Kudos

SoACE Technology KG
Kudos to the leadership team planning and coordinating the Summer Technology Bootcamp! Lots of logistics went into advertising, connecting speakers with engaged audiences, and directing a full two-day mini-conference. Well done!

Technology KG Boot Camp Presenters
All the Technology KG Boot Camp presenters rocked! We flexed our marketing and technology muscles with Kelli Gemmer (Florida State University), Sonia Hernandez (Florida International Univ.), Audrey Key (Middle Tennessee State), Katlyn Kurtz & Peter Thorsett (University of South Florida), Val Matta (CareerShift), Leslie Neal (Mississippi State Univ.), Tara Stevenson (Flagler College). Thank you all for sharing your time and talents.

Alabama Association of Colleges & Employers
The Alabama Association of Colleges & Employers (AACE) hosted their best summer conference ever this year! The programming and speakers were top notch. Kudos to the Alabama state association!

UNC University Career Services Team
I am so proud and impressed by all the great work done by the team at UNC-Chapel Hill. This group never ceases to be amazing.

University of Tennessee Center for Career Development
I work with some of the most amazing people. They are always there for you and ready to step in if you need help. I can’t imagine working anywhere else. We recently had multiple events happening this summer and everyone pitched in. No one ever says that’s not my job! They just ask how can I help, or just jump in and start helping. I am honored to be a part of such a great group of people!

Texas State University Career Services Team
I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the best Career Services team ever! Each and every team member is geared up for a successful semester and ready to launch high-energy and impactful programs and services that will lead our Bobcats on the road to success. Many thanks to the Texas State University Career Services team for your creativity, innovation, leadership, and energy! You ROCK!! – Norma Guerra Gaier

Jay Skipworth, Auburn University Career Center
Big thanks to Jay on all of his dedicated work at Auburn and for our students. We wish you luck in your new adventure and you will be missed.

Dave Sargent, Clemson University
For his leadership and mentorship at work and collaboration with the Assessment and Data Analytics KG.

Kathy Horner, Clemson University
For her leadership and ability to take current practices to new levels.

Kristin Walker, Clemson University
Thank you so much for coming through with an outstanding blog post about assessments within a day of an on-the-fly all-call request! You are a superstar in everything you do and will be amazing in your new role. I hope you know how much you are appreciated!

Neil Burton, Clemson University
For his leadership and mentorship.

Troy Nunamaker, Clemson University
For his leadership and mentorship.

Alicia Smyth, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Kudos to Alicia for her service to the Florida Association of Colleges and Employers. She’s dedicated countless hours to enhance the organization, inspiring and mentoring members to their fullest potential. We won’t be the same without you but can’t wait to see where you’re headed as a growing SoACE leader!

Valerie Mandel, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Sincere thanks and appreciation for stepping up and going above and beyond during Orientation and the first week of classes. I really don’t know what I would do without you!

Erin Minta, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Thank you for all of the extra hours and effort you put into your role as Treasurer of the Colleges of Central Florida Career Consortium! You went above and beyond and really cared to ensure that things were done correctly. You leave behind big shoes to fill and you are appreciated so much.

Sandi Ohman, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
You are rocking it as Chair of the Colleges of Central Florida Career Consortium! Thank you for staying on top of things, communicating effectively, and keeping our traditions alive while striving to make improvements.

Efigenia Gonzalez-Duran, Florida International University
Thank you for your leadership as we continue to grow, evolve, and change as a team. We can always count on your steadfastness during times of growth!

Ivette Duarte, Florida International University
Thank you for your smile, leadership, and patience as we transition into 2018-2019! We know with you, we can face anything!

Joseph Jutan, Florida International University
So proud of you! You have stepped up to the plate and batted a home run. I love seeing you take on student appointments, support orientation, and so much more! You will be going places.

Martha Rosa, Florida International University
So excited for the new chapter in your life! Congrats on the new job, and you will be missed.

Sonia Gonzalez, Florida International University
Congratulations on your new role!

Erin Dabbs, Georgia State University
Erin and Ashley Watts from Georgia State University Career Services agreed to have their ‘2018 Employer Breakfast’, held on 7/17, spotlighted on the SoACE Employer Relations Knowledge Group’s twitter (@SoACEerkg). They gave us insight into a successful employer engagement event and we are appreciative.

Kelly Atwood, Mississippi State University
Kelly did an amazing job coordinating the Technology Boot Camp for the Technology KG! Thank you for all of your hard work!

