Terry Farris

About Terry Farris

With over two decades of experience in academia and operations, I offer a wealth of expertise to serve and help companies excel. Throughout my journey, I\'ve held diverse roles, from administrator to faculty member to operations manager, consistently demonstrating effective leadership and a commitment to best practices in management.My approach is centered on serving the teams I\'ve had the privilege of working with, leading to successful project management, optimized staffing, efficient scheduling, and budget management. This approach has consistently delivered impressive outcomes for the teams I\'ve collaborated with. For instance, the organizations I\'ve served have achieved remarkable statistics, including an 85% attendance rate, an 80% graduation rate, and placement rates exceeding 70%.Furthermore, I take pride in my track record of effectively managing multimillion-dollar budgets and proactively improving EBIDTA by 25%-35% in various organizations.My Forward-Thinking Leadership:Throughout my career, I\'ve gained extensive experience across various areas, including budget development, software implementation, retention and graduation management, business services, government relations and compliance, financial services, education, online delivery and management, and curriculum development. As an award-winning leader in the highly competitive career-based education sector, I\'ve consistently delivered tangible results while mentoring and collaborating with high-performing teams.I\'m dedicated to serving companies by successfully implementing forward-thinking operations and compliance oriented strategies to drive growth and success. My approach is marked by a high-energy, hands-on, and professional mindset. I possess executive-level competencies and a history of optimizing organizational performance through operational governance, compliance, P&L management, and strategic leadership, particularly in the context of start-up campuses, rebranding initiatives, and small to midsize campuses.My strength lies in making informed, forward-looking business decisions that yield immediate returns, streamline operations, achieve high-impact results, and cultivate a culture of productivity that drives revenue generation and institution-wide cohesion.

Experience

1. Executive Director of Workforce and Community Education

   Terra State Community College

   Jan 2025 — Present · Fremont, OH, US

   As the Executive Director of Workforce and Community Education at Terra State Community College, I lead innovative workforce development initiatives and foster strategic partnerships with businesses, industries, and community organizations to meet the evolving educational and professional needs of our region.In this role, I:• Oversee the development and implementation of training programs tailored to workforce demands, ensuring alignment with industry standards and emerging trends.• Collaborate with community stakeholders to expand opportunities for professional growth and lifelong learning.• Manage a dynamic team dedicated to delivering high-quality education and training solutions, including customized corporate training, continuing education, and professional certifications.• Serve as a key liaison between the college and local businesses, ensuring our programs support regional economic development and talent pipeline goals.• Advocate for innovation in educational practices, including the integration of technology, experiential learning, and flexible delivery models to meet diverse learner needs.I am passionate about creating pathways to success for students and professionals, while driving economic vitality and community enrichment.

Education

• Colorado Technical University

  MBA, Business Administration

  2004 — 2005

• Walden University

  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Education

  2009 — 2016

• Fairmont State University

  BS, Marketing/Management

  1993 — 1997

Skills

• Powerpoint
• Academia
• Microsoft Office
• Sales
• Educational Leadership
• Training
• Mentoring
• Compliance
• Distance Learning
• Temporary Placement
• Higher Education
• Fundraising
• Program Development
• Management
• Team Building
• Leadership Development
• Admissions
• Coaching
• Supervisory Skills
• Academic Administration
• E-Learning
• Campusvue
• Student Recruiting
• Enrollment Management
• Adult Education
• Strategic Planning
• Staff Development
• Public Speaking
• College Recruiting
• Student Affairs
• Curriculum Design
• Non-Profits
• Organizational Development
• Curriculum Development
• Event Planning
• Budgets
• Community Outreach
• Retaining Customers
• Career Development
• Accreditation