Jeff Holliday is a results-driven higher education professional with a distinguished career spanning over 25 years in financial aid, enrollment management, and partner services. With a proven track record of optimizing processes, leading cross-functional teams, and implementing data-driven solutions, he has played a pivotal role in enhancing student access to education and improving institutional efficiencies. His expertise in strategic planning, problem-solving, and process improvement has consistently contributed to the success of the organizations he has served.

Currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Partner Services and Research at Clark Higher Education, Jeff leverages his extensive experience in financial aid administration, scholarships, and enrollment strategy to foster strong institutional partnerships and drive research-based solutions for higher education challenges. Prior to this role, he dedicated a decade to Clemson University as the Director of Scholarships, where he played a key role in streamlining scholarship distribution through technological advancements and collaborative efforts. His leadership at Clemson led to the development of the CU Select web application, which replaced paper-based scholarship selection methods, significantly improving efficiency and awarding accuracy.

As a Senior/Founding Partner at Christian College Consulting, Jeff has provided strategic guidance to over forty colleges, helping institutions optimize search and lead strategies, increase net tuition revenue, and enhance student enrollment processes. His innovative approach to process improvement was evident during his tenure at Montreat College, where he served as Executive Director of Enrollment Management, and at Presbyterian College and Anderson University, where he held Director of Financial Aid roles. At Anderson University, he pioneered the implementation of Anderson Central, a one-stop student services hub that dramatically improved student satisfaction, achieving a nearly 99% approval rating in college satisfaction surveys.

A key problem-solver in higher education, Jeff has successfully leveraged existing resources to tackle challenges such as staff retention and student engagement. His initiatives at Anderson University led to the creation of the First Choice Program, which significantly boosted early decision enrollments from 64 students in its first year to 174 students by 2005. His leadership extended beyond financial aid, as he collaborated with Advancement and College Relations at Presbyterian College to secure strategic endowment growth, benefiting scholarship programs such as the Abney, Whitehead, and Bonner Foundations.

Jeff’s ability to build and develop high-performing teams has been a hallmark of his career. His leadership in financial aid and scholarship administration has fostered collaboration between Enrollment Management, Financial Aid, and Communications offices, ensuring seamless outreach and support for prospective students. He played a critical role in the development and branding of the Meeting Street Pledge at Clemson University, a scholarship initiative that expanded financial accessibility for students. Additionally, his involvement in long-range financial planning at Presbyterian College contributed to key institutional developments, including the offering of pharmacy degrees and the transition to NCAA Division I athletics.

An experienced leader and advocate for higher education, Jeff has served on multiple hiring committees, including Anderson University’s Presidential Search Committee and Presbyterian College’s Vice President of Enrollment Management Search Committee. He has also chaired Clemson University’s Financial Aid Advisory Committee, overseeing financial aid policies and serving on the appeals committee for student-athlete scholarships. His influence extends to national and state professional associations, having served as President, Vice President, and Member at Large for the South Carolina Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (SCASFAA), as well as a speaker and panelist for the National Scholarship Providers Association.

Jeff holds a Master’s degree in Human Resource Development from Clemson University and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Winthrop University. His career is a testament to his dedication to student success, operational excellence, and the continuous advancement of higher education institutions.

Character
Jeff Holliday is a dedicated higher education leader known for his integrity, commitment to student success, and passion for improving institutional processes. His ability to build strong teams and foster collaboration reflects his unwavering dedication to ethical leadership and positive organizational change.

Knowledge
With over 25 years of experience in financial aid, enrollment management, and scholarship administration, Jeff possesses deep expertise in optimizing institutional operations. His proficiency in data-driven decision-making, process improvement, and higher education policy has contributed to the success of multiple universities.

Strategic
Jeff excels in developing and executing initiatives that enhance student access, streamline financial aid operations, and drive institutional growth. His leadership in scholarship administration and enrollment strategies has resulted in increased efficiency, improved student satisfaction, and higher enrollment rates.

Communication
A skilled communicator, Jeff effectively engages with institutional leaders, financial aid professionals, and external partners to implement impactful programs. His ability to articulate complex policies, foster collaboration, and present innovative solutions has strengthened financial aid and enrollment practices across multiple institutions.