Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Diana Heredia-Ruotolo

Lodi,CA

Summary

Dynamic higher education professional with a proven track record at California Northstate University, excelling in strategic enrollment management and policy development. Expert in cross-functional leadership and data systems, I have successfully enhanced student engagement and retention through innovative program initiatives, while fostering inclusive environments and mentoring high-performing teams. Strategic and student-centered leader with over 20 years of progressive experience in higher education, specializing in admissions, academic operations, and cross-functional team development. Proven success in leading high-performing teams, streamlining institutional policies, and launching innovative student engagement initiatives across diverse educational settings. Adept at building partnerships, driving enrollment strategy, and enhancing operational efficiency across academic and administrative units. Recognized for promoting equity, inclusion, and service excellence while navigating complex, fast-paced environments. Currently completing a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) with a focus on education and labor law to further expand institutional impact and transition into academic leadership. Experienced Senior Registrar with 20 years of experience successfully handling sensative paperwork, recordkeeping and customer service functions. Knowledgeable about related regulations and best practices. Eager to help customers and other staff efficiently and with upbeat attitude.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

Associate Registrar

California Northstate University
06.2024 - Current

· Serve as a cross-campus academic operations leader supporting seven colleges, overseeing registrar functions that uphold the integrity, accuracy, and confidentiality of academic records for medical, dental, pharmacy, and health science programs.

· Led the comprehensive redesign and standardization of registrar policies and procedures, streamlining operations and improving consistency across all colleges while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.

· Developed and implemented new workflow processes that improved efficiency and reduced registration and records processing delays by enhancing coordination between departments.

· Collaborated with academic leadership and student affairs to revise the university’s General Catalog and strengthen student-facing resources, aligning them with evolving curriculum and policy updates.

· Contributed to the university’s data governance initiative, participating in the development of a shared data dictionary to support campus-wide reporting accuracy and consistency.

· Regularly assess and award transfer credits, manage degree audits, and facilitate the final posting of academic honors and graduation statuses.

· Act as Registrar in their absence, leading critical functions and providing executive-level support during transitions or high-volume periods.

· Played a key role in scheduling development and registration oversight, working closely with faculty, deans, and advising teams to ensure seamless academic planning.

· Delivered FERPA training and compliance support across departments, fostering a culture of data privacy and regulatory integrity.

· Acted as a liaison between registrar services and key stakeholders—including financial aid, admissions, academic affairs, and IT—to improve service delivery and operational communication.

Senior Admissions Advisor (Fully Remote)

University of Silicon Valley
08.2018 - 06.2024

· initiatives for undergraduate and transfer students, focusing on personalized enrollment pathways aligned with institutional priorities and student success outcomes.

· Led the design and implementation of high-impact orientation programs, enhancing onboarding and first-term success for diverse student populations, including adult learners and transfer students.

· Partnered with departments across academic affairs, career services, and student life to integrate admissions with long-term academic and career planning, improving retention and advising alignment.

· Conducted holistic assessments of student academic records, career goals, and personal strengths to recommend best-fit programs and support services.

· Played a key role in marketing and outreach strategy, designing recruitment materials, email campaigns, and onboarding content that elevated the university’s visibility and improved inquiry-to-enrollment conversion rates.

· Advised students and families on complex admissions and financial aid processes, resolving issues with empathy and accuracy to foster trust and transparency.

· Provided strategic input to university leadership on enrollment trends and student needs, influencing policy updates and service delivery improvements.

· Maintained high student satisfaction through timely, clear communication and consistent advocacy—serving as a trusted resource from inquiry to enrollment.

· Supported internal team development and cohesion, cultivating a collaborative and performance-driven environment across admissions and financial aid functions.

Senior Admissions

UEI College – IEC
03.2016 - 08.2018

· Led high-volume admissions outreach for a diverse, nontraditional student population, consistently meeting enrollment targets through personalized advising and strategic lead engagement.

· Planned and executed on-campus recruitment events, orientation sessions, and open houses, contributing to improved applicant yield and stronger student engagement from day one.

· Served as a key point of contact for prospective students and families, guiding them through admissions paperwork, financial aid discussions, and program selection with clarity and care.

· Maintained deep knowledge of academic programs and institutional policies to advise students on educational pathways aligned with career goals and life circumstances.

· Averaged over 150 outbound calls per day to prospective students, generating qualified leads and nurturing relationships that translated into long-term enrollments.

· Developed and supported diversity and inclusion initiativesthat promoted equitable access to education and fostered a welcoming campus environment.

