Belayneh Medhanit Degife
Addis Ababa
Summary
Experienced educator and administrator with over three decades of service, including teacher, school administrator, and university executive roles. Proven success in academic leadership, fundraising, and project management. Performance-driven Vice President with [Number] years of experience aligning systems with business requirements, policies and regulatory requirements. Passionate about applying excellent organization and communication skills to manage and lead teams. Results-oriented individual well-versed in interfacing and consulting on business processes to drive results based on sound overall business judgment.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President of Advancement
Bethlehem University
01.2019 - 01.2023
- Led fundraising efforts, securing 40% of the University's expenses through scholarships and essential needs
- Managed Bethlehem University's estate and served on the Executive Council of Bethlehem University
- Worked as a member of the Strategic lead team for the University and as a board member of Bethlehem University Foundation in Washington DC
- Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, vendors, regulators, and community leaders to promote collaboration and long-term success.
- Led cross-functional teams for the successful completion of major projects, resulting in increased efficiency and client satisfaction.
- Collaborated with senior management to develop strategic initiatives and long term goals.
Vice President and Provost
Ethiopian Catholic Higher Learning Institute
01.2017 - 11.2019
- Developed academic programs and ensured quality education, community engagement, and research
- Played a key role in acquiring accreditation
- Demonstrated proficient leadership skills to motivate employees and build competent teams.
- Cultivated company-wide culture of innovation and collaboration.
- Encouraged innovation in instructional design by providing resources for faculty experimentation with new pedagogical approaches, technologies, and teaching strategies.
Principal of St. Joseph School
Christian Brothers
09.2012 - 08.2018
- Spearheaded school improvements, increased scholarships, and mobilized alumni for support
- Initiated projects such as building construction
- Improved Academic performance of the School
- Fostered a positive learning environment by promoting open communication among staff, students, and parents.
- Managed budgets and resources efficiently to ensure optimal allocation of funds for school programs and initiatives.
- Established mentorship program for new teachers, improving their integration into school community and enhancing teaching quality.
- Enhanced school's academic performance by developing and implementing comprehensive curriculum review process.
Principal of Meki Catholic School (K-12)
Christian Brothers
08.2009 - 08.2011
- Established a girls' hostel for rural students and expanded the school
- Implemented a lunch program for students from low-income families and organized the construction of a school library.
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
- Led school improvement efforts by setting clear expectations for staff performance and providing regular feedback on progress towards goals.
- Increased teacher effectiveness through comprehensive coaching, professional development opportunities, and mentorship programs.
Principal of Bisrate Gabriel School (K-12)
Christian Brothers
08.2002 - 08.2005
- Achievements include school expansion, scholarship programs, Academic achievement, and infrastructure development.
- Promoted diversity within the school community through inclusive policies, programming, and recruitment efforts.
- Mentored newly hired educators and provided encouragement and feedback.
- Collaborated with the Parent-Teacher Association to address parent concerns and foster a supportive community for student success.
- Oversaw schedule management and protocols for orientation, registration, and related activities.
- Researched and incorporated new educational trends and instructional strategies to optimize education effectiveness.
Dean of Discipline and Assistant to the Principal of Nazareth St. Joseph School
St. Joseph Catholic School, Adama/ Nazareth
08.1999 - 08.2000
- Served as an advocate for departmental needs by effectively communicating with upper-level administration, securing resources necessary for continuous growth and improvement.
- Improved student retention rates by implementing comprehensive academic advising services and support systems.
- Led the development of interdisciplinary programs, connecting various departments and fostering a collaborative learning environment.
- Established mentorship program that paired senior students with freshmen, boosting academic success and retention rates.
- Enhanced student life and campus culture with introduction of new student organizations and extracurricular activities.
- Improved policies and procedures to maximize student safety and campus security.
Elementary School Teacher
Rural Ethiopia
09.1988 - 08.1992
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
- Contributed to school-wide initiatives aimed at improving overall student achievement, participating in professional development workshops and collaborating with colleagues on best practices.
- Created supportive and inclusive learning environments, fostering positive classroom atmospheres supporting student growth and learning.
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to develop interdisciplinary lesson plans, enhancing students'' understanding of various subjects.
Education
Ph.D. - Education Administration
St. Mary's University of Minnesota
Minnesota, MN06.2009
Master of Arts - Education
Lewis University
IL, USA12.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Education
Christ The Teacher Institute
Nirobi08.1999
Elementary School Teacher
Harar Teachers Training Institute
Harar07.1988
Skills
- Team Leadership
- Relationship Building
- Decision-Making
- Strategic Planning
Otherexperiences
- Conducting workshops for Catholic School Directors in Ethiopia
- Giving workshops to Formators on the topic of Discernment
- Serving as a Board member of the Ethiopian Catholic Church
- Board member of Metemamen Microfinance Institute
- Member of other Boards
Religiousresponsibilities
- Counsel member of the Ethiopian Sector and the English-speaking Africa District (Lwanga District) of the Christian Brothers.
- Served in various roles including Community Director, Postulancy Program Director, Sector leader, and District Council member.
Socialskillsandcompetences
Sociable, good communication and leadership skills. Communicates well in two local languages and English.
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 09/28/67
- Nationality: Ethiopian
References
- Mr. Solomon Abebe, Education Team Leader, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia, Social Ministry-Education Department, Solomon.a@eccsdco.org, +251913748206
- Br. Chris Patino, FSC, General Counselor for the Brothers of the Christian Schools, cpatino@lasalle.org
- Br. Getachew Alemayehu, FSC, Ethiopian Sector Coordinator and Principal of St. Joseph School Addis Ababa, gnadew@yahoo.com
Hobbies and Interests
Reading books, mainly spiritual books, swimming, and writing
Timeline
Vice President of Advancement
Bethlehem University
01.2019 - 01.2023
Vice President and Provost
Ethiopian Catholic Higher Learning Institute
01.2017 - 11.2019
Principal of St. Joseph School
Christian Brothers
09.2012 - 08.2018
Principal of Meki Catholic School (K-12)
Christian Brothers
08.2009 - 08.2011
Principal of Bisrate Gabriel School (K-12)
Christian Brothers
08.2002 - 08.2005
Dean of Discipline and Assistant to the Principal of Nazareth St. Joseph School
St. Joseph Catholic School, Adama/ Nazareth
08.1999 - 08.2000
Elementary School Teacher
Rural Ethiopia
09.1988 - 08.1992
Ph.D. - Education Administration
St. Mary's University of Minnesota
Master of Arts - Education
Lewis University
Bachelor of Arts - Education
Christ The Teacher Institute
Elementary School Teacher
Harar Teachers Training Institute
Similar Profiles
ALEX BALLOUTALEX BALLOUT
Instructor in the Faculty of Applied Biology at Bethlehem UniversityInstructor in the Faculty of Applied Biology at Bethlehem University
Eric StraussEric Strauss
Trauma Registered Nurse at St. Luke's University Hospital BethlehemTrauma Registered Nurse at St. Luke's University Hospital Bethlehem
Erika OhlandErika Ohland
Nurse Aide- Intensive Care Unit at St. Luke's University Hospital BethlehemNurse Aide- Intensive Care Unit at St. Luke's University Hospital Bethlehem
MULUKEN TILAHUN DESBALOMULUKEN TILAHUN DESBALO
Lecturer of construction technology and management at Addis Ababa UniversityLecturer of construction technology and management at Addis Ababa University