Mia H. Watson -Manages programs that facilitate student development and graduation –

Leader in Program Development Leadership Development Student Success Strategies Budget Management

CA 91423 310-433-9808 mia.watson@gmail.com www.linkedin.com/in/miawatson

California State University, Long Beach Masters of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies (Art/Creative Writing) 2009University of California, Los Angeles Bachelors of Arts, English Literature 1999

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Retention Advisor at UCLA Community Programs Office 2009 – present Program Development and Management

Supervised the planning, evaluation, and implementation of all 1-to-1 advising, writing support services, mentorship activities, and workshops within the Student Retention Center.

Advised student advocacy groups and cultural organizations on event planning and program development. Developed campus-wide programming and trainings that enhance student life in collaboration with the Center for

Community College Partnerships, Career Center, Academic Advising units, Financial Aid Office, and faculty. Facilitated improved success rates and service outcomes for all retention programs within the Student Retention

Center. Programs consistently exceeded their service objectives.Student Engagement and Leadership Development

Contributed to a 68% student readmission and graduation rate for students that were previously dismissed. Advised representatives of student government, African Student Union, MEChA de UCLA, Samahang Pilipino,

Vietnamese Student Union, and the American Indian Student Association on best practices for managing student run retention programs and related activities.

Developed student success and leadership initiatives within the Community Programs Office. Conducted 2-3 courses a year in collaboration with ethnic studies departments. Advised diverse student populations on campus involvement, referrals, and student success strategies. Facilitated and designed readmission workshops and special programs in collaboration with College Counseling. Improved student outreach by negotiating a new data distribution process with the Registrar.

Fiscal and Human Resource Management Supervised the allocation and oversight of approximately $1,000,000 annually. Advised all funding and evaluation cycles of the Campus Retention Committee comprised of representatives from

the Undergraduate Student Association, Afrikan Student Union, MEChA de UCLA, Samahang Pilipino, Vietnamese Student Union, and the American Indian Student Association.

Developed and lead budget proposal writing workshops for department personnel. Hired and supervised 6 full-time staff and over 70 student staff. Designed curriculum and administered training to 13 full-time staff annually. Developed a new communication strategy for the Department of Enrollment Management as a participant in PDP.

Outreach Advisor at UCLA Community Programs Office 2006 –2009 Program Development and Management

Managed 7 outreach programs working at 20 schools, community colleges, and non-profits in Los Angeles. Collaborated with campus administration and stakeholders, including the Center for Community College

Partnerships, on enhancing campus-wide outreach/recruitment activities. Developed a staff training curriculum that better equipped 7 full-time and over 100 student staff with skills

regarding UC and CSU application processes, FAFSA application processes, mandated reporting, and FERPA. Analyzed and revised all employee evaluation materials and practices for the Division of Student Affairs.

Student Engagement and Leadership Development Advised representatives of student government, African Student Union, MEChA de UCLA, Samahang Pilipino,

Vietnamese Student Union, Muslim Student Association, Pacific Islander Student Association, and the American Indian Student Association on best practices for managing student run outreach programs and related activities

Supervised student peer counselors, tutors, and coordinators serving 5,000 K-14 students from across Los Angeles. Conducted 1-2 courses a year in collaboration with other departments

Managed the day to day activities of all outreach projects within the Student Initiated Access Center. Projects provide academic mentoring and college prep services to low income and historically underserved populations.

Supervised the state funded Financial Aid Awareness Program that provided FAFSA workshops to K-14 families.Fiscal Resource Management

Managed the allocation and tracking of over $700,000 for K-14 outreach services annually. Supervised the processing and management of state and local grants. Advised funding practices and decisions of the Student Initiated Access Committee. Resolved conflict and negotiated over $80,000 in programs funds from funding agencies, restoring two contracts.

Adjunct Instructor/Program Coordinator at UCLA School of Education and Information Studies 2003 – 2005 Developed and managed a college preparatory program for 300 High School students. Hired, trained, and supervised a staff of 30 undergraduate student tutors Administered assessment testing for all 9th grade program participants. Developed learning outcomes bases on student needs and program goals. Collected data and provided logistical support for onsite research and grant renewal.

Program Director at UCLA SHAPE Program – Outreach Services 2001 – 2003 Managed 4 sites throughout Los Angeles County that provided tutoring and mentoring to over 500 students. Secured and managed nearly $200,000 from campus and community funding sources annually. Wrote and negotiated Memoranda of Understanding with various community sites. Oversaw strategic and long-range planning for the service growth and improvement of the project. Generated monthly grant reports and quarterly evaluations of program services and outcomes. Hired, trained, and managed a staff of 100 student employees and volunteers. Co-facilitated 1 course annually on issues of outreach and retention. Collaborated with the Center for Community College Partnerships and other units on outreach/recruitment events.

Program Director at UCLA Academic Supports Program –Retention Services 1999 - 2001 Managed a retention program targeting African American first year and transfer students. Program provided peer

counselling, mentorship, internship, workshops, and other retention services to over 500 students annually. Secured $120,000 in funding annually and generated quarterly reports. Oversaw strategic planning for the service growth and project development. Hired, trained, and managed staff of 11 student employees. Co-facilitated 1 course annually on issues of outreach and retention.

CERTIFICATIONS/TRAININGS

-Mental Health First Aid - QPR: Suicide Prevention -FERPA - IGR -Student Conduct/Sexual Assault Prevention

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

KEYNOTE: UCLA Higher Education Conference - 2005CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS: NACADA Region 9 -2016, UC Academic Advisors –2016, CaCCCHE -2016LEADERSHIP/SERVICE: UCOP African American Student Task Force – 2015; UCLA Student Affairs Diversity Institute Planning Committee – 2014; UCLA Professional Development Program – 2013-2014; UCLA Community Programs Office Department Review Committee – July – present; UCLA Office of the Dean of Students, Student Advocate & Panel Member – 2012 – 2015; Bruin Readmission Program Steering Committee – 2011 – present; UCLA Performance Management Program Taskforce – 2007 – 2009BOARD MEMBER: New World Education 2009 - 2012INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS: Art and Social Action, Federal University of Pernambuco/CSULB– 2006

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Chicano Studies M18* - Undergraduate Seminar, Chicano Studies – UCLA 2015 - PresentChicano Studies 97 – Undergraduate Seminar, Chicano Studies – UCLA 2009 – 2015Chicano Studies M118* - Undergraduate Seminar, Chicano Studies - UCLA 2000 -2003, 2007, 2010 - 2012Art and Transitions – Seminar, TZONE/ Tyra Banks Foundation – Scripps College Summer 2005

GEAR UP Art and Expression – After School Class, Inglewood High School – UCLA 2004 – 2005*Cross-listed as Afro Am/American Indian Studies/Asian American Studies