Jerel D. Benton · Conversations” focused on topics of equity, diversity and inclusion;...

Jerel D. Benton…dedicated to guiding students and others to succeed

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HIGHLIGHTED ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE

University of Wisconsin-Superior, Superior, WI January 2017-PresentDirector of Equity Diversity and Inclusion/Sr. Diversity Oficer

Oversaw all the diversity and equity centers (8 total staf), which includes the following ofices: Ofice of Multicultural Afairs, Gender Equity Resource Centers, Ofice of International Programs, Veterans and Nontraditional Student Center, and First NationsCenter. Served as the institutions Afirmative Action Oficer, Multicultural Disadvantaged Coordinator, and Chancellor’s Cabinet Diversity Fellow. Oversaw and managed a budget of over $250,000. Developed and conducted diversity and inclusion training curriculum for faculty, staf and students.

Accomplishments Successfully lead a committee in the development and implementation of the

institution’s frst Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2017-2020; secured $150,000 for plan implementation and developed a inclusive process to allocate funds.

Collaborated with the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning to initiate a faculty and staf professional development program, “Community Conversations” focused on topics of equity, diversity and inclusion; successfully engaged over 75 faculty and staf during the 2018-2019 academic year.

Established the “Diversity Advocate” program to enhance the faculty and staf recruitment and hiring process.

Developed and implemented the campus Bias Incident Response Team and protocol.

Revamped the role of the Afirmative Action Oficer within the recruitment and hiring process.

Successfully trained 10 faculty and staf to be afirmative action and equal opportunity investigators.

Reallocated resources to establish the University’s frst ever Coordinator for Gender and Sexuality programs.

Secured funding for an $80,000 renovation of the Multicultural Center. Secured $20,000 for the construction of a medicine wheel on the University

Quad. Obtained Military Gold status and Military Times Best College status for the

programs and services toward our military veteran students. Secured a $25,000 grant from the Wisconsin Department of Veteran Afairs for

programs and services in the Veteran and Nontraditional Student Center. Developed and implemented the institution’s Afirmative Action Program;

positioning the institution to be in compliance with federal regulations. Lead the institution in increasing the campus pride index; 2017 Campus Pride

Index Score 2.5 out of 5, 2018 Campus Pride Index Score 3.5 out of 5.

Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN May 2016 – December 2016

https://www.uwsuper.edu/edi/equity-diversity-inclusion-plan/upload/Equity-Diversity-Inclusion-Booklet-3-5-18.pdf


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Director, African American Afairs

Oversee the programs and initiatives coordinated through the Center for African American Afairs, developed a three-year programming strategic plan to enhance programs and services, provided holistic advising to students as needed, develop ongoing programs to enrich cultural and social connections, advised and provided leadership development for sixteen registered student organizations, and managed a $50,000+ dollar departmental and ethnic student programming budget.Accomplishments

Developed a three-year strategic plan with key performance indicators and outcomes for the Center for African American Afairs.

Successfully developed and implemented the “Courageous Conversations” series,a social justice education program that encouraged dialogue surrounding relevant social issues; average attendance of 87 students and 28 faculty and staf.

Served as the primary writer, contributor, and investigator for the “Guided Pathways to Success” grant, a two year cohort success program focused on student success and pathways to academic majors; proposed ($175,271), funded ($125,413).

Morehead State University, Morehead, KY October 2015 – June 2016Associate Director, University Assessment and Testing

Oversaw the operation of the testing center; managed the University assessment processes with an emphasis on administrative and educational support unit assessments, provided expertise on the use of multiple advanced statistical methods to assemble statistical reports and analyze assessment results, and provided assistance and coordination with statistical analysis, data collection, storage processes relating to campus-wide assessment, and with the implementation of assessment activities in compliance with accreditation requirements and standards, served as an administrator of campus assessment software (WEAVE).Accomplishments

Streamlined testing dates to ft the needs of the ofice and institution, while still generating a revenue over $38,000 from internal and external clients; a 20% increase in revenue compared to fscal year 2015.

Efectively collected, organized, and reported general education assessment for academic years 2014-2015 and 2015-2016, ensuring the institution was compliant with state coordinating bodies policies.

