foundation and provide strategic direction, overseeing operational management and fostering client relationships. I build and lead a dedicated team, optimizing internal processes and ensuring program efficiency. Client engagement is a priority, and I customize our mindfulness programs for diverse clients. I drive business development through strategic partnerships and innovative approaches, while also managing finances for stability. Additionally, I advocate for mindfulness and contribute to the field through thought leadership activities and publications, enhancing our industry influence.

Coaching and advising on student success initiatives, diversity, equity, and inclusion practices, as well as assessing policy gaps and external partnerships in higher education. I conduct in-depth evaluations of cases, programs, and units by gathering information through various methods. I collaborate with experts and faculty to design effective curriculum, ensuring alignment with learner goals. Using instructional design frameworks like ADDIE, SAM, or UDL, I create and revise training materials, defining clear learning objectives based on Bloom's Taxonomy. I also conduct research to develop instructional content, recommend course designs and delivery methods, and utilize Quality Matters standards for evaluating and improving online and blended courses. Additionally, I perform needs assessments and strategic learning assessments to guide curriculum development and updates. My role encompasses providing concise, justified recommendations to institutional leadership.

Pullman, Washington, United States

Provided crucial support to Honors College students by guiding them through their curriculum decisions and aiding in the selection of thesis advisors and thesis support. With a focus on academic excellence, I offer personalized guidance, ensuring students make informed choices regarding their courses and research pursuits. By fostering a supportive and enriching environment, I empower students to navigate their academic journey effectively, ultimately helping them excel in their studies and research endeavors within the Honors College program.

Honored to have assumed the role of the inaugural Director of Diversity for the Executive Board, a position established on July 1, 2020. Prior to this, I held the position of Chair of Diversity for MPACE. In my current capacity, I lead a committee comprising 20 dedicated members, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion advocacy. Our efforts extend across programming, membership engagement, organizational culture, and professional development initiatives in the Mountain, Pacific Northwest, and West Coast regions, encompassing colleges and employers. It is my privilege to contribute to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment within our organization and the broader community. We supported engagements from virtual events and conferences to in-person conferences.

Serve as a voting member and Chair-elect to better ensure equity and inclusion for all women faculty, staff, and graduate student at WSU system-wide. Advised the President and Executive Vice President/Provost with data and qualitative feedback to produce policy recommendations on all issues relevant to women faculty and staff in matters of equity and advancement. Established working relationships with other groups on campus and in the community system-wide. Provided recommendations and leadership in partnering with HRS, for implementation, coordination, and evolution of the system-wide staff mentoring program. Conflict resolution leader for all Title IX and discriminatory concerns or lawsuits.

Instructor of record for BA102 Exploring Careers in Business, a foundational course for undergraduate business students offered every fall, summer, and spring semester. In this role, I utilized critical theoretical approaches to challenge social norms and promote reflective assessment. I designed curriculum content, activities, and lesson plans following the Know-Do-Be learning model framework, fostering an interdisciplinary approach. Quality Matters standards were employed to develop and assess coursework and rubrics. I also trained new faculty instructors, assisting them in course development and deployment on platforms like Blackboard and Canvas. I meticulously crafted syllabi outlining course requirements, goals, and objectives, and selected appropriate textbooks and resources. Ensuring alignment with WSU catalog descriptions and defined course standards, I created an engaging learning environment, encouraging student participation both in-person and virtually.

Pullman, Wa

I chaired and served on multiple search committees for key positions within our college and university, ensuring successful recruitments for various roles. Additionally, I managed the procurement and redesign of the Employer Connections Center, completing the project under budget by 30%. I oversaw the transition to Handshake, a student career management system, leading to a 25% increase in student engagement within the first year. I initiated and organized the inaugural leadership conference for the College of Business, involving 65% of executive business club leaders in a comprehensive two-day event. I successfully developed new revenue streams, doubling career event revenues and increasing student engagement through our e-newsletter by 20%. Furthermore, I expanded the career connections team, doubling its size in the first year of my appointment. Supported all business school students in their pursuit of a career through networking engagements and coaching/training sessions.

Salisbury, Nc

Led the transformation of the career center, implementing an industry-focused model and assembling a new staff. Through strategic initiatives, increased professional development funds by 25% and tripled revenue from partnerships within the first year. Successfully reconciled misallocated grant funding, secured a significant $100K grant for underprivileged students, and managed a $25K donor gift. Notably, I boosted recent graduate placement rates from 21% to 67%, significantly enhancing student engagement by 66%. Additionally, pioneered the university's first professional career closet, further enriching our support services for students.

Charlotte, North Carolina Area

Oversaw the daily operations of the career services department, reporting directly to the President, and managed a team consisting of one professional staff, a career advisor, and two student employees. Additionally, I trained and supported new Career Advisors, supervised college work-study students, and ensured their progress, time sheets, pay, and placements were managed effectively. In my teaching role, I served as the instructor for the externship course, ENT300, coaching and assessing students' performance, and aiding in their placement within desired career paths. I provided extensive support, including part-time job assistance and networking events, to non-traditional students, organizing career fairs, workshops, and seminars. Moreover, I developed and instructed workshops covering various professional skills like interviewing etiquette, networking, resume writing, branding, and marketing, preparing students for the workforce. I also tailored advising sessions and workshops to align with students' specific fields of study, ensuring comprehensive guidance and support.

Charlotte, North Carolina Area

Instructor for the Portfolio Class (INT499), guiding 15-20 students per quarter and developing the necessary instructional materials. I actively engaged students throughout their academic journey, organizing workshops, mock interviews, and resume writing sessions. In my advising role, I supported non-traditional and international students, offering guidance on their collegiate experience and career paths. I meticulously analyzed reports to enhance placement ratings and student engagement, leading initiatives for campus improvement. Additionally, I created professional development programs tailored to adult learners, organizing workshops and career events on weekends and weeknights, fostering a work/life balance for our continuing education and returning students. My approach aimed to empower students in their educational and professional pursuits while promoting a supportive learning environment.

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), English

Activities and Societies: Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society Scriptwriter & Actor

Masters Of Science (M.S.), Higher Education - Specialization In College Administration & Leadership

Psychology - Studied