Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

Tia R. Lawson

Sumter

Summary

Dynamic higher education professional and former business executive with over 20 years of experience in business management, enrollment management, student retention, academic advising, strategic planning, and community outreach. Proven track record in student engagement, transfer coordination, and academic success initiatives, combined with expertise in project management, human resources, and business consulting. Adept at building relationships across student affairs and academic affairs to support holistic student development.

Educational professional with extensive experience in teaching Social Studies. Known for developing engaging curricula and fostering collaborative classroom atmosphere. Committed to adapting teaching strategies to meet evolving needs of students and colleagues alike. Recognized for strong communication skills and passion for student development.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

7th and 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher

Public, Charter, and Alternative Schools
  • Taught middle school students across diverse settings.
  • Designed culturally responsive curriculum and classroom management plans.

Codes Enforcement Officer

City Government
06.2017 - 02.2018
  • Conducted thorough inspections to ensure compliance with codes in residential and commercial properties.
  • Collaborated with city departments to develop and implement effective enforcement strategies.
  • Identified code violations to enhance community safety through rigorous property assessments.

Adjunct Professor (Part-Time)

Lee County Adult Education
01.2022 - Current
  • Instructed adult learners with a focus on academic readiness, GED preparation, and college transition.

Vice President, Board of Directors

YWCA Upper Lowlands
01.2021 - Current
  • Spearheaded strategic planning and fundraising initiatives for educational and domestic violence programs.
  • Advocated for community programs to enhance awareness and support.
  • Led cross-functional teams to achieve successful completion of major projects.
  • Increased efficiency and client satisfaction through effective project management practices.

Senior Recruiter | Interim Director of Enrollment | Transfer Coordinator | Academic Advisor

Morris College
01.2018 - Current
  • Developed and implemented a comprehensive retention and enrollment strategic plan.
  • Co-chaired the Student Academic Probation Committee, leading efforts to reengage dismissed students.
  • Served as campus advisor for Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated.
  • Co-chaired Spirit Week and student activities to increase campus engagement.
  • Facilitated transfer evaluations and ensured seamless academic transitions.
  • Enhanced candidate pipeline by utilizing various sourcing strategies, including social media, networking events, and job postings.
  • Conducted thorough candidate screenings, resulting in higher quality interviews and placements.
  • Fostered positive candidate experiences through transparent communication throughout the recruiting process.

CEO/Owner

Jani-King Commercial Cleaning Services
01.2005 - 01.2020
  • Managed operations for 15 years, overseeing 50 employees, contracts, payroll, and HR functions.
  • Negotiated corporate contracts and maintained client satisfaction.
  • Provided business consulting services to small and minority-owned startups.

Education

Ed.D. - Education Admin. / Organizational Leadership

Rockhurst University
Kansas City, MO
05.2026

B.S. - Organizational Management

Morris College

M.S. - International Leadership

Grand Canyon University
01.2021

Skills

  • Enrollment & Retention Strategy
  • Student Support & Academic Advising
  • Strategic Planning & Data Analysis
  • Staff & Team Leadership
  • Community & Student Engagement
  • Transfer & Transition Coordination
  • Contract Negotiation & HR Management
  • Program Development
  • Teaching & Instruction
  • Business Consulting & Operations
  • Student engagement
  • Collaborative learning
  • Project-based learning
  • Historical analysis

Certification

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Affiliations

  • Board Vice President, YWCA Upper Lowlands
  • Campus Advisor, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
  • Spirit Week Co-Chair, Morris College
  • Education Committee Member, “Call Me Mister” Program
  • Co-Chair of (SAP) student academic probation

Timeline

Adjunct Professor (Part-Time)

Lee County Adult Education
01.2022 - Current

Vice President, Board of Directors

YWCA Upper Lowlands
01.2021 - Current

Senior Recruiter | Interim Director of Enrollment | Transfer Coordinator | Academic Advisor

Morris College
01.2018 - Current

Codes Enforcement Officer

City Government
06.2017 - 02.2018

CEO/Owner

Jani-King Commercial Cleaning Services
01.2005 - 01.2020

7th and 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher

Public, Charter, and Alternative Schools

M.S. - International Leadership

Grand Canyon University

Ed.D. - Education Admin. / Organizational Leadership

Rockhurst University

B.S. - Organizational Management

Morris College
Tia R. Lawson