Morehead State University, Morehead, KY April 2011 – October 2015Minority Retention and Student Success Coordinator

Developed and lead all minority retention initiatives; collected and analyzed data onspecifc programs serving under-represented population, tracked the graduation andretention rates of the Diversity Scholars; provided intervention when needed, providedinstitutional updates on retention and graduation of ethnic underrepresented groups;collaborated with administrators, faculty, staf and students to assist in thedevelopment and implementation of programs to enhance awareness and importance ofacademic success; served as the Map-Works campus coordinator and technical


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administrator; advised 100+ undeclared and interdisciplinary studies students; servedon the University’s Diversity Council; served as data analysis coordinator for the Oficeof Academic Advising and retention; collaborated with institutional research togenerate automated reports and ofice specifc dashboards.

Accomplishments Stabilized minority retention through the use of student programs, services, and

data-driven decisions and strategies; 6% increase in frst year retention ofunderrepresented minorities during the 2014-2015 academic year.

Coordinated the successful campus wide implementation of Map-Works, asurvey-based predictive analytic tool; frst year student survey response rateover 80% (over 1,000 students). Trained over 15 professional advisors and otherstaf on the utilization of Map-Works.

Developed and implemented the University’s early alert process through theMap-Works platform.

Revamped the Diversity Scholars Programs, leading to a 100% scholarshipretention rate over three years.

Instrumental in the development, implementation, and analysis of theUniversity’s campus climate survey.

Co-facilitated a professional learning community focused on ethnicunderrepresented minority students.

OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Morehead State University, Morehead, KY January 2015—June 2015Intern (Associate VP Academic Afairs)

Identifed and analyzed institutional policy on the administration of posthumous degrees; drafted the posthumous degree University Administrative Regulation (UAR); attended meetings to develop a greater understanding of the process and organization for diferent committees in academic afairs (e.g. Dean’s Council, General Education Council, etc.)

Strayer University, Lexington, KY April 2009 – April 2011Admission Oficer

Oversaw the recruitment process in the Central Kentucky area while achieving goalsset by the Campus Director; counseled students on career decisions and basic Title IVfnancial aid information; and contributed to the overall enrollment management planfor the Lexington campus.

Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY January 2006 – May 2008 Academic Advisor

Advised approximately 75 students within the Best Expectations (BEP) retentionprogram; implemented early intervention techniques for students who were at risk;assessed student academic performance while on probation; collected data for


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statistics for the retention program at the end of each semester; and advised 50-60Undeclared students.

Teaching and Mentoring Experience

Spring 2019Instructor, Post-Secondary Access and Success (EDHE 656-Online-3 credits)Student Affiir in Highei Educftion, Coloifdo Stfte Unieeiritr

This course focuses on understanding and applying efective practices that support student success for traditionally underrepresented students on college campuses and practices that contribute to successful transition, student persistence, and college completion. Developed course during the summer and fall 2018 semesters

Fall 2015Instructor, Learning for Success (MSU 099-Hybrid- 1 Credit)Inrtiuctionfl Seieicer, Moiehefd Stfte Unieeiritr

This course is required for students who are readmitted by the Academic Standards and Appeals Committee and is designed to assist students with positive learning experiences to enhance academic success.

Instructor for three online sections of MSU-099 Learning for Success per semester, approximately 30 students per section.

Used instructional technology to enhance pedagogical approach. Taught with an innovative, peer-to-peer coaching program. Mentored and advised students throughout the semester.

Adjunct, First Year Seminar (FYS 101-3 Credits)Inrtiuctionfl Seieicer, Moiehefd Stfte Unieeiritr

The intent of this course was to establish the expectations of life in an academic settingand as a local, national and global citizen. The foundations of communication and intellectual skills were introduced in this course and built through the interdisciplinary exploration of a common regional, national or global theme. This course included a common reading assignment designed to provide a common introduction to academic life at Morehead State University and satisfed the core requirement for general education.

Instructor for one face-face section of FYS-101 First Year Seminar “From Saved by the Bell to Big Bang Theory, How Higher Education is portrayed on TV” (26 students per section).

