Hello! I'm Dina
I am a higher education professional with a diverse background and more than 20 years of experience. I have served in most types of schools, public and private, technical college through R1 doctoral universities. My primary background is student affairs, including advising, assessment, career placement, disabilities services, financial aid, records, student conduct (including Title IX), and veterans affairs. I have also developed curriculum for and taught freshman and sophomore level classes and am vetted to teach business, human resources, education, and English. I am excited for the next step in my career!
Dina Nielsen, PhD
Higher Education Expert
Phone:
801-513-3382
Email:
Address:
668 E Snap Dragon Ln #A307
Fruit Heights, UT 84037
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Date of Birth:
March 2
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EXPERIENCE
2014-2019
Director of Student Services
Davis Technical College
Notable Accomplishments:
*Partnered with local domestic violence shelter to provide training to Cosmetology students on DV intervention
*Recognized by the Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault for work done to promote prevention on a technical college campus
*Member of the University of Utah's Utah Neurodiverse Workforce Program taskforce
*Board member for Spectrum Academy
*Partnered with local food banks to prevent food insecurity
2012-2014
Director of Student Services
Mohave Community College
Notable Accomplishments
*Developed conduct policy and procedure
*Participated in Voices of the River Community Choir providing scholarship funding for MCC students
*Developed predictive and intrusive advising model to assist with retention
2005-2010
Director of Financial Aid/Assistant Dean of Students
Southern Utah University
Notable Accomplishments
*Developed and executed week-long new student orientation including, guest speakers, meaningful activities relative to the school, dating safety, campus traditions, and a day-long service and learning activity
*Created and implemented the Carillon Tradition
*Keynote speaker for Alpha Phi Red Dress Gala, 2011
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EDUCATION
2006-2011
Doctorate of Philosophy
Higher Education Leadership
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS
*Dissertation: Set in Stone: Legends, Traditions, and Symbols Influencing Place Attachment in Southern Utah University Students
Available at https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/thesesdissertations/920/
1997-2000
Master's Degree
Human Resource Management/Student Services Personnel Administration
UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY
*Developed a financial literacy workbook and course for freshmen
*Served as a financial aid counselor throughout program
*Taught "USU Connections," first-year experience seminar
*Taught Leadership1000
1988-1992
Bachelor's Degree
English
WEBER STATE UNIVERSITY
*Actively engaged with international student program
*Student editor/writing center mentor
*Paper The Modern Novel and Tradition: Leslie Marmon Silko's Ceremony accepted for presentation at National Undergraduate Literature Conference, 1992
*Study abroad to England
COMMENTS FROM STUDENTS & STAFF
Notes from IRateMyBoss.com
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I greatly admire the leadership, diplomacy, professionalism and compassion exemplified by Dina Nielsen. She could listen intently, generate input and make excellent decisions. She was a master at delegation and also seeing that tasks were completed in the best way to benefit the students, staff, and the community. I was very proud to be a part of her staff and she has made me feel valued and respected. I can only hope to follow in her footsteps as she lead me to be a better employee and person. -Staff member at Davis Technical College
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She is fair, flexible, but most of all kind. Makes a real effort to keep in touch with her employees and make sure their needs are met while keeping them optimistic. - Staff member at Davis Technical College
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Dina was a wonderful boss to me. She taught me about the profession, gave guidance where needed, and was always supportive. She made sure that we were prepared for everything and provided the appropriate training to improve our skills. I use many of the lessons she taught me to this day to ensure I am the best professional I can be. - Staff member at Touro University Nevada
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If I had a chance to work for her again, I'd jump at the chance. She made you feel like she had faith in you and let you grow. - Staff member at Touro University Nevada
SKILLS, EXPERTISE, VOLUNTEERISM, AWARDS
Microsoft Excel - Advanced
Microsoft Word - Advanced
Power Point - Advanced
Prezi - Proficient
Title IX
Student Conduct
ADA
Intrusive Advisement
Policy Development/Implementation
Accreditation
Volunteer work:
Utah Neurodiverse Workforce Project
Spectrum Academy, Board Member
Utah CARES Coalition
American Cancer Society Relay For Life
Excellent writer
Myers-Briggs: INFJ-T
Strengthsfinder: Input, Connectedness, Learner, Responsibility, Includer
Awards:
Rookie of the Year - Davis Tech, 2015
Outstanding Professional of the Year - Davis Tech, 2016
Honorable Mention for UCASA Advocate of the Year, 2017
Commitment to Excellence Nominee, Southern Utah University, 2010
PERSONAL MISSION AND VALUES
I'M AN INNOVATOR
I ask myself daily, "How can I do this better and enjoy it more?"
I look for opportunities to build others and to make the workday easier for everyone.
I'M A LEARNER
I pride myself on discovering the world and finding ways in other cultures to improve my personal and professional self. I learn and I grow with every interaction. Every person, every place, and every experience has something to teach me.
I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT
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Education access for everyone
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The environment
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Civic mindedness
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The global community
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Mindfulness
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Volunteering
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Kindness