Nicholis Zappia
760-333-5343 – njzappia@gmail.com– linkedin.com/in/nickzappia
EDUCATION
Ph.D. American Politics and Methods Expected 2023
Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, CA
Master of Public Administration– Pi Alpha Alpha Honors Society June 2016
California State University San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA
Thesis Title: The Cost of Earmarks
Master of Business Administration April 2010
American Intercontinental University, Hoffman Estates, IL
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science– Pi Sigma Alpha Honors Society June 2016
California State University San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA
Bachelor of Business Administration, Finance and Accounting, December 2007
American Intercontinental University, Hoffman Estates, IL
TEACHING AND MENTORING EXPERIENCE
Interim Full-Time Faculty 2018-Present
Department of Political Science
Mt. San Jacinto Community College
- Courses taught – PS 101 Intro to American Government and Politics – Fall 2018 six (6) sections; Spring 2018 seven (7) sections; PS 101H Honors Intro to American Government and Politics – Fall 2018 one (1) section; Spring 2018 one (1) section
- Advisor to the Political Science Club (Spring – Fall 2018)
- Defended course revision for Political Science department to Curriculum Committee
- Wrote curriculum for PS 106 Intro to International Relations
Associate Faculty 2016-Present
Department of Political Science
Mt. San Jacinto Community College
- Courses taught: PS 101 Intro to American Government and Politics – Fall 2016 two (2) sections; Summer 2017 two (2) sections; Fall 2017 three (3) sections
- Create classroom curriculum and classroom activities focusing on independent thought and analysis of complex political issues
- Maintain an effective and positive learning environment for a diverse student body
Graduate Assistant 2015-2016
Department of Public Administration – Business Law; Admin Law; Intro to Public Admin
California State University San Bernardino
- Assisted in the preparation and delivery of topic specific lectures
- Developed and proctored multiple exams
Associate Teacher 2015
Supplemental Instruction Program (Accounting)
California State University San Bernardino
- Created topic specific lectures to enhance student experience and increase understanding.
- Explained challenging concepts using planned lessons, assignments and targeted discussions for 20 students from freshman to senior status.
Teacher’s Assistant 2014
Department of Political Science
California State University San Bernardino
- Assisted Professor with lecture prep and delivery; Supported Professor during exams
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Foundations Manager 2016-2017
KCET, Burbank, CA.
- Design and execute large scale funding strategy for year-end proposal push
- Contributed to the development of a running list of funding possibilities
- Researched funding opportunities and developed relationships with new funders
- Developed grant proposals utilizing information gained during preliminary research
- Collaborated with staff from various departments to secure funding for company projects
Graduate Assistant 2015-2016
Department of Public Administration
- Contribute to beginning stages of research into administrative law project
- Collaborate with faculty, staff, and fellow graduate students across departments
Graduate Thesis 2015-2016
Department of Public Administration
- Developed research question from the collection of data through multiple sources
- Designed and executed research thesis for publication
HONORS AND AWARDS
Greek Scholar of the Year 2013
California State University San Bernardino – Sigma Phi Epsilon
Store Manager of the Year 2007
Pac Sun Annual Award
Omer Award 2005
Riverside County Regional Odyssey of the Mind
Quarterly Honors/Awards
- Highest Average Dollar Sale Increase: Tillys (2010)-First Quarter Increased ADS +2.8%
- Highest Sales Increase: Tillys (2010)-First Quarter Increased sales +10.1%
- Highest Sales Increase: Pac Sun (2007)-Fiscal Year Increased Sales +7%
- Highest Sales Increase: Pac Sun (2006)- Fiscal Year Increased Sales +9%
GRANTS
California State Libraries, $100,000 2016
“California Civil Liberties Public Education Program”
PUBLICATIONS
Zappia, N. The Cost of Earmarks (2016) CSUSB Scholar Works Graduate Thesis
PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS
Oral Presentations
Zappia, N. (2010, June). Payroll Management and Maintaining Staffing Levels During Peak Business. District Back to School Meeting, Montclair, CA.
Visual Presentations
Zappia, N. (2015, June). FY 2016 Budget Proposal. City Council Budget Proposal Presentation, San Bernardino, CA.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Store Manager(Specialty Retail) 2009-2011
Tillys, Ontario, CA.
- Served as District Manager in Training from 2010-2011,
- Reduced inventory shrinkage 2% in first year; Increased store volume 11% during tenure
Store Manager (Specialty Retail) 2008-2009
American Eagle, Ventura, CA.
- Increased customer loyalty 60%; Increased customer conversion 1% during tenure
Store Manager(Specialty Retail) 2004-2008
Pac Sun, Various Location in CA
- Increased same store sales 7% in 2006 and 6% in 2007; Increased average dollar sale (ADS) 3% in fiscal year 2006 and 1% in fiscal year 2007
- Served as Interim District Manager June 2008-September 2008.
VOLUNTEER SERVICE
President 2017-Present
Alumni Volunteer Corporation – Sigma Phi Epsilon
- Mentor undergraduate members to successfully perform chapter operations
- Attend national fraternity organization conferences
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Canvas and Blackboard Classroom Management Systems; Certified Online Instructor
Other: Mac OS, Windows OS, Microsoft Office, SPSS & Mendeley Research Software
N.J. Zappia 