Utilized popular and relevant video clips from television shows to enhance and support learning.

Explained challenging concepts using planned lessons, assignments and targeteddiscussion

Utilized group assignments to encourage collaboration, teamwork, and critical thinking.

Used instructional technology to enhance pedagogical approach.


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Spring 2015

Instructor, Learning for Success (MSU 100 Hybrid- 1 Credit)Inrtiuctionfl Seieicer, Moiehefd Stfte Unieeiritr

Taught four online sections with 30 students per section.

Fall 2014

Instructor, Learning for Success (MSU 100-Hybrid- 1 Credit)Inrtiuctionfl Seieicer, Moiehefd Stfte Unieeiritr

Taught three online sections with 30 students per section.

Adjunct, First Year Seminar (FYS 101-3 Credits)Inrtiuctionfl Seieicer, Moiehefd Stfte Unieeiritr

Spring 2014


Taught four online sections with 30 students per section.

Fall 2013


Taught three online sections with 30 students per section.

Summer 2012

Adjunct, Discovering University Life (MSU 101-1 Credit) Inrtiuctionfl Seieicer, Moiehefd Stfte UnieeiritrThis course was designed to support new students in making the academic, personal, and social adjustments needed for successful University experience and was a University required freshman course.

Prepared lectures and class activities focusing on student success skills for 25 students

Facilitator for one face-face section of MSU-101 Discovering University Life, 25 students per section

Explained challenging concepts using planned lessons, assignments and targeteddiscussion for students enrolled in Success Academy, a summer bridge program for students with two or more developmental needs.

Mentoring Experience


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Mentor, DREAMS Mentoring Program Fall 2011- Fall 2016

Mentored up to six undergraduate students on navigating the university, helping them to overcome barriers as they matriculate in their programs.

Referred students to campus and community resources as needed.

PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS

Conference Presentations

Roth Day, M., Benton, J., and Anderson, H. (2018). Strategic Collaboration: Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and Student Afairs. Presented at the Ofice of Professional & Instructional Development Conference, Madison, WI.

Benton, J. & Phillips, C (2016). Serving Underrepresented Students in the Age of Accountability. Presented at the Kentucky Association of Blacks in Higher Education annual conference. Bowling Green, KY.

Benton, J., & Barber, M (2015). Understanding Provisionally Admitted Students.Presented at the National Map-Works User Conference, St. Louis, MO.

Benton, J., Phillips, C., & Privott, D. (2014). Doing More with Less. Presented at the Noel-Levitz National Symposium on Students of Color, Indianapolis, IN.

Benton, J. & Moore, J. (2014). Dedicated to Retention and Education at Morehead State (DREAMS) Mentoring Program. Presented at the Council on Post-Secondary Education Student Success Summit, Louisville, KY.

Local or Institutional PresentationsLeeper, T. & Benton, J. (2018). Facilitating Dificult Dialogues. Presented to the Department of Campus Recreation Professional and Student Staf at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, Superior, WI.

Benton, J. (2018). Understanding Unconscious Bias. Presented to Faculty and Staf at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, Superior, WI

Benton, J. (2017). Facilitating an Inclusive Classroom. Presented to Faculty and Staf at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, Superior, WI.

Benton, J. (2017). Embracing Diversity, Presented to Faculty and Staf at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, Superior, WI.

Benton, J. & Williamson, B (2016). Self-Aware: Understanding Multicultural Competence. Presented at the Diversity Institute-Minnesota State University-Mankato. Mankato, MN

Benton, J. (2013). Foundations of Mentoring. Presented to the Staf in the College of Justice and Safety at Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, KY.


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Benton, J. (2011). Minority Students at Morehead State University. Presented annually at New Faculty Orientation, Morehead, KY.

Benton, J. (2012). Black Males at Morehead State University. Presented to the Black Male Initiative participants and professional mentors at Morehead State University, Morehead, KY.

Benton, J. (2012). Hello…My Name is Success. Presented to the Black Male Initiative participants and professional mentors, Morehead, KY.

Benton, J. (2012). Student Success: Student Centered Advising. Presented to the Advisors of Morehead State University, Morehead, KY.

