My Resume

MICHAEL PRESTON, ED.D.
Personal Contact Information: mprest97@gmail.com

CURRENT POSITION
Associate Vice President for Student Success, Texas State University

EDUCATION
2006-2011 Ed.D Higher Education, Texas A&M – Commerce, Commerce, TX.
Research: Measuring the reflective judgment of students who engage in civic engagement activities at a large, public university.

1995-1997 M.S. Student Personnel Services, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
Research: The effects of U.S. v. Louisiana on enrollment at historically black colleges in Louisiana

1991-1995 B.A. English, East Carolina University, Greenville, N.C.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Texas State University, San Marcos, TX (2023-Current)
Associate Vice-President, Student Success, Texas State University (2023-Current)

University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL (2011– 2023):
Executive Director, Florida Consortium of Metropolitan Research Universities (2015-Current)
Director, Office of Student Involvement (2011-2015)

Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, TX (1997-2011):
Director, Office of Student Affairs (2009-2011)
Director, Office of Student Life (2006-2009)
Assistant Director, Office of Student Affairs (2001-2006)
Program Coordinator, Office of Student Activities (1998-2001)
Program Advisor, Office of Student Activities (1997-1998)

SUMMARY OF SELECTED ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES

Associate Vice-President, Student Success, Texas State University (2023-Current) (http://www.studentsuccess.txst.edu)
SAN MARCOS, TX
GENERAL DUTIES

Reporting to the Vice President for Student Success, this position is the principal leadership position tasked with developing student success programs at Texas State University. The Associate Vice-President for Student Success leads a team of over 50 full-time professionals dedicated to ensuring Texas State University students graduate on time, under budget, and with a career of purpose. To accomplish this task, this position oversees academic engagement programs, including academic interventions, peer mentoring, success coaching, and implementation of student success technologies. This position also oversees Disability Services, Career Services, and Tutoring Services. The Associate Vice President is also responsible for developing the campus broad strategy to ensure all Texas State Students meet their educational goals.

Grants Awarded since January 2024 (Principal Investigator):

$600,000 First Generation Career Scholars, Moody Foundation
$236,546 Student Success Acceleration Program, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Major Accomplishments and Tasks:

  • Implemented a campuswide rollout of EAB navigate 360 in less than nine months, including training, technical development, branding, and student, faculty, and staff onboarding.
  • We expanded our staff to include a dedicated data analytics professional, application administrator, and campus navigators to help students succeed.
  • Developed an Elevate Student Success series focused on data federation for public consumption.
  • Redesigned the student success program at Texas State to reflect national best practices.
  • Oversaw expanding and coordinating a student success center with an additional 16,000 square feet of programming space for academic engagement.
  • Coordinated the purchase and implementation of Lightcast Alumni Pathways to build more effective career forecasting for students.
  • Coordinated the President’s Commission on Student Success, a leadership team appointed by the University President to coordinate campuswide efforts to address student success needs.

Executive Director, Florida Consortium of Metropolitan Research Universities, 2015-Present (http://flaconsortium.org)
ORLANDO, FL
GENERAL DUTIES
Reports to the Operational Leads (Vice-President level appointments) of the three-member campuses of the Florida Consortium (UCF, USF, and FIU). The Executive Director is responsible for the collaborative project building of the Florida Consortium. An innovative and forward-thinking partnership, the Florida Consortium is tasked with exploring efficiencies in Student Predictive Analytics, High-Tech Student Success Pathways, Targeted Student Support, and Career Readiness. The Executive Director is responsible for securing programming grants, facilitating communication efforts, program development and oversight, research analysis, and faculty development. In its first year, the Florida Consortium secured over $1.2 million in private funds and has made progress in over a dozen separate collaborative projects aimed at a more inclusive and diverse student body.

UCF Director, Office of Student Involvement, 2011-2015 (http://osi.ucf.edu)
ORLANDO, FL
GENERAL DUTIES
Reports to the Associate Vice-President in an administrative and leadership role. I managed, supervised, and provided direction to the Office of Student Involvement and its student agencies. Program areas under my direct supervision include Campus Activities, Volunteer and Service Programs, Student Organization Services, Campus Radio Station, Special Events programming including late night and weekend and Homecoming, Graphic Design Team, and the Student Government Association. These offices currently employ nine full-time employees, six graduate assistants, and over 75 student employees. I currently manage a budget of over $3.5 million dollars.

