Mark Cruver, hailing from Fayetteville, Georgia, has passionately devoted over twenty years to enriching higher education. His career shines with a strong dedication to developing each student’s distinct skills, thereby creating a vibrant space where diverse abilities are both acknowledged and nurtured.
He started his academic adventure by earning a teaching diploma from the Evangelical Training Association/Bryan College. Driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, he went on to attain a BA in Christian Education and, subsequently, a Master’s in Education with a focus on College Student Affairs from Azusa Pacific University in 2000. His academic pursuits reached their zenith at the University of California-Irvine, where he earned an Independent Educational Consultant Certificate, arming him with vital tools for his professional journey.
In his illustrious career, Mark Cruver has assumed multiple roles within higher education and administration, exemplifying adaptability and leadership. His era at Bryan College, beginning in 1996, marked him as a multifaceted professional, taking on roles such as Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management, International Student Advisor, Assistant Director of Admissions, Admissions Counselor, and even Adjunct Professor. Mark left an indelible mark in these roles, notably enhancing enrollment numbers and skillfully managing budgets in recruitment, student affairs, and administration.
Branching out from the academic sphere, Mark joined the team at Frank Cawood and Associates, Inc. as a Human Resource Manager. This role refined his corporate abilities, especially in conducting seminars, handling health benefits, and maintaining personnel records, deepening his grasp of leadership and the value of prioritizing employee well-being.
In 2015, Mark Cruver channeled his entrepreneurial spirit, establishing Capstone Educational Consultants (CEP) in Peachtree City, Georgia. At CEP, as both the founder and consultant, he introduced a distinctive approach to consulting, providing services such as testing centers, tutoring, high school counseling, and collaboration with college representatives. Notably, CEP is acclaimed for its influential seminars and workshops, particularly those centered on college admissions, earning substantial recognition and partnerships with prestigious entities like SACAC, NTPA, HECA, and IECA.
Mark’s zeal for education also extends to writing. In 2022, he authored “HELP! My Teen Isn’t On Track To College,” a valuable resource for parents steering through the college admissions maze. His expertise has also rendered him a popular speaker, highlighted by his presentation at the 2022 SACAC Conference titled “Creating Exceptional Campus Visit Experiences.”
For a deeper insight into his wealth of experience, follow Mark on LinkedIn.
How to Invest in Your Leadership Skills This Year
Developing strong leadership skills can help prepare you for more demanding and influential roles in your organization. Even if you don’t aspire to be a financial officer or a management representative one day, having the necessary skills can help you excel in your finance and accounting career. Being able to lead effectively in the workplace can help you build strong relationships with your colleagues and improve your trust and respect for your boss. It’s also worth investing in developing these abilities. This article will discuss simple strategies to help you improve and build strong leadership skills.
Find a Mentor
Your leadership style will be unique to you, but it will also be influenced by the traits and qualities that you admire in other leaders. Before you start investing in your leadership skills, it’s essential that you identify the characteristics of the people who you admire in your organization. This will allow you to identify the traits you want to see in your leadership style.
Widen Perspectives
You should also consider the characteristics of great leaders in other industries. Doing so will allow you to develop a more complete picture of individuals you consider exceptional leaders.
Work on Soft Skills
In today’s digital age, where collaboration and remote work are becoming more prevalent, leaders need to have the necessary non-technical skills, such as communication and decisiveness. These abilities can help you communicate effectively with your team members and improve your leadership.
Keep Learning
You can take advantage of various professional development programs, such as online classes and seminars. You might also be able to get financial support from your company for these programs. If your company doesn’t provide you with the necessary support and resources to help you develop your leadership skills, you should consider investing in your own education.
Solicit Feedback
Getting constructive criticism from your managers, colleagues, and mentors can help you develop and improve your leadership skills. Having an objective opinion can help you see a different side of yourself.