Kelly Atwood, Mississippi State University
Kelly did an AMAZING job as Coordinator of the Technology KG Summer Boot Camp program! Her efforts ensured that this year’s programs covered a wide range of topics and were well attended! Thank you, Kelly, for a job well done!

Leslie Nea, Mississippi State University
SoACE Technology KG Boot Camp was Leslie’s first presentation! We are proud of her challenging herself to submit a proposal & her execution of an amazing webinar. First of many to come, Leslie. – MSU Career Center Family.

Sara Concini, N.C. State University
Sara was conference chair, leading a cohort of North and South Carolinians to successfully pull off a great 2018 annual conference! I’ve served with Sara on several committees over the years, but bringing together two state teams with a unified mission, was a monumental task, one that she did with grace, tact, and energy! She deserves much more than KUDOS, and sincere appreciation from both states for her dedication to the career education field!

Emilio Lorenzo, Nova Southeastern University
Since Emilio has been promoted to Associate Director of Employer Relations, he has done an incredible job of redefining the vision of his team and creatively improving strategies to engage with employers and get them on campus. He is a true leader and is inspirational to many SA Pros. Kudos Emilio!

Kanika Brown, Oklahoma City University
Kanika is a bright ray of sunshine in our office, always bringing joy and laughter our way, and creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for our students. She is encouraging and always positive about the work we do. She goes above and beyond in setting up for events and presentations, and made our kick-off event just amazing! She is such a valued member of our team!

Jennifer Fonseca, Palm Beach Atlantic University
Kudos to Jennifer on her her recent Keynote Address at the Annual FloridaACE Conference this summer! Her inspirational messages left members motivated to begin a new academic year with excitement, reflection and positive direction.

John Sheehy, Stetson University
Keep up the great work as the FloridaACE President!

Katlyn Kurtz, University of South Florida
Katlyn is a quiet force making sure our marketing operations keep humming along. She is also generous with her time and talents helping colleagues across Florida and around the region on everything from conference marketing to leading a webinar on Asana! We appreciate all you do for us, Katlyn!

Peter Thorsett, University of South Florida-Tampa
Kudos to Peter for his innovative ideas and educational savvy to engage members in implementing their own technological programs. His ability to inspire any career development individual to adopt a new idea and feel competent in their own skills to effect change is unfounded and incomparable! We all have so much more to learn from his expertise.

Tim Harding, University of Tampa
For mentorship and leadership with the Competency Symposium.

Marc Holcomb, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Special recognition is owed to Marc Holcomb who approached a new project with enthusiasm and solid planning. He served as the Creative Director for a significantly redesigned Career Guide which involved a great deal of collaboration with others. We would not have completed this undertaking without his investment in the project.

LaMar Black, Center for Career Development – University of Tennessee, Knoxville
LaMar Black joined our employer development team in June and has jumped right in. He has already traveled to Houston to develop relationships with companies and is planning our 2nd annual Employer Relations Summit in August. I’m so glad he is on our team.

Jamie Blackmon, Wallace State Community College
Jamie is a fantastic person to work with! Seeing her enthusiasm and dedication motivates me to do better every day! Our students appreciate her effort and Wallace State Community College is better because she is a part of it!

Every other month, we do a call out for SoACE members to submit their anonymous Kudos to colleagues that have gone above and beyond in the office, as part of a professional association, or in other ways that make life better for others.

Amanda Johnson, Arkansas ACE
She has served on the Conference committee and brought new energy and and corporate leads to the AACE community

Tiffany Johnson, Arkansas ACE
Tiffany always tried to find ways to recruit new members and retain current members. During the fall of 2017, she won the contest for recruiting individuals to the Winter Conference.

Brittany Straw, Arkansas ACE
Brittany Straw, the Past-President, for improving conference participation and redesigning the conference fees for increased income.

FloridaACE
Congrats to FloridaACE for another amazing conference! It was great to learn from peers, network and have so much fun! Can’t wait until next year!

FloridaACE
Congratulations on an amazing conference and thank you to everyone who had a hand in making it such a phenomenal event: John Sheehy, Megan Hollis, Matina Wagner, Stacy Lanigan, Devyn Montalvo, Harold Shaw, Bill Blank, Tara Stevenson, Jennifer Fonseca, Michele Groves, Valerie Mandel, Ben Heins, Erin Minta, Carmen Carter, Teri-Anne Brennan, and all of the committee members who made it all happen! It has been an honor to work with you all and I hope to continue to do so for many more years to come. Thank you for making my last conference on the board so special. I am so proud to call FloridaACE my home.