SFASU Director, Office of Student Affairs, 2009-2011
NACOGDOCHES, TX
GENERAL DUTIES
Reports to the Dean of Student Affairs in an administrative and leadership role. I supervised and provided strategic direction to the Office of Student Affairs Programs which includes (Student Activities Association, Traditions Council. SFA Homecoming, Jack Camp), Office of Student Involvement and Greek Life (SFA Involvement Center, Greek Life, Student Academic Travel, Student Organization Services), Office of Leadership and Service (Student Government Association, Omicron Delta Kappa Society, Lumberjack Leadership, SFA Volunteers!) and the SFA Spirit Office (Cheerleading and Dance teams). These four offices comprise nine full-time staff, two graduate assistants, and 42 student employees. I currently manage a combined budget of $1,437,000. 2009-2010, the Office of Student Affairs managed over 250 individual events, reaching over 100,000 patrons.

SFASU Director of Student Life, 2006-2009
NACOGDOCHES, TX
GENERAL DUTIES
● Supervise four full-time staff, a graduate assistant, and 10 student employees.
● Budget oversight over $525,000.
● Student Volunteerism – Coordinate a comprehensive volunteer and service program, including event management, developing community partnerships, tracking service learning, and volunteer hours.
● Civic Engagement – Developed a civic engagement program focusing on voter interest and registration and coordinated campus-wide Constitution Day Celebration.
● Service Learning – Constructing a campus-wide program designed to collaborate with faculty in developing service learning opportunities, facilitating assessment, and coordinating a service learning mini-grant program.
● SFA Emergency Response – Managed a hurricane shelter for Hurricanes Ike and Rita to include staffing, volunteer and facility management.

SFASU Assistant Director of Student Affairs, 2001-2006
NACOGDOCHES, TX
GENERAL DUTIES
● Supervise one full-time staff, one half-time staff
● Budget oversight in excess of $300,000.
● Omicron Delta Kappa – National Leadership Honor Society. (Chartered Circle in 2003)
● Student Government Association – Serve as the principal staff contact. Coordinates leadership development, fiscal management and organizational structure.
● SFA Spirit Program – Advise and supervise three spirit teams including a dance team, all-girl and co-ed squad. SFA Spirit teams have achieved 18 national championships.
● SFA Homecoming – Developed framework and advised student committees for Homecoming week activities including elections, parade, bonfire and pep rally, fireworks, half-time activities, and volunteer week.
● SFA Jack Camp – A Freshman Transitional Camp that serves over 600 incoming freshmen in the development of school spirit. Oversaw administrative development of program.
● SFA Student Recreation Center and Student Center Projects – Part of campaign team assigned to gauge interest and development of a student fee for a $32 million dollar student recreation center and a $24 million dollar SFA Student Center project.
● Freshman Leadership Academy – Serving as the advisor to a semester long, intensive leadership program for 50 highly engaged students.

INSTRUCTOR EXPERIENCE

University of Phoenix (2022 – present)
HEA 713, Finance and Strategic Planning in Higher Education (2022-present)
HEA 722, Academic and Student Affairs Administration (2023-present)
HEA 741. Student Dissertation (2023-2024)
HEA 723. Dissertation Literature Review (2023-2024)
EDD 733. Evaluation and Assessment (2024-Present)
HEA 715. Doctoral Seminar 1 (2023-2024)

University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL (2011– present):
EDH 7401, Policy in Higher Education (2016)
EDH 6635, Organization and Administration in Higher Education (2012-2015)
LDR 2002, Intermediate Leadership (2013)
LDR 2001, Introduction to Leadership (2011-2015)
SLS 1501, Student Success (2011-2015)

Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, TX (1997– 2011):
SFA 101, Student Success (2000 – 2011 [11])

