Zac Shields
Senior Project Manager at City of Topeka Government- Claim this Profile
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Bio
Michael Eckersley
Having worked alongside Zac Shields for 4-5 years, I wholeheartedly recommend him to any employer or client in need of a highly competent problem solver with exceptional management skills. Zac was always a pleasure to work with, a person who took on big administrative responsibilities impacting multiple programs and hundreds of students, and somehow made it look easy. I have considerable respect for his capabilities, and trust that wherever his career takes him, his thoughtfulness, poise and sense of commitment will ensure his success.
Karen Ledom
I have worked closely with Zac for several years on a senior leadership committee supporting advising and policy for undergraduate students across the university. Without exception Zac has been a great colleague and contributing member of the committee. Zac's approach to collaborating is the perfect balance of advocacy for others while understanding institutional constraints and the larger strategic vision. He listens and respects others' perspectives while working together to find mutually advantageous solutions to complex problems. He works equally well with senior leaders, colleagues, and the students he supports. It has been a pleasure working closely with Zac on various initiatives and I hope to have the opportunity to collaborate further in the future!
Michael Eckersley
Having worked alongside Zac Shields for 4-5 years, I wholeheartedly recommend him to any employer or client in need of a highly competent problem solver with exceptional management skills. Zac was always a pleasure to work with, a person who took on big administrative responsibilities impacting multiple programs and hundreds of students, and somehow made it look easy. I have considerable respect for his capabilities, and trust that wherever his career takes him, his thoughtfulness, poise and sense of commitment will ensure his success.
Karen Ledom
I have worked closely with Zac for several years on a senior leadership committee supporting advising and policy for undergraduate students across the university. Without exception Zac has been a great colleague and contributing member of the committee. Zac's approach to collaborating is the perfect balance of advocacy for others while understanding institutional constraints and the larger strategic vision. He listens and respects others' perspectives while working together to find mutually advantageous solutions to complex problems. He works equally well with senior leaders, colleagues, and the students he supports. It has been a pleasure working closely with Zac on various initiatives and I hope to have the opportunity to collaborate further in the future!
Michael Eckersley
Having worked alongside Zac Shields for 4-5 years, I wholeheartedly recommend him to any employer or client in need of a highly competent problem solver with exceptional management skills. Zac was always a pleasure to work with, a person who took on big administrative responsibilities impacting multiple programs and hundreds of students, and somehow made it look easy. I have considerable respect for his capabilities, and trust that wherever his career takes him, his thoughtfulness, poise and sense of commitment will ensure his success.
Karen Ledom
I have worked closely with Zac for several years on a senior leadership committee supporting advising and policy for undergraduate students across the university. Without exception Zac has been a great colleague and contributing member of the committee. Zac's approach to collaborating is the perfect balance of advocacy for others while understanding institutional constraints and the larger strategic vision. He listens and respects others' perspectives while working together to find mutually advantageous solutions to complex problems. He works equally well with senior leaders, colleagues, and the students he supports. It has been a pleasure working closely with Zac on various initiatives and I hope to have the opportunity to collaborate further in the future!
Michael Eckersley
Having worked alongside Zac Shields for 4-5 years, I wholeheartedly recommend him to any employer or client in need of a highly competent problem solver with exceptional management skills. Zac was always a pleasure to work with, a person who took on big administrative responsibilities impacting multiple programs and hundreds of students, and somehow made it look easy. I have considerable respect for his capabilities, and trust that wherever his career takes him, his thoughtfulness, poise and sense of commitment will ensure his success.
Karen Ledom
I have worked closely with Zac for several years on a senior leadership committee supporting advising and policy for undergraduate students across the university. Without exception Zac has been a great colleague and contributing member of the committee. Zac's approach to collaborating is the perfect balance of advocacy for others while understanding institutional constraints and the larger strategic vision. He listens and respects others' perspectives while working together to find mutually advantageous solutions to complex problems. He works equally well with senior leaders, colleagues, and the students he supports. It has been a pleasure working closely with Zac on various initiatives and I hope to have the opportunity to collaborate further in the future!