· Created and implemented student recognition and success programs, boosting morale and persistence through public acknowledgment of academic and personal milestones.

· Collaborated with student services and academic teams to streamline the admissions-to-enrollment pipeline, improving conversion metrics and the overall student experience.

Director of Admissions

Ex'pression College, SAE
03.2015 - 02.2016

· Led all aspects of the college’s admissions strategy and operations for a campus of over 5,000 students, overseeing a $12.5M enrollment-driven budget and aligning recruitment efforts with institutional goals.

· Designed and executed a comprehensive recruitment strategyaddressing both short-term enrollment objectives and long-term brand positioning within creative and tech-driven education markets.

· Oversaw the application pipeline from initial contact through enrollment, streamlining application screening and tracking systems to improve efficiency and response time.

· Created targeted outreach initiatives that expanded applicant pools in underrepresented regions, boosting both volume and diversity of incoming students.

· Acted as a strategic ambassador for the college, consistently promoting university values, student success stories, and community engagement during public events, partnerships, and recruitment campaigns.

· Collaborated with campus safety and operations to enhance student safety protocols, improving both perceived and actual campus security for prospective and current students.

· Applied critical thinking and data analysis to diagnose enrollment challenges and implement agile, results-driven solutions that increased conversion rates and operational effectiveness.

Assistant Director of Admissions

Ai SAN FRANCISCO & SACRAMENTO
03.2012 - 03.2015

· Recognized as a top-performing leader across multiple enrollment cycles, consistently exceeding admissions targets and contributing to the success of both campus locations.

· Developed and launched Saturday Information Sessions, a high-impact initiative that significantly increased prospective student engagement and improved weekend conversion rates.

· Recruited, trained, and coached a high-performing team of admissions professionals, cultivating a collaborative and goal-oriented environment that delivered consistent results.

· Collaborated with senior leadership to enhance admissions policies and operational workflows, increasing efficiency and improving the prospective student experience.

· Oversaw daily admissions operations, monitored team KPIs, and implemented individualized performance coaching to optimize team output and student satisfaction.

· Executed strategic marketing campaigns tailored to diverse audiences, supporting revenue growth and institutional visibility in competitive regional markets.

· Acted as a key cross-functional liaison with academic departments, student services, and financial aid to ensure a seamless transition from inquiry to enrollment.

Education

Master of Laws - Legal Studies

Pepperdine University
Malibu, CA
12-2025

Graduate Certificate - Project Management

University of Silicon Valley
08-2024

Associate of Science - Business Administration

Modesto Junior College
Modesto, CA
08-2017

Bachelor of Science - Business Administration/HR

California State University - Stanislaus
Turlock, CA
08-2010

Skills

  • Strategic Enrollment Management: Expertise in developing recruitment pipelines, international partnerships, and data-driven enrollment strategies
  • Policy Development & Implementation: Proven success in drafting and revising registrar and admissions policies across multi-college systems
  • Cross-Functional Leadership: Experienced in leading interdepartmental collaboration across academic affairs, student services, and compliance teams
  • International Admissions & Compliance: Proficient in SEVIS requirements, international transcript evaluation, and global outreach strategies
  • Project & Program Development: Initiated and led orientation programs, Saturday information sessions, and student success initiatives that improved engagement and retention
  • Data Systems & Reporting: Skilled in student information systems, catalog development, data governance, and reporting for academic operations
  • Communication & Advising: Clear, professional communicator skilled in advising diverse student populations and resolving complex inquiries
  • Staff Training & Team Development: History of hiring, mentoring, and advancing high-performing admissions and registrar staff
  • Equity & Inclusion Advocacy: Committed to creating inclusive environments through culturally responsive service and programming
  • Adaptability & Crisis Management: Thrive in fast-paced, change-driven environments with the ability to pivot priorities and manage high-pressure situations

Timeline

Associate Registrar

California Northstate University
06.2024 - Current

Senior Admissions Advisor (Fully Remote)

University of Silicon Valley
08.2018 - 06.2024

Senior Admissions

UEI College – IEC
03.2016 - 08.2018

Director of Admissions

Ex'pression College, SAE
03.2015 - 02.2016

Assistant Director of Admissions

Ai SAN FRANCISCO & SACRAMENTO
03.2012 - 03.2015

Master of Laws - Legal Studies

Pepperdine University

Graduate Certificate - Project Management

University of Silicon Valley

Associate of Science - Business Administration

Modesto Junior College

Bachelor of Science - Business Administration/HR

California State University - Stanislaus
Diana Heredia-Ruotolo