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

  • Preston, M. (2009). Coordinating a Response: Managing and Maintaining a Hurricane Shelter on a College NACA Programming Magazine, Fall.
  • Preston, M., Scott, (2014). Making Civic Engagement Meaningful: The Role of Reflection. Presented Publication at the Association for the Study of Higher Education national meeting, Las Vegas, NV.
  • Preston, M., Peck, A. (2016). Carts Before Horses?: Remembering the Primacy of the Student’s Experience in Student Learning. NASPA New Directions in Student Leadership.
  • Preston, M., (2016). Student Government Association Career Readiness – Engagement and Employability, NASPA Press.
  • Preston, M., (2015-2016). Guest Columnist – UCF Forum Huffington Post. Six guest editorials on the state of higher education.
  • Preston, M., Malaret, S., Buzan, C. (2016) Standing for 20 Hours: What a Dance Marathon can Teach us About Student Development. NACA Programming Magazine, March 2016.
  • Preston, M., Oglethorpe, D. (2016) The Political Season on Campus: How to Navigate the Political Season with Student Development in Mind. NACA Programming Magazine, September.
  • Preston, M., Peck, A. (2017) Developing Employability Skills Through Student Government Associations. Chapter, appearing in the book Engagement and Employability, NASPA Press.
  • Preston, M., Peck, A. (2017) Why Get Involved? A Guide for Student Leaders. NACA Programming Magazine, September.
  • Preston, M., Peck, A. (2017) The Value of Engaged Students. The National Association of Colleges and Employers Journal, August.
  • Preston, M., (2018) Developing Employability and Leadership Competencies in Students who Work Off-Campus. NASPA New Directions in Student Leadership.
  • Preston, M., Peck, A. (2018) Connecting Bridges: Introducing the Co-Curricular Career Connections Leadership Model. The National Association of Colleges and Employers Journal, September.
  • Preston, M., (2019) Improving the Leadership Development of Students who work off-campus. NASPA New Directions in Student Leadership, Fall.
  • Preston, M., (2019) Old Whine, New Bottles: Understanding Historical Context can Inform our Current Narrative. Journal of Campus Activities Practice and Scholarship, Fall.
  • Preston, M., Peck, A., Antonen, J. (2020) Co-Curricular Learning Masterplan: Creating a Plan for Career-Based Leadership Development in Co-Curricular Experiences. Academic Impressions.
  • Preston, M., Perrault, P. (2021) White Paper: Utilizing Targeted Micro-Grants to Support Student Persistence and Completion for Students Under Duress During a Global Pandemic. Florida Consortium
  • Preston, M., Peck, A., Antonen, J. (2021) Using Design Thinking to Develop and Guide Institutional Strategy. Applying Design Thinking to the Measurement of Experiential Learning. IGI Global.
  • Preston, M., Reese, A., Yee, K. (2022) White Paper: Improving Online Delivery of STEM Labs through Collaboration in Remote Learning via Three Large Metropolitan Universities in Florida. Florida Consortium
  • Preston, M., Peck A. & Antonen, J. (2022). Campus Learning Masterplan. Denver, CO: Academic Impressions.
  • Preston, M., Perrault, P. (2022) White Paper: Solving the Iron Triangle: The Advantages and Challenges for Metropolitan Universities in Fostering College Access, Affordability, and Quality. Florida Consortium
  • Preston, M., Armino, J. (2023) Committing to Intentional Practice: Using the Practitioner Scholarship of Adam Peck to Demonstrate an Innovative Path for Campus Activities. Journal of Campus Activities Practice and Scholarship, Spring
  • Preston, M., Perrault, P., Lent, K., Hickox, I., (2024) Dismantling the Iron Triangle: Advantages and Challenges for Metropolitan Universities in Fostering College Access, Affordability, and Quality. White Paper for Helios Educational Foundation

RECENT SELECTED PRESENTATIONS AND FACILITATIONS

Presenter: Leveraging a Data Toolkit for Student Success: Texas Student Success Conference
October 2024, College Station, TX

Keynote: Utilizing Data for Student Success: Texas A&M Professional Development Day
June 2024, College Station, TX

Presentation: Mapping Student Co-Curricular Engagement to Student Success Outcomes: NASPA Annual Convention
March 2024, Seattle, WA

Presenter: A Data-Driven Approach to Transfer Success: Gardner Institution Transitions Conference
June 2023, Asheville, NC

Presenter: The Florida Transfer Success Network: Florida College Access Network Annual Meeting
April 2023, Tampa, FL