Experience
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City of Topeka Government
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United States
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Government Administration
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1 - 100 Employee
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Senior Project Manager
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Feb 2023 - Present
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The University of Kansas
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United States
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Higher Education
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700 & Above Employee
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Director of Student Services & Success, School of Architecture & Design (Interim)
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Aug 2022 - Jan 2023
- Led training for the school's new academic advising team on program curricula, policy and best practices- Coordinated timetable planning, enrollment management, curriculum management, and program development for both departments in the school- Implemented a secure shared drive for consistent storage and appropriate access for student records, reports and other documents across the school in line with university policy and accreditation requirements- Developed plans for actionable reporting to inform strategic planning in tandem with senior administrators- Managed school-wide advising communications including email announcements, newsletters and websites Show less
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Coordinator of Design Student Services & Advising, School of Architecture & Design
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May 2017 - Aug 2022
- Coordinated timetable planning and enrollment management for the Department of Design- Moderated curriculum management and program development with administrative guidance and data- Managed all student records including advising records, degree certification, academic honors, academic probation and dismissal, petitions, grievances, and records retention- Produced detailed reports spanning three departments to inform accreditation and strategic planning- Provided proactive, individualized academic advising for 320+ undergraduates and 10-20 graduate students Show less
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Senior Peer Advisor, Undergraduate Advising Center
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Apr 2016 - May 2017
- Coordinated a 17-member Peer Advisor team through new student orientations and day-to-day office operations.- Developed and facilitated training sessions for the Peer Advisor team to build competencies in appreciative advising, customer service, social justice, and leadership.- Empowered members of the Peer Advisor Team to shape office policy to best meet guest and staff needs.- Served in every capacity associated with the Peer Advisor role (See "Peer Advisor" role below). Show less
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Communications Student Assistant, Dole Institute of Politics
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Jan 2014 - May 2017
- Produced and distributed press releases, program flyers, social media content, and emails for recruitment or volunteers and promotion of events.- Created and maintained large databases of contact information for community members and organizations for use in distributing promotional materials.- Directed volunteers at Dole Institute events to ensure superb guest service and program operation.
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Peer Advisor, Undergraduate Advising Center
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May 2013 - Apr 2016
- Advised students with regards to academic and extra-curricular concerns from the perspective of an informed peer.- Facilitated the effective execution of orientation, advising, and enrollment processes.- Performed office functions within the Undergraduate Advising Center to ensure the utmost in guest service.- Acted as a resource for students, parents, and guests throughout their experience at the University of Kansas.
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Federal Relations Intern, Office of Federal Relations
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Jan 2015 - May 2015
Built and maintained rapport with the staffs of over a dozen organizations and offices integral to the sustenance of the University of Kansas (listed): - U.S. Senator Pat Roberts - U.S. Senator Jerry Moran - U.S. Representative Tim Huelskamp (1st District) - U.S. Representative Lynn Jenkins (2nd District) - U.S. Representative Kevin Yoder (3rd District) - U.S. Representative Mike Pompeo (4th District)- KU Office of Research- National Institute for Health - The Science Coalition - National Science Foundation - Association of American Universities (AAU) Council on Federal Relations - Association of Public Land-grant Universities (APLU) Council on Government Affairs- U.S. Department of Defense Research InitiativesMonitored eight Congressional committees and their subcommittees and provided timely, concise reports on their actions to my supervisor -- these were critical to the formulation of the university's advocacy strategy (listed):U.S. House of Representatives - Education & Workforce - Science, Space, and Technology - Ways & Means - Budget - Appropriations (Commerce, Justice, & Science and Labor HHS subcommittees)U.S. Senate - Appropriations (Labor HHS subcommittee) - Health, Education, & Labor Pensions - BudgetOversaw arrangements for the 2015 Chancellor's Reception in the Capitol building for some 40+ prominent guests.Arranged meetings between aforementioned offices/organizations and my supervisor/key visitors.Actively participated in networking activities arranged for/required by the University of Kansas as a participant in their Washington, D.C. Internship Program. Show less
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Store Clerk
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Mar 2008 - Jun 2012
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Education
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The University of Kansas
Bachelor's Degree, History (Minor in U.S. Public Policy)
Community
