Professional Overview
Diane Riccitelli is a seasoned higher education administrator with over 30 years of experience in student services and academic operations. As the Director of Off-Campus Student Services at Johnson & Wales University, she oversees the delivery of comprehensive support services for the institution's growing population of non-traditional and distance learning students. With a strong background in student affairs, academic advising, and enrollment management, Diane has a proven track record of driving student success and institutional growth.
Experience Summary
Current Role
Diane currently serves as the Director of Off-Campus Student Services at Johnson & Wales University, a role she has held since 2016. In this position, she is responsible for leading a team of student service professionals and implementing innovative strategies to enhance the experience and outcomes for the university's off-campus and online student population. Diane has been instrumental in expanding the reach and impact of the university's distance learning programs, resulting in increased enrollment and improved student satisfaction.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Diane held several key positions within the Johnson & Wales University system, including Student Services Training Coordinator, Director of Student Academic & Financial Services, and Registrar for the Culinary and Graduate School. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to student success, developing and implementing programs and initiatives that have improved retention, graduation rates, and overall student engagement.
Academic Background
Diane holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Johnson & Wales University, where she has also served as an Adjunct Faculty member since 1996, teaching courses in student services and academic advising.
Areas of Expertise
- Student services and support
- Academic advising and enrollment management
- Distance and non-traditional education program development
- Student data analysis and reporting
- Cross-functional team leadership and collaboration
Professional Impact
During her tenure as Director of Off-Campus Student Services, Diane has spearheaded the implementation of a comprehensive online student orientation program, which has resulted in a 15% increase in first-year student retention. She has also led the development of a virtual academic advising platform, enabling the university to provide personalized support to its growing population of distance learners. Diane's contributions have been recognized through several institutional awards, including the Excellence in Student Services award in 2020.
Conclusion
Diane Riccitelli is a seasoned higher education professional with a demonstrated commitment to student success and institutional growth. Her extensive experience in student services, academic operations, and distance learning program development, combined with her strong leadership and collaborative skills, make her a valuable asset to Johnson & Wales University. Diane is poised to continue her positive impact on the university and its students, driving innovative solutions and strategies to meet the evolving needs of the higher education landscape.