Keynote: Campus Learning Masterplan: Singapore Management University
April 2023, Singapore

Keynote: From Boomers to Zoomers: How The Workplace is About to Change: International Vinegar Institute
March 2023, Naples, FL

Keynote: Gen Z in the Classroom – The Post-Covid Realities: State College of New York – College of Optometry
August 2022, Online

Presenter: A collaborative approach to Transfer Success by three large metropolitan research universities: FCAN Florida Summit
May 2022, Kissimmee, FL

Presenter: Utilizing design thinking to assist students in infusing essential career skills into co-curricular experiences: National Student Success Conference
May 2022, Online

Moderator: Data and Decisions: A Vice President of Student Affairs Panel Discussion on how data informs decision-making and impacts student success: National Student Success Conference
January 2022, Online

Presenter: Utilizing design thinking to assist students in infusing essential career skills into co-curricular experiences: National Student Success Conference / NASPA Annual Meeting
March 2021, Online and Baltimore, MD

Webinar: Let’s Talk Transfer: How Coaching Can Assist Transfer Students Excel
Inside Track Webinar
June 2021, Online

Presenter: Developing Hiring Strategies for Regional Employers in Miami, Orlando, and Tampa Bay
Regional Employer Workshops in Miami, Orlando, and Tampa Bay
December 2021

Presenter: Developing Job Descriptions and Recruitment Strategies for Gen Z Workers
International Vinegar Institute
March 2022, Miami, FL

Presenter: Elevating Transfer: The Florida Transfer Success Network
Florida Pathways Institute
February 2021, Online

Presenter: Co-Curricular Learning Masterplan: Academic impressions
January 2021, Online

Panelist: Leveraging Needs Based Assistance in a Time of Crisis.: Florida Philanthropic Network Statewide Summit
February 2021, Online

Featured Presenter: Creating a More Employable Workforce in Florida.: Florida College Access Network Conference
May 2020, Online

Presenter: Using Networked Improvement for Faculty as a High Impact Practice.
HIPS in the United States and NASPA Convention
February and March 2020, College Station and Austin, TX

Keynote Speaker: Examining Employability Through a Generational Lens.
National Vinegar Institute
March 2020, Miami, FL

Invited Panelist: Higher Education Employment Panel.
Florida Chamber of Commerce Learners to Earners Conference
June 2019, Orlando, FL

Keynote Speaker: How Universities are Using Workforce and Employability Models to Enhance Student Success.: Florida Association of College Advisors Conference
April 2019, Boca Raton, FL

Keynote Speaker: How the Florida Consortium is Changing Higher Education.
National Student Success Conference
March 2019, Tampa, FL

Keynote Speaker: Developing a Student Success Mindset through the Adaptation of Workforce and Employability Models.: Florida Student Success Center Conference
March 2019, Tampa, FL

Presentation: Designing a Networked Improvement System for Student Success.: NASPA Convention
March 2019, Los Angeles, CA

Presentation: Introducing the Co-Curricular Connections Leadership Model: Leadership Educators Institute
December 2018, Orlando, FL

Presentation: Carts Before Horses: Understanding the Primacy of Student Learning: NASPA Convention
March 2018, Philadelphia, PA

Presentation: The New Millennials: How a new Generation of Students are Changing Higher Education and the NACA Summer Leadership Institute
June 2017, Orlando, FL

Presentation: How Millennials and Generation Z Students are Influencing Student Learning Assessment and Metropolitan State University, Denver
May 2017, Denver, CO

Presentation: The Right To The Right Thing: Creating Balance Between Free Speech and Safe Spaces on Campus.NASPA National Meeting March 2017, San Antonio, TX NASPA Convention
March 2018, Philadelphia, PA

Presentation: Snapshots and Sandboxes: The Case for Peer Reviewed Program: NASPA National Meeting
March 2017, San Antonio, TX

Presentation: Assessing Co-Curricular Student Leadership: Multiple Constructs, Multiple: NASPA National Meeting
March 2017, San Antonio, TX

Presentation: Designing Faculty Collaboration Models to Foster Greater Efficiency in Curriculum: Sunshine State Teaching and Learning Conference
February 2017, Tampa, FL

Presentation: Tales from the Playground: How Three Universities found that working together was just right: Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities
October 2016, Washington D.C.

