Higher Ed Consulting Services for California Community Colleges
We know your situation is unique.
After meeting with you, we craft a custom solution for your organization.
Then, we support you as you implement it.
Higher Ed Consulting Services
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Gap Analysis
We look at where you are and where you want to be. We carefully examine everything in between to spot any missing pieces: budget constraints, outdated methods, a lack of skills, etc. We use this information to plan our path forward.
What you get: A clear picture of what your college needs to reach its goals — with budget at the front of mind.
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Strategic Planning
Strategic planning gives your college a detailed treasure map. It aligns everyone's efforts toward achieving the same goals and makes everyone's work more effective. It ensures your college uses its time, money, and resources in the smartest way possible to achieve those important goals.
What you get: A cost-effective path to your goals + confidence that your team is moving in the right direction.
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Workforce Development
Imagine turning good teachers into great leaders. We offer training programs to make teachers, administrators, and staff more effective in their jobs. We also ensure everyone in the college stays updated with the latest trends and methods in education.
What you get: Boosted employee morale and a better experience for students.
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Community Partnerships
We build strong partnerships between your community college and local businesses. This sets students up for success with job opportunities or mentorships.
What you get: Work opportunities for job-ready graduates. Higher student satisfaction and retention!
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Innovative Curriculum Design
We help you craft cutting-edge curriculum that fits your college’s goals, values, and strengths. We consider different learning styles so every student gets the chance to shine. And we make sure it matches what's happening in today’s job market.
What you get: Fresh, relevant curriculum that prepares students for the real world.
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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives
We help you create DEI initiatives that make your community college a place where everyone feels respected, included, and supported. This ensures a better school experience for everyone.
What you get: A fair and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
Higher Ed Consulting Case Studies
Case Study 1: Program Evaluation and Building Community Partnerships
A community college system in Los Angeles County hired a new Dean of Economic Development. The new dean had previously been an educator and was new to leadership in higher ed. They needed to be trained in setting up contracts and community partnerships.
I worked with them to create a robust, functioning department with business solutions for nonprofit and for-profit community partners that successfully engaged 20+ agencies. The college came away with a long-term vision for how to leverage resources and partnerships.
Case Study 2: A Galvanized Board with a Plan
The board of a healthcare district in Merced County lacked focus. After assessing their needs, I worked with them to develop a short-term and long-term strategic plan. I also trained their board and helped them create a mission statement to guide their work.
The board now has a direction with specific goals. Equipped with newfound insights and skills, each member is an active participant and knows their input makes a difference.
Case Study 3: Job Skills Training and Boot Camps to Improve Student Outcomes
Community colleges in Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties wanted to expand opportunities to prepare students for the workforce. After assessing their existing programs, I designed job skills training programs customized to the needs of their students.
I also developed short-term boot camps in subject areas (like medicine) to bring people into the college and transition them into the longer-term programs.
Save Money &
Maximize ROI
Let’s ensure every dollar spent contributes to your institution's growth and success—while also preventing future expenses.
Stop Unnecessary Spending
Instead of spending money on random initiatives without a clear direction, our gap analysis pinpoints exactly where your institution needs improvement.
Avoid Outdated Solutions
By identifying gaps, you avoid allocating resources to outdated methods. This saves you from investing in the wrong areas.
Prevent Costly Fixes Down the Line
It's like fixing a small leak in a pipe before it turns into a major plumbing disaster. Addressing gaps proactively saves money on extensive repairs later on.
Meet Your Higher Ed Consultant
Dr. Vickie Trask-Mulvaney is a consultant for California community colleges with four decades of experience in higher ed and K-12. She’s been the dean of a college, a director, a faculty member, an educator, a curriculum developer, and a trainer.
She’s a master in the art of balancing budgets, student needs, and industry demands. Her services are more targeted and more affordable than corporate, one-size-fits-all solutions.
She helps institutions big and small build partnerships, improve student retention, develop a thriving workforce, and pave the way for sustainable growth.