Benton, J. (2011). Working with At-Risk Students: Probation Students. Presented to the Advisors of Morehead State University, Morehead, KY.

Benton, J. (2011). Serving Underrepresented Students at Morehead State University. Presented at the annual housing professional staf and residential advisors training, Morehead, KY.

GRANTS

Wisconsin Department of Veterans Afairs, WDVA Grant2018-2019

Unieeiritr of Wirconrin-Supeiioi Served as a contributor of the formal grant submission. Served as co-principal investigator for the Veteran and Nontraditional Student

Center grant. Secured grant funds from the Wisconsin Department of Veteran Afairs in the

amount of $25,000. (proposed $25,000)

Ofice of Higher Education, “EEquity in Education and Job Connection GrantH2016-2019

Minnerotf Stfte Unieeiritr-Mfnkfto Served as the primary writer of the formal grant submission. Served as principal investigator for the Guided Pathways to Success grant

program. Secured grant funds from the Ofice of Higher Education (MN) in the amount of

$125, 413 (proposed $175,271).

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTPresident’s Leadership Academy, Morehead State University (2015-2016)

One of sixteen faculty and staf selected by the president to participate in this leadership program.

Completed a rigorous curriculum that focused on the following: leadership skills,higher education leadership, university budgeting, university organization, issuesfacing higher education, and public policy.


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Completed a challenging team case study that incorporated higher education issues and called for the team to remediate a budget shortfall of a fctitious university.

Completed an internship in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences that focused on the redesign of Bachelor of University Studies degree program.

AWARDSSpirit of Superior Award, University of Wisconsin-Superior (2018)

Spirit of Superior Award recipient, which recognizes faculty or staf that exudes excellent school spirit, and contributes positively to the campus climate.

Distinguished Staf Service Award Nominee, Morehead State University (2014) Nominated for the Distinguished Staf Service award, which recognizes staf that

devotes time and energy to service within the institution and outside of the institution.

Academic Advising and Retention Staf Member of the Year, Morehead State University (2012, 2013)

Recognized for outstanding performance and service to faculty, staf, and students.

LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE

University of Wisconsin-Superior, Superior, WI Member, Chancellor’s Cabinet (2017-Present) Chair, Diversity and Inclusion Committee (2017-Present) Member, Strategic Planning Core Team (2017-Present) Member, Enrollment Management Committee (2017-Present) Member, Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning Advisory Board (2017-

Present) Co-Chair, Global Awareness Community of Practice (2017-Present) Ex-Oficio, Afirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Committee (2018-Present)

City of Superior, Superior, WI Member, Mayor’s Commission on Communities of Color (2018-Present)

Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN Member, Re-Imagining the First Year Committee (2016-Present) Member, President’s Commission on Diversity (2016-Present)

Morehead State University, Morehead, KY Chair, Compensation and Benefts Committee (2015-2016) Co-Chair, Professional Learning Community: Past, Present, and Future (2013-

2016) Member, Academic Grievance Committee (2013-2016) Member, Morehead State University Staf Congress (2013-2016) Ex-Oficio, Academic Standards and Appeal Committee (2012-2016) Co-Chair, Diversity Scholars Scholarship and Appeals Committee (2011- 2016) Member, Morehead State University President’s Diversity Council (2011-2016) Member, Core Retention Advisory Team (2014-2015)


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Member, Map-Works Project Implementation Team (2013-2015) Member, Morehead State University President’s Student Success Planning Team

(2012) Member, Morehead State Enrollment Management Planning Team (2012) Member, Summer Diversity Program Planning Committee (2012) Member, Kentucky Association of Blacks in Higher Education Planning

Committee (2012) Chair, Minority Retention Advisory Council (2011-2015) Member, Provisional Admittance Committee (2011-2015) Member, Dedicated to Retention and Education at Morehead State (DREAMS)

Mentoring Advisory Board (2011-2014)

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

National Association of Diversity Oficers in Higher EducationNational College Testing Association

Association of Institutional ResearchersNational Academic Advising Association

National Association of Student Personnel and AdministrationKentucky Association of Blacks in Higher Education

Jerel D. Benton · Conversations” focused on topics of equity, diversity and inclusion;...

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