Van Carpenter

Results-driven education leader with 20+ years of experience driving institutional effectiveness through evidence-based decision-making and strategic resource optimization. Expertise in designing and implementing data-driven programs that measurably enhance student engagement and academic outcomes. Proven ability to collect, analyze, and interpret institutional data to identify trends, inform policy decisions, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Library/Media Specialist - Marion County School District - Mullins, South Carolina

(2025-10)

• Collaborated with teachers to integrate media resources into classroom instruction.
• Designed library programs that increased student engagement in reading and information literacy.
• Curated and maintained diverse collections of print and digital materials.
• Provided research assistance to students and staff using library databases.
• Facilitated technology training sessions that enhanced digital skills for students and faculty.
• Established and enforced policies that optimized library usage and resource management.

Area Director/Owner - club Z! of Florence - Florence, USA

(2025-01)

• Owned franchise and territory for K-12 tutoring agency in Pee Dee region of South Carolina.
• Hired and matched tutors with students to provide tailored academic support across K-12 grades.
• Marketed tutoring services to parents, successfully enrolling students in all K-12 subjects.
• Provided SAT, ACT, and ASVAB test preparation tutoring services.
• Utilized SEO and PPC strategies to attract clients effectively.
• Recruited contracted tutors possessing bachelor's degrees or qualified through Praxis 1 in accredited education programs.
• Trained contractor workforce on enrollment and tutoring procedures to improve service delivery.
• Managed office operations using applications like Microsoft Office, Zoom, QuickBooks, CRM, and Otter.ai.

Library Director - SOUTH UNIVERSITY - Columbia, USA

(2019-11 - 2024-07)

• Implemented transformative plan to transition physical library into a learning commons, fostering collaborative learning environments.
• Coordinated library functions across South University network, enhancing resource accessibility for eight campuses and two teaching locations.
• Directed library reference services, providing essential aid and instruction to enhance student success.
• Merged library services with academic success center, providing integrated support for student success.
• Introduced innovative information literacy tutorials for online platforms, enhancing digital learning engagement.
• Managed and utilized Voyager and Alma ILS services, optimizing resource management.
• Hired and trained full-time and work-study staff, fostering a skilled workforce.
• Supported online student community effectively throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Academic Success Center Coordinator - SOUTH UNIVERSITY - Columbia, USA

(2019-11 - 2024-07)

• Enhanced student success and retention by tracking progress, managing peer tutors, and organizing targeted tutorial sessions.
• Trained and managed peer tutors to enhance tutoring effectiveness across programs.
• Identified and recommended tailored solutions for academic needs, including tutoring and study skills training.
• Collaborated with program directors to assess academic progress and identify remedial needs.
• Provided timely data for weekly meetings regarding student classes and faculty interactions.
• Presented academic resources during new student orientation to promote available support services.
• Conducted meetings with new students and admissions representatives to detail academic support options available.
• Created and distributed a monthly campus newsletter to raise awareness of student success initiatives.

Sales Associate - Black Jack Harley-Davidson - Florence, USA

(2019-01 - 2019-12)

• Achieved approximately $1.2 million in gross revenue from motorcycle sales within seven months.
• Excelled in a fast-paced, high-volume motorcycle sales environment, meeting demanding targets.
• Demonstrated and sold motorcycles, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Provided exceptional customer service by staying informed about product selection and specifications.
• Cultivated and maintained customer databases through effective relationship-building.
• Developed effective strategies to enhance client retention and engagement.
• Integrated knowledge and skills into a new sales force at a newly constructed dealership.
• Collaborated with team members to optimize sales processes, boosting overall performance.

Sales Associate - Thunder Tower Harley-Davidson - Columbia, USA

(2018-01 - 2019-12)

• Achieved $200,000 in gross revenue from motorcycle sales within two months.
• Demonstrated motorcycles to customers, improving product understanding and driving sales.
• Refined sales techniques using industry insights, contributing to increased sales effectiveness.
• Cultivated relationships to manage customer and client databases, ensuring ongoing engagement.

Educational Consultant - Librarytek & Palmetto Fortis - Greer, USA

(2016-01 - 2017-12)

• Identified and implemented effective solutions for student academic services across higher education and K-12 curricula.
• Developed student information services and training curriculum techniques, improving access to information literacy resources.
• Advised academic libraries on staffing solutions, resulting in enhanced operational efficiency through innovative planning.

Senior Director, Center for Learning & Academic Services - Bob Jones University - Greenville, USA

(2014-01 - 2016-12)

• Oversaw activities of Center for Learning and Academic Services while directing library operations.
• Supervised three directors and implemented faculty training and advising plans to support academic success.
• Managed four director-level direct reports to streamline operations and improve service delivery.
• Championed hiring initiatives for academic advising and coaching team.
• Developed and enforced adherence to a combined program budget exceeding $2 million.
• Increased student program retention by 2-3% over two years through strategic initiatives.
• Instituted a new advising plan for first-year students with professional advisors.
• Spearheaded implementation of inaugural online tutoring services to improve student support.

Director of Libraries - Bob Jones University - Greenville, USA

(2014-01 - 2016-12)

• Directed daily and long-term operations of university libraries with 350,000 volumes and 3,000 students.
• Led modernization initiatives, implementing virtual reference services and III Sierra integrated library system to improve user access and experience.
• Oversaw campus-wide marketing initiatives, increasing library traffic and engagement through targeted outreach strategies.
• Developed innovative outreach activities to support student and faculty needs.
• Supervised 12 employees and 25 student workers, fostering a collaborative environment to achieve operational goals.
• Contributed resources and services to fulfill research requirements for faculty and students.
• Generated annual reports of library statistics for accrediting agencies.
• Served on academic council, influencing policy and planning for academic division development.

Reference Librarian & Liaison - Bob Jones University - Greenville, USA

(2013-01 - 2014-12)

• Superintended reference section.
• Maintained database to streamline future reference inquiries.
• Developed staffing schedules and identified services to enhance information services desk operations.
• Trained student employees in information service skills to improve desk operations.
• Provided writing assistance to students, enhancing clarity and coherence in submissions.
• Tutored and coached students in academic success center's writing lab to improve writing skills.

Director of Institutional Effectiveness - Northland international university - Dunbar, USA

(2011-01 - 2013-12)

• Conducted institutional effectiveness assessments and compiled actionable reports for administration to inform decision-making.
• Directed regional accreditation processes to align with standards.
• Composed key sections of preliminary application for the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools/Higher Learning Commission to facilitate accreditation process.
• Presented application to NCA/HLC alongside university administration.
• Instituted new constitution and bylaws, reorganizing the board of directors for successful reincorporation.
• Oversaw IPEDS data management, ensuring compliance and accuracy for institutional reporting.

Faculty - Northland international university - Dunbar, USA

(2002-01 - 2013-12)

• Taught courses on systematic theology, Baptist theology, church history, and contemporary theology.
• Instructed undergraduate and graduate students in information literacy and research practices, enhancing their academic capabilities.
• Facilitated development of research and writing skills for postgraduate students, preparing them for academic and professional pursuits.
• Advised and tutored students across various subjects, supporting their overall academic success.

Director of Library Services - Northland international university - Dunbar, USA

(2001-01 - 2013-12)

Planned and implemented development of university library operations and services, enhancing user experience and accessibility. Established information services desk and trained all student library