Leadership • A visionary and innovative leader; planner, and seasoned administrator with 30+ years track record • Executive level leadership, strategic planning and policy development expertise • Decisive, well organized, self-motivated and result-oriented • College and university teaching, management and leadership experience • System-thinker, with strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills • Managed operating and capital budgets in excess of $8 million and $25 million respectively • Understands college and university “mission-driven” roles • Change Manager with innovative, shared governance and shared vision-setting skills
Education Morgan State University Baltimore, Maryland Doctor of Education Higher Education Leadership 2002 Master of Science City and Regional Planning 1998 University of the District of Columbia Washington, DC Bachelor of Science Construction Engineering 1990 Associate of Applied Science Architecture 1988
Boards and Community Service • Vice Chair: Banking Institute of Liberia (2017 – 2019) • Chair: Grand Bassa Community College (2017 – 2019) • Chair: Board of Directors, Cummings Model Science and Technology School (2015 – 2019) • Vice Chair: Board of Directors, Child Steps International (2014 – 2018) • Member: Board of Governors, Booker Washington Institute (2013 - 2015) • Vice Chair: Board of Directors, Richardson-Adams Health Center (2013 - 2016) • Member: Editorial Review Board, Planning for Higher Education (2010 – 2016)
Professional Memberships • International Association of University Presidents • Association of Liberian Universities • Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) • American Planning Association (APA)
Research Interests • Higher Education Leadership • Environmental Scanning • Development and Branding • Higher Education Planning • Innovation and Learning • Policy Development Joseph T. Isaac, Ed.D. Curriculum Vitae Page 2
Employment History
President
AME UNIVERSITY Monrovia, Liberia May 2013 – July 2019
Served as president, chief academic and administrative officer of AME University; and provided leadership for more than 300 employees, 5,368 students in 21 academic programs across 5 colleges, and a graduate school. Reported to a Board of Trustees through the Chair of Personnel Committee, served as Executive Officer of the Board; and participated in discussions and decisions affecting the University. Had full authority to administer the affairs of the University within the framework of the university charter, By-Laws and rules:
• Surpervised a Cabinet of 7 senior level staff (VPs, AVPs and Comptroller) • Served as the chief executive officer, chair of Cabinet, and member of the Board of Trustees • Provided leadership through VPAA for teaching, learning, research and community service • Provided oversight for university investments, assets, physical plant; and fiscal integrity • Conducted university matters in accordance with policies established by the Board • Maintained effective communication with the Board, the administration, staff, students and alimni • Provided oversight for all financial matyters under the jurisdiction of the University • Advanced concepts, initiatives, and capital programs to the Board for approval • Provided leadership for instructional and student success, with periodic reports to the Board • Ensured that the business affairs of the University remains sound • Defined the responsibilities for administrators, faculty, staff, programs, and personnels • Provided leadership framework for recruitment, selection, assignment, supervision and evaluation • Worked to secure funding to support uiversity programs, projects and initiatives • Intepreted the mission of the University to the general public, and established desirable outcomes • Presided over commencement and other public activities of the Uiversity • Conferred academic degrees approved by the Board of Trustees
Major Accomplishments • Increased University enrollment from 2,328 students in 2013 to 5,368 students in 2019 • Increased University revenues by 51% in 6 years; with actual revenues slightly higher than projected each year, resulting to fund balance • Established an Endowment in 2017, with a net balance of $85,000 in 2018 • Established an IT Department in 2013; when the University was outsourcing IT services • Invested more than $600,000 in IT infrastructure between in 6 years • Added 9 computer labs for teaching and learning in 6 years • Implemented computerized registration in 2013 • Conducted fundraising activities netting more than $500,000 in cash and kind (2018) • Introduced Computerized Entrance Exam in 2016 • Created a dynamic University Website in 2013, now on its 3rd version • Increased undergraduate colleges from 3 to 5 by AY 2017 Joseph T. Isaac, Ed.D. Curriculum Vitae Page 3
• Established more than 10 partnerships, including the Coca-Cola Institute for Innovation in 2014 • Established Libtelco Partnership, resulting to free WiFi on campus for students in 2015 • Established Ezzat Eid Business and Continuing Education Center in 2014 • Renovated Library Building to include Test Center, Writing Lab, and a Computer Lab in 2018 • Established Orange Computer Lab in 2018 • Founded University Foundation in 2015 • Partnered with University Foundation to funding new Computer Lab in 2017 • Constructed International Students Guesthouse in 2018 • Constructed Parking Lot for 40 cars in 2017 • Established Graduate School in 2017 • Constructed Graduate School Building in 2019 • Established Vacation Bridge Program in 2014 • Launched university rebranding activities in 2013, resulting to more than 150% enrollment increase • Rebranded university social media platform in 2017, resulting to thousands of followers • Created an environment of Planning: 3 years Strategic Plans, and annual Operational Planning
Vice President for Administration TUBMAN UNIVERSITY Tubman Town Harper, Liberia 2010 - 2013
Served as chief administrative officer for the University, and acting president whenever the University president was away; and provided leadership for nine departments (finance, budget, procurement, auxiliary enterprise system, information technology, human resources, security, and facilities management) and provided leadership for 320 employees through AVP’ and Directors of the following Units in carrying out the mission of the University:
Finance • Provided second level review for Quarterly Allotments, Vouchers and backup documents before submission to the Ministry of Finance, Republic of Liberia • Reviewed and approved monthly payroll for university employees • Provided leadership and review of quarterly financial statements, and submitted them to the University President, and made presentations to the Board of Trustees • Developed and implemented leadership, financial, and management training workshops as part of the University’s professional development program (PDP) • Provided oversight for Comptroller to ensure that all Financial operations were conducted in concert with university policies and procedures, and that staff were familiar with financial systems • Worked with Comptroller in developing and presenting financial reports on revenues and expenditures. • Provided oversight in the design and implementation of internal control tools for the University • Provides leadership for the preparation of pre-audit, and subsequent financial audits conducted by the General Auditing Commission of the Republic of Liberia Joseph T. Isaac, Ed.D. Curriculum Vitae Page 4
Budgeting • Provided Leadership for the University’s budget preparation, formulation, presentation, and execution • Provided funding analysis and leadership to align the University’s revenues and expenditures • Provided oversight for the development of financial analysis to determine the level of resources required to implement academic programs and student support services; • Evaluated the relationship between major program changes and financial trends, and provided leadership to ensure adequacy of funds for programs support • Provided leadership for budget estimates to ensure completeness, accuracy, and in conformance with university procedures and government of Liberia regulations; • Provided advice and technical assistance with cost analysis, fiscal allocation, and budget preparation; • Reviews and approves regular and special budget reports; • Reviewed operating and capital budgets trends, and interpreted data for indicator affecting performance • Defended budget at GOL budget committee hearings and funding authorities along with university president, clarifying and promoting the proposed operating and capital budgets
Procurement • Provided oversight and approval for university’s major procurement activities through the Director. • Provided leadership for the development and implementation of purchasing and contract management instruments, policies and procedures • Ensured that negotiation and contracts are in con\cert with Government of Liberia regulations • Provided oversight to ensure that the development of specifications for products, services, equipment, supplies and materials meets university requirements • Reviewed forecast requirements and products to ensure that they meet university demands; and periodically reviewed RFP, RFQ and ITB processes; • Ensured that the University’s Procurement Manual, and annual procurement plan were observed
Auxiliary Services • Provided leadership and operational oversight for all university revenue generating Initiatives • Worked with other vice presidents and academic deans in providing learning opportunities for students as part of the AES activities • Ensured that the recruitment and hiring of AES activities were in compliance with university policies • Ensured that excellence and profitability are at the heart of every revenue generating initiative; • Provided oversight for the planning development and monitoring of the AES budget • Ensured that customer service programs are designed and implemented for all AES businesses • Provided oversight for the development of business plans for all AES initiatives • Provided leadership for the formation of a Board of Directors for the AES, and served on AES Board • Ensured that quarterly financial and operation reports are presented to the President’s Cabinet
Information Technology • Provided leadership for the University’s IT department through supervision of the IT director; • Provided oversight in the development and implementation of IT policies and procedures • Reviewed and approves information technology initiatives to expand IT system and services • provided leadership that ensures the acquisition and implementation of new IT equipment and practices • Ensured the development and implementation of an IT master plan • Ensured that the procurement of IT equipment and accessories were current and on schedule • Provided leadership for a comprehensive inventory of IT equipment and assets Joseph T. Isaac, Ed.D. Curriculum Vitae Page 5
• Developed the University’s administrative web portal to integrates all administrative services • Provided leadership and ensures that the University’s Telecommunication system stay current
Human Resources • Provided leadership for all human resources policies, procedures through the AVP for HR • Ensured that equal employment opportunities were fused into the University’s hiring processes • Provided leadership that ensures an equitable compensation system • Advised the AVP for human resources on personnel relation issues • Provided oversight for the development and implementation of an employee retention program • Ensured that the University maintains a comprehensive employee development program • Reviewed and approves employee salary structure, and the equitable assignment of salaries • Provided leadership in addressing all labor relations and contract issues • Reviewed employee appointments, classifications, compensations and benefits; • Reviewed recruitment and hiring processes to ensure compliance with university policies
Security • Through the director of security, provided leadership to protect life and property at the University • Reviewed and approves security network of the University in Monrovia and Harper locations • Ensured that appropriate security and public safety is maintained at all time • Ensured that university security operations are aligned with local and national security agencies • Reviewed investigation reports and recommendations submitted by the director • Worked with security director in developing security and public safety policy and operating plans • Ensured that reliable electronic and manual security database system are maintained • Ensured reviewed ongoing security training and equipment needs, and takes appropriate actions
Executive Director – Facilities, Planning and Operations BALTIMORE CITY COMMUNITY COLLEGE Baltimore, Maryland (USA) 2003 - 2010 Responsible for leadership and directions for the College’s Facilities department comprised of approximately 200 employees, working through the Heads of 6 operating units (Planning, Property, Risk, HVAC, Grounds, Housekeeping, Maintenance) in providing support for the College environment. In addition to the responsibilities noted above; provided leadership, oversight and directions for the department of administrative services which included the College’s bookstore, cafeteria, mailroom, WBJC radio station, purchasing, transportation services and duplication center, for a period of one-year while the College underwent leadership transition in 2004.
