LaStarsha Alston
Concord
Summary
Experienced with coordinating complex programs and managing multiple priorities. Utilizes strong organizational and communication skills to ensure project alignment and success. Track record of fostering team collaboration and adaptability in fast-paced settings.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Program Coordinator & Assistant Professor, Graduate Program in Higher Education
Wiley University
01.2024 - Current
- Provide graduate instruction using student-centered, inclusive, and evidence-based teaching practices.
- Lead curriculum development, including course design, syllabus creation, assessment planning, and alignment with program and accreditation standards.
- Serve in key administrative functions such as program oversight, academic planning, policy implementation, and coordination of course scheduling and faculty assignments.
- Act as primary liaison among students, faculty, and administrators to ensure program quality, operational efficiency, and policy compliance.
- Support academic advising, mentoring, and student professional development to enhance retention, progression, and post-graduate success.
- Collaborate with student support units to improve learning outcomes, reduce academic barriers, and foster student engagement.
- Design faculty development workshops and training initiatives to improve teaching effectiveness and instructional quality.
- Manage a 4x4 graduate teaching load while balancing administrative and program coordination responsibilities.
Administrative Support Associate (Advanced)
UNC Charlotte – Belk College of Business
01.2020 - 2024
- Support the Assistant Director of Faculty Affairs with onboarding, hiring, training, and supervisory duties.
- Coordinate academic schedule building for departmental courses.
- Manage student workers and provide direct academic support to students.
- Oversee purchasing, travel, reimbursements, budgets, contracts, and building operations.
- Plan and coordinate 10–20 departmental events annually (30–150 attendees).
- Manage vendor setup, contract processing, and departmental budget reconciliation.
- Developed training materials to assist new staff in operational procedures and software usage.
- Provided comprehensive support for student academic advising and program administration.
- Supported executives with scheduling, travel arrangements, and expense report management for seamless business operations.
Endorsed Trainer & Education Consultant
Early Learning Training Solutions
01.2016 - 01.2024
- Delivered professional development and compliance training for educators statewide.
- Designed curriculum, workshops, and organizational training programs.
- Provided coaching, onboarding, and performance assessments.
- Supported first-generation students with academic and financial guidance.
- Managed payroll, regulatory documentation, and stakeholder communication.
- Developed engaging instructional materials to enhance learning experiences.
- Assessed training effectiveness through feedback and participant evaluations.
- Conducted ongoing research to integrate current trends into training curricula.
- Advanced organizational goals through strategic development of training initiatives aligned with company objectives.
Education
Ph.D. - Higher Education Administration – Educational Leadership
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA02-2025
M.Ed. - Higher Education Administration – Educational Leadership
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA01.2021
B.S. - Interdisciplinary Studies (Education & English Studies)
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA01.2020
Certification
- Executive Certification, Higher Education Administration – Liberty University
- Notary Public, State of North Carolina (Exp. 2027)
- Kappa Delta Pi International Education Honor Society
- Omega Nu Lambda National Honor Society
- American Association for University Administrators
- Training Adult Learners – Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
Timeline
Program Coordinator & Assistant Professor, Graduate Program in Higher Education
Wiley University
01.2024 - Current
Administrative Support Associate (Advanced)
UNC Charlotte – Belk College of Business
01.2020 - 2024
Endorsed Trainer & Education Consultant
Early Learning Training Solutions
01.2016 - 01.2024
Ph.D. - Higher Education Administration – Educational Leadership
Liberty University
M.Ed. - Higher Education Administration – Educational Leadership
Liberty University
B.S. - Interdisciplinary Studies (Education & English Studies)
Liberty University