Kim Satz, SoACE Employer Relations Summit Committee
The Employer Relations Summit was held this past week in Charlotte North Carolina. The event was a huge success with the largest attendance to date! Thank you to all that were involved in the 2018 Summit – from the committee, presenters, and volunteers, to the attendees. Kudos and special thanks to Kim Satz for her involvement in the selecting the employer panel and site visit. We can’t wait until next June!

University of Louisiana at Lafayette Career Services Team
Thanks for being strong partners and great friends at NACE. #RecruitLouisiana

Tara Stevenson, Flagler College
Congratulations on completing your term as Information Management Director and being elected to serve as Vice President/Conference Chair for FloridaACE. Your outstanding leadership, visionary thinking, and ability to get things done will make 2019 an amazing year! I can’t wait for #FloridaACE19 in Daytona Beach!

Lauren Cavicchi, Florida International University
Always early, always taking on those extra programs and presentations, and always ready to help our department grow. Thank you for working hard, it is noticed.

Carmen Carter, Florida International University
Congratulations on receiving the FloridaACE New Member Award this year! You are doing incredible things with our social media presence and it’s great to see your talent and hard work be recognized!

Carmen Carter, Florida International University
This KUDOS goes out to Carmen Carter at FIU Career & Talent Development! Her creativity and adaptability have helped her to activate and launch the On Campus Recruitment “Street Team” to get the word out about our career office Services and employer on campus recruitment program! You can always depend on Carmen to create new ideas that will generate traffic and attention to the office. One excellent example is the Snapchat Story Takeovers on social media that she promotes to employers. Carmen’s spark is contagious and it is illuminating the light for FIU students!

Sonia Gonzalez, Florida International University
Congratulations on being elected to the FloridaACE Board of Directors! You are a superstar and I can’t wait to see the great things you will achieve in your time serving our great state association!

Elery Rojas, Florida International University
Great work on all the dedication and effort you put in keeping our students clothed via our Career Closet! Thank you for making sure they look sharp!

Martha Rosa, Florida International University
HUGE KUDOS to Martha Rosa at Career & Talent Development, FIU for taking the leap to launch Panther Shadows in 2017! In one year, the program has taken off and shown an increase in student and employer participation. Martha’s initiative, creativity and her hard work ethic to launch this program has opened doors for our students in more ways they could have imagined!

Leandria Vickers, Florida International University
Congratulations on completing FIU’s President’s Leadership Program (PLP) for 2017-2018!

Kimberly Ryan, Florida Institute of Technology
Congratulations on being elected to serve as Information Management Director for FloridaACE! You are going to be great!

Steven Hatchett, Huston-Tillotson University
Mr. Hatchett is amazing! He is getting the Career Services department back on track and I appreciate him letting me be a part of the experience this year. He is smart, talented and a positive mentor. Thank you for all you do Mr. Hatchett!

Troy Autin, LSU Olinde Career Center
1 year in and we’ve come full circle on comprehensive first destination survey plan and execution. Thank you for your persistence and patience in this process. Kudos, Dr.!

Jessica Glasgow, LSU Olinde Career Center
Thanks for your flexibility and consistent focus on making our office better!

Erin Warns, LSU Olinde Career Center
Your organization and professionalism shined through as search committee chair – thanks so much!

Sara Concini, N.C. State University
Sara was conference chair, leading a cohort of North and South Carolinians to successfully pull off a great 2018 annual conference! I’ve served with Sara on several committees over the years, but bringing together two state teams with a unified mission, was a monumental task, one that she did with grace, tact, and energy! She deserves much more than KUDOS, and sincere appreciation from both states for her dedication to the career education field!

Jennifer Fonseca, Palm Beach Atlantic University
Kudos for providing FloridaACE with one of the best closing keynote sessions I’ve ever attended! The reflection, the storytelling, and the tangible way you demonstrated purpose vs. problems were all so real and provided so many takeaways. I’m still reflecting and every morning I come in to work thinking about my purpose, thanks to you.

KayLee Simmons, UA Career Development Center
UA Career Development Center won the the Arkansas ACE (AACE) Diversity and Inclusion Award for taking careful considerations to not only enhance usability for all students, staff, and employers, but to reach our goal towards becoming a 100% ADA compliant website.

