Warch K.

Downing
warchedowning@gmail.com | www.linkedin.com/in/warche | 252.809.2533

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EDUCATION
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro,
M.Ed. in Student Personnel Administration in Higher Education, May 2017
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,
B.A. Public Policy and Social-Economic Justice minor, May 2013
WORK EXPERIENCE
Project Coordinator, Say Yes to Education Guilford (August 2016 present)
Coordinate a year-long effort to increase the percentage of high school seniors who complete the FAFSA in Guilford
County, the third largest school district in North Carolina, for the National College Access Network FAFSA
Challenge Grant
Build rapport and cultivate a communication network for all senior guidance counselors in Guilford County Schools
by providing Say Yes to Education materials, FAFSA guidance and best practices on a district-wide scale
Establish project plans and strategies while monitoring ongoing project success and program evaluations
Manage grant budget of $55,000 for the FAFSA Challenge Grant
Spearhead coalitions and networks focused on collective action and project management implementation
Implement community programs and works collaboratively with school administrators, high school counselors,
college advisers, higher education professionals, community officials, and volunteers
Intern, Dean of Students Office (August 2016-present)
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Administer educational student conduct conferences
Assist students in distress and/or students going through the Crisis Management Protocol
Meet individually with students, actively listen to their issues, and assist them in prioritizing, problem solving, and
success planning
Work closely in collaboration with Housing and Residence Life, Student Government Attorney Generals Office,
University Police, and other campus community members
Lead Counselor, ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp (June 2015 present)
North Carolina Central University
Facilitate effective academic and program resources/activities for campers
Meet regularly with all camp counselors to ensure the use of best practices, safety, and positive overall educational
camp experiences for the campers
Communicate with camper's parents/guardians in regard to camp updates
Assist the communications team and ensure social media and blog posts are completed daily
Mentor campers on effective academic skills for success
Academic Advising Graduate Assistant, Bryan School of Business Student Services (September 2015 August 2016)
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Advise students on academic degree requirements, procedures, and deadlines specific to business school majors and
minors
Assist students with procedural information for scheduling, registration, and degree requirements
Assist in presenting academic information to incoming and continuing students through special events
College Adviser, Carolina College Advising Corps (July 2013 June 2015)
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Reviewed college admissions and scholarship essays, planned and coordinated, campus tours and college fairs,
,evaluated financial aid packages, helped students complete the FAFSA, and advised families on colleges preparation
and success
Strategically increased the college-going culture within the school

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Organized and facilitated programming for students, parents and the greater school community as an AmeriCorps
member
Increased scholarships dollars that students were awarded for college from $1.4 million dollars to $5.4 million dollars
during first academic year of serving, then to $6 million dollars during second year
Created the College/Scholarship Club and developed an effective communication campaign for contacting juniors
and seniors
Graduation rate increased by 12.4 percentage points to 86.2% during first year of advising

Campus Representative/Ambassador (December 2011- May 2013)

The Princeton Review
Implemented marketing campaigns to reach the campus community
Worked with regional manager to determine strategies of reaching college-aged students
Postsecondary/Collegiate Board Representative (2011-2012)
National (Health Occupations Students of America) HOSA Future Health Professionals
Represented HOSAs Postsecondary/Collegiate members on the HOSA, Inc. Board of Directors and at national events
Led the creation of the collegiate chapter manual for establishing multiple postsecondary HOSA chapters
Created national partnerships and facilitated growth in the organization with 2.1 million alumni and over 145,000
members
LEADERSHIP & PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Vice President, Black Graduate Student Union (2016-present)
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Lead in fostering opportunities for professional development, networking, community involvement, and an active
commitment to scholarship, research, and learning
Graduate Student Association Senator (2016-present)
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Promote the interest of the graduate student body
Meet in joint senate and executive board meetings to discuss issues relevant to the general membership
Make team decisions to support travel to conferences, assist with thesis and dissertation expenses, and provide grants
for local community-based research that range from $400 to $1,000
Owner, Majestic Creations (2013-present)
Leverage the marketing power of the most popular social media brands for various companies, churches, businesses,
and individuals while focusing on target audiences
Use marketing strategies in addition to compelling graphics with specific content
Design and manage a portfolio of websites
Minister, Church of God in Christ, Inc. (2011-present)
Serve as a licensed minister in the Church of God in Christ, Inc.
Preside as the State Youth Department President, impacting over 110 churches Youth Ministries by facilitating
program initiatives, academic support, college ministry, scholarships, educational/spiritual empowerment, and
community service
Intern, North Carolina New Schools (Jan 2013-May 2013)
Designed and executed impact studies to develop and support innovative schools across the state
Co-founder and Co-chair, Diversity Inclusiveness in Collegiate Environments - DICE (2011-2013)
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Fostered amity and civility of discourse related to diversity in the university setting
Collaborated with campus entities for creative programming
Program Campus Leader / Mentor, Gates Millennium Scholars Program (2010-2013)
Founded the GMS chapter on campus and maintained networks of collaboration and support amongst GMS Scholars
Facilitated programs and events for scholars to share academic interests, involvement, personal and professional
achievements
Admissions Ambassador (2009-2013)
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Provided tours, phone-a-thons, coordinated and served on student panels
Founder and President, Carolina HOSA - Health Occupations Students of America (2009-2013)
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Executed daily operations of a local chapter of a national non-profit organization

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Coordinated with the core officers, volunteer, community service, corporate sponsorships, and health awareness
campaigns
Recruited and developed program initiatives for pre-medical and allied health students

State Postsecondary/Collegiate President, North Carolina HOSA Health Occupations Students of America (2010-2011)
Represented over 9,000 North Carolina HOSA members and served on the NC-HOSA Board of Directors
Doubled Postsecondary/Collegiate membership by aiding in initiating state-wide chapters, and publishing a manual
SPECIAL HONORS
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Gates Millennium Scholar, April 2009-present
North Carolina HOSA (Future Health Professionals) Outstanding State Leader, March 2011
Coca-Cola Scholar, April 2009
Recipient of United States Senate Youth Program Award & Scholarship, United States Senate, March 2009
Alexander Hamilton National Citizenship Achievement Gold Award, May 2008
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
College Student Educators International (ACPA), Professional Member: June 2016-present
National College Access Network (NCAN), Organizational Member: September 2016-present
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
College Access programs and Paying for College workshops, August 2013-present
WGHP Fox 8 News - Paying for College featured segment, November 2014
Keynote graduation speaker at Carrington Middle School, June 2014
Keynote graduation speaker at Sheppard Middle School, June 2013
Keynote graduation speaker at Washington County Union Middle School, June 2013
UNC-Chapel Hill Service Learning Participant, 2009-2013
KEY SKILLS & EXPERTISE
College access
Academic advising
Banner student information system
Starfish retention solution software
Executive management
Project Management
Public speaking
Leadership development
Team building
Website design (html coding)
Graphic design
Adobe Systems (Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, etc.)