Presentation: Project CEO: Helping Students Make the Most of their Leadership Experiences for Career NASPA National Meeting
March 2016, Indianapolis, IN

Presentation: Florida Consortium: How Three Universities Work Together for Student Success: SXSW EDU Conference
March 2016, Austin, TX

Presentation: Making the Student Learning Competencies and Employability Connection make sense
ACPA Webinar Series October 2014

Presentation: Half-Baked – Utilizing Involvement to make Academic Connections: NASPA Florida Conference
October 2014, Ft. Meyers, FL

Presentation: A college experience for all – Engaging and developing distance learners at two large, public universities: NASPA National Convention
March 2014, Baltimore, MD

Presentation: Learning from Civic Engagement: Probing Student Reflections: Ethnographic and Qualitative Research Conference
February 2014, Las Vegas, NV

Presentation: Steps for Individual Excellence as a Campus Activities Professional: National Association for Campus Activities Webinar September 2013

Symposium Coordinator: Leadership Readiness: Exploring Student Development in the Context of Leadership Education
National Leadership Symposium July 2013, Louisville, KY

Presentation: Serve All: Making Student Services Work on Regional Campuses
NASPA National Convention March 2013, Orlando, FL

Symposium Coordinator: Professional Development Workshop
NACA Huge Leadership Weekend June 2012, Austin, TX

Presentation: Get a Life! Negotiating a Sense of Wellness in Student Affairs
NASPA Florida Drive-In May 2011, Orlando, FL

Presentation: Developing Information Fluency in Modern College Students
NASPA Florida Drive-In May 2011, Orlando, FL

Presentation: Learning Outside of the Classroom: Partnerships with Student Affairs
TACUSPA Conference October 2010, Houston, TX

SELECTED AWARDS, PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS, AND RECOGNITIONS

  • UCF Graduate Faculty Scholar
  • NASPA Program Reviewer
  • NACA Research and Scholarship Group Chair (2014-2016)
  • NASPA Florida Student Affairs Directors Work Group (2013)
  • NACA Education Advisory Group (2012-2013)
  • NASPA 2013 National Convention Planning Committee (2012-2013)
  • Diversity Certificate Series Certification (2013)
  • UCF Collaborative Program of the Year (2011)
  • Nacogdoches County Voter Registration Marshall (2008-2011)
  • True Colors Facilitator Certification (2008)
  • Question, Persuade and Refer (QPR) Certification (2008)
  • Student Affairs Excellence Award, SFASU (2010)
  • Omicron Delta Kappa Regional Advisor of the Year (2009)
  • NACA Huge Leadership Weekend Professional Development Coordinator (2003-2005)
  • NACA Special Program Award (2004)
  • NACA Regional Coordinator (2003-2005)
  • The Markley Award, NACA Central Region (2003)
  • NACA Regional Business Manager (2002-2003)
  • NACA Cooperative Buying Coordinator (1999-2002)

SELECTED UCF/SFASU/Texas State University COMMITTEES

TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY (2023-Current)

  • Academic Engagement Committee
  • NavigateTXST Implementation Committee, Chair
  • Vice-President’s Faculty Advisory Committee
  • President’s Commission on Student Success
  • Academic Advising Redesign Committee

    UCF (2011-2014)
  • UCF Diversity Training Coordinating Team
  • Just Knights Bias Response Team
  • Campus Emergency Response Team E-15
  • Civic and Democratic Engagement Committee
  • Eternal Knights Memorial Services
  • Risk Management Campus Partnership Team
  • UCF Smoke-Free Campus Committee

    SFASU (1997-2011)
  • First-Year Experience Committee
  • SFA Leadership Minor Development Committee
  • University Affairs Assessment Committee
  • SACS Reaffrimation of Accreditation Student Affairs Committee
  • Service Learning Advisory Board (Chair)
  • SFA Chamber Connection
  • Texans Standing Tall Alcohol Intervention Team
  • SFA Mentor Ring Mystery Dipper Committee (Chair)
  • Student Affairs Programming Unit Committee (Chair)
  • Omicron Delta Kappa National Convention Local Arrangements (Chair)
  • Garner Victory Light Replacement Committee (Chair)