Bethany Mills, UGA Career Center
Shout out to Bethany Mills for transitioning into the Director of Career Development and Programs role in our office and already doing an amazing job!

Ashley Byrd-White, University of South Carolina Career Center
Ashley goes above and beyond in her work with students at the Career Center. Recently, she gave a fantastic presentation at NACE on her new faculty/staff collaboration program, Career Champion. Keep up the great work, Ashley!

Ray Rogers, St. Edwards University
Ray, thank you for service to SoACE as President. You have been an outstanding leader and mentor who gets things done. I am so happy that I had the opportunity to work with you again this past year and look forward to the year ahead. You have done many great things and worked many extra hours for SoACE and it is appreciated more than you will ever know.

Stephanie Rettig, Tarrant County College
Stephanie Rettig has done an amazing job meeting the students where they are. She has created a mobile career services with a large pop-up tent and her team has set up shop on various locations around campus. They have provided resume development, given out career services information and event flyers, provided refreshments during finals week, and continue to find ways to connect with students where they are to meet all career needs. She has actively collaborated with student services and academic departments across campus to provide tailored services for all students and partner on fun events for students to ensure they know career services is here to help! Her energy and enthusiasm, along with her dynamic leadership skills have allowed career services to be a part of student’s academic path from beginning to end. Faculty, Staff, Administrators, and Students have all shared that they were unaware of career services and it’s location, but now they are excited about what the team is doing!

Charles Jennings, Tennessee State University
Charles Jennings is a though leader who works from sun up to sun down assisting students to their highest career endeavors. He is a career leader who deserves recognition for all of his outstanding work implementing programming and activities that will engage student and employers!

Tim Harding, The University of Tampa
Congratulations on receiving the 2018 John T. Brownlee Award, FloridaACE’s most esteemed honor! You are so deserving of this award. Thank you for being the mentor, leader, friend, and confidant that you have always been to me and many others. It is a privilege to know you.

Katie Ramirez, Trinity University
Katie has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication as associate director in the Center for Experiential Learning & Career Success. While serving as the San Antonio Colleges & Universities Career Centers Associations’ president she was also responsible for leading planning for Trinity’s fall and spring career fairs last year as well as leading the Center’s transition from one CSM platform to another this summer – the latter two with the invaluable support of the Center team. She has done a great job leading and collaborating. Kudos!

Sheena Jacobs, UNC Chapel Hill
Kudos to Sheena for stepping into new leadership roles. Students and career professionals will benefit from your work with NASPA and as the new president of NCCDA.

Mary Mahoney and Rob Morris, University of Tennessee
Thank you to Mary Mahoney and Rob Morris for taking leadership on our transition to Handshake. A big high five to the rest of the UT CCD team for their positive attitudes during our second year of transitioning to a new platform!

Mark McCloud, University of Tennessee at Martin
Dr. McCloud completed his doctoral program in May. He headed the establishment of the Office of Career Planning and Development at UT Martin–all while driving to Ole Miss to complete his degree. This took tremendous effort and time. He has developed a wonderful department and leads a team that is very proud of his accomplishments

Sam Ratcliffe, Virginia Military Institute
Thank you for being such a wonderful supervisor, mentor, and friend. Congratulations on your retirement! We’re glad we could be part of your journey.

Ashley Graham Phipps, Wake Forest University
Ashley is always on top of everything. She contributes so much to the Technology KG and she is always willing to share resources and information about the great work she is doing at Wake Forest. Thanks for being the best force to be reckoned with.

Auburn University Career Center Crew
Kudos to the AU Career Center crew for sticking together and managing this time of transition with grace and enthusiasm. I am honored to be a part of this team. Keep up the great work; you rock!

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Career Services Team
Congratulations to the ERAU Career Services team for successfully launching Handshake this semester! Special thanks to Ommy Pearson and Valerie Mandel for ensuring things went as smoothly as possible.

LSU Olinde Career Center Team
What a year! You’ve handled the BIG changes (expected and unexpected) with grace, professionalism and most importantly, a student-centered approach. THANK YOU and GEAUX TIGERS!

Nancy Bernard, Auburn University Career Center
Huge thank you to Nancy Bernard for her 37 years of dedicated service to the Auburn University Career Center. Your impact cannot be understated and we wish you luck on your new adventure in retirement!

Torey Palmer, Auburn University Career Center
Thank you to Torey Palmer for stepping up to be the interim director for our office after Nancy’s retirement and during a major transition. Keep your crown held high!