Adjunct Faculty MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY Baltimore, Maryland (USA) 2005 - 2010 Served as adjunct faculty and visiting scholar for “Planning and Management”, and “Finance and Budgeting” courses in the University’s Community Colleges leadership doctoral program Joseph T. Isaac, Ed.D. Curriculum Vitae Page 6
Adjunct Faculty BALTIMORE CITY COMMUNITY COLLEGE Baltimore, Maryland (USA) 2002 - 2008
Taught Introduction to Business, Computer Literacy, and business related courses
Director of Physical Plant Operations
BALTIMORE CITY COMMUNITY COLLEGE Baltimore, Maryland (USA) 2002 - 2003 Provided oversight and directions for the College's physical plant comprised of approximately 750,000 GSF on two campuses; and supervised Unit directors and maintenance supervisors
Associate Professor
MONTGOMERY COLLEGE Rockville, Maryland (USA) 2001 - 2003
• Taught applied technology courses, including architecture, computer aided drafting and design, interior design, construction blueprint reading, and building codes and inspections • Worked with students on special projects such as model building and presentation techniques • Worked with Chief Planning and Policy Officer during the development of College’s strategic and tactical planning documents, and helped develop the Guide to Strategic Planning and Glossary
Computers Skills Proficient with internet and various software applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Schedule, Project, Visio, Outlook; and SPSS
Selected Conference Presentations
Adventist University of West Africa Monrovia, Liberia - 2019 Predictors of Student Academic Achievement Conference Presenter
University of York York, United Kingdom - 2015 War and Higher Education Keynote Speaker
International Association of University Presidents Tokyo, Japan - 2014 The Changing Nature of War Conference Presenter
SCUP International Conference Baltimore, MD - 2011 Conference Convener
SCUP Mid-Atlantic Region Long Branch, NJ - 2009 7 Rules for Successful Environmental Scanning Conference Presenter Joseph T. Isaac, Ed.D. Curriculum Vitae Page 7
Selected Publications
Isaac, J. (2019, March). 10 Predictors of Student Academic Achievement: A Look at University Student Motivations for Learning in Liberia. Adventist University of West Africa. Monrovia, Liberia
Isaac, J. (2018, July). Street Business Child: A Product of Urbanization, Poverty, War, and Tradition. World Education Leaders Forum 2018. Busan, South Korea
Isaac, J. (2014, June). The Liberian Civil War: Child Soldiers, Rape, and Higher Education. International Association of University Presidents Triennial Conference, Tokyo, Japan
Isaac, J. (2013, October). Higher Education Planning: Five most common strategic planning mistakes to avoid.
Isaac, J. (2010, January). Environmental scanning: What are we looking for? Higher Education Planning. Retrieved February 17, 201.
Isaac, J. (2009, October). Education and culture in Liberia: A brief historical chronology. University of Maryland College of Education. College Park, Maryland.
Isaac, J. (2009, November). How can planning affect leadership? Higher Education Planning. Retrieved February 17, 2010.
Selected Travel • Argentina • Austria • Canada • Cote D’Ivoire • Dakar • France • Ghana • Japan • Kenya • Liberia • Mexico • Nigeria • Qatar • Senegal • Sierra Leone • South Africa • South Korea • United Kingdom • Zimbabwe
Professional References
Available upon request