Kristin Walker, Clemson University
Congratulations for receiving the NACE/Spelman Johnson Rising Star Award! It is a well-deserved honor. You inspire me (and many others) with your talent, enthusiasm, knowledge, work ethic, and authenticity. We are lucky to have you in the Career Services profession.

Ommy Pearson, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Career Services
Kudos to Ommy for going above and beyond in helping get our new career management platform ready for employers, students and alumni! Her attention to detail helped make everyone’s lives easier!

Teri-Anne Brennan, Enterprise Holdings
Congratulations to Teri-Anne Brennan for chairing a successful inaugural FloridaACE Virtual Career Fair! It was a great event and we are thankful for your efforts to work with Career Eco to get it off the ground and make it happen!

Sonia Gonzalez, Florida International University
You are an amazing co-worker! Always working hard to support your team, creating great content and support our hair-brain ideas. Thank you!

Nelly Leon, Florida International University
I just recently told someone, if I could clone you, I would! You are so professional, a collaborator, and so driven! Thank you for working hard and being a great team member. It doesn’t go unnoticed.

Carolyn Meeker, Florida International University
Congratulations Carolyn! You are now Dr. Meeker! We are so proud of you here at FIU.

Kayla Kucharchuk, LSU Olinde Career Center
Thanks for being our fearless leader in the Handshake transition! You’ve been organized, proactive, and resourceful!

Kyle O’Neal, LSU Olinde Career Center
You have elevated our employer relations strategy and brought new energy to the team! Thank you for your enthusiasm and flexibility in this first year.

Daniel Morgan, Mississippi State University
(This Kudos should be read to the tune of the Bud Light Real Men of Genius commercials.) Here’s to you, Mr. Calm, Cool, and Collected. When faced with the opportunity to host our first ever joint career fair with another institution, you say, “Bring it on.” Even though the name badges wouldn’t print, you didn’t blow your top. What’s that? The sawhorse didn’t get delivered? No problem; it’s all good. So pop open an ice cold bottle of Dasani and turn on your favorite Jam of the Day, Mr. Cool Under Fire. You’ve earned it!

Niemah Butler, Nova Southeastern University
Kudos to Niemah Butler and the entire Employer Relations team for putting on another successful NSU Career & Internship Expo!

Bethany Farrell, Texas A&M Commerce
I’d like to recognize Bethany for her work as Co-Chair of the SoACE ER Summit (for the second year), as well as for her work as President of a very active MAC3 (The Metroplex [Dallas-Fort Worth] Area Consortium of Career Centers). Her generosity in her time and effort and leadership with these organizations bring great value to both and are very much appreciated by so many!

David Earnhardt, UNC Asheville
David worked tirelessly on our Career Fair for Spring 2018 and his strong work paid off. We had the most employers UNC Asheville has ever had at a Career Fair. Thank you, David, great work!

Brittany Kusniar, UNCG Employer Relations
Brittany’s abilities far exceed her “time in the game”. She brings a fabulous attitude, deep care for students and professionalism to work each day, and prioritizes relationships inside and outside of the office. She is a joy to work with and has done remarkable things in her first year. Congrats Brittany! You are appreciated!

Lindsey Martin, UNCG Employer Relations
Lindsey has the tremendous charge of creating thoughtfully designed recruiting events to support hundreds of employer relationships and thousands of students. Lindsey’s eye for detail and commitment to the highest quality make her an incredible asset to our team. Thank you, Lindsey, for a fantastic year!

Megan Walters, UNCG Career Development Team
Megan has been with us for just over a year, and what a difference a year makes! Her constant positivity and professionalism has pushed our organization to accomplish exceptional things this year. Megan’s leadership is valued and we are lucky to have her!

Kaitlyn Vann Bean, University of South Carolina Career Center
Kaitlyn has been a rock star for the past several months, stepping up to take on a number of additional roles due to staff shortages/extended absences. THANK YOU KAITLYN!!

Meagon Bean, UT Chattanooga University Career Services
Meagon joined our team as a Career Counselor in December and has already made a great impact on the department and campus as a whole. She is making connections with key campus partners, and has a wonderful ability to engage students. Meagon is very relational and people enjoy interacting with her. We are so glad to have her as part of our team.

Heidi Thuesen, Virginia Tech
Kudos to all of your hard work in organizing the 2018 SoACE Scholarship process. Thank you so much for your commitment of time and energy to this important project.