Career Success is thrilled to congratulate the recipients of the Center for Career and Professional Success grants! Each year, Career Success offers competitive grant opportunities to support innovative career development initiatives across the College of Arts and Sciences. These grants are designed to expand career-oriented learning within the curriculum, catalyze new experiential opportunities, and enhance student career readiness through creative programming and resource development. 

In the 2024-25 academic year, Career Success received 11 applications for its two grant programs and awarded more than $30,000 across 9 outstanding projects. These projects exemplify the dedication and creativity of the faculty and staff in fostering career development both within and beyond the classroom. 

For Career Development in the Curriculum, Career Success is thrilled to congratulate the following recipients: 

Dr. Linan Wang Center for Life Sciences Education
Dr. Wang received funding to create a new course focused on essential lab skills for research roles, both on campus and in industry. Developed in collaboration with Career Success and the Career Studio, the course will boost students’ career readiness and award a skill-signaling certificate.

Dr. Christa Johnson Department of Philosophy
Dr. Jen Getson Senior Academic Program Services Specialist, Departments of History and Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies
Dr. Johnson and Dr.Getson received funding to redesign the Leadership Capstone course. In partnership with Career Success, the course will integrate career readiness resources and activities to prepare students for professional pathways and leadership roles.

Dr. Jada Wiggleton-Little Department of Philosophy
Dr. Dana Howard Department of Philosophy
Dr. Wiggleton-Little and Dr. Howard received funding to redesign PHILOS 3341H. The course will incorporate experiential learning and guided research to prepare students for careers in healthcare research, policy, and practice. Career Success will collaborate on integrating resources to support students’ career development.

For Career Development Beyond the Classroom, Career Success celebrates the following recipients:

Dr. Julie Field Department of Anthropology
Dr. Chris Parmenter Department of Classics
Dr. Field and Dr. Parmenter received funding to transform the university museum into a hands-on learning lab. Students will gain real-world experience in museum studies, collections management, and conservation.

Dr. Robin Judd Department of History
Dr. Judd received funding to expand the Hoffman Leaders and Leadership in History Program. The investment will grow the program’s cohort, offering top History majors and minors leadership development, alumni engagement, and professional skill-building.

Dr. Elizabeth Falter Department of English (in collaboration with History, Linguistics, and Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies)
Dr. Falter received funding to host a Humanities Career Exploration Fair. The collaborative event will help students identify roles aligned with their majors and learn how to communicate the value of their humanities skillsets.

Dr. Sharon Amacher Department of Molecular Genetics
Dr. Amacher, in partnership with Career Success and Molecular Genetics, will host a Professional Development Workshop for science trainees. The workshop includes a PhD alumni panel and networking with local biotech professionals, highlighting career paths beyond academia.

Dr. Jaime Sabel Center for Life Sciences Education
Dr. Sabel received funding to strengthen alumni engagement for biology students. This project includes networking events, alumni talks, and assignments that use alumni stories to help students explore career options and build readiness.

Dr. Jake Risinger Department of English (in collaboration with University Libraries)
Dr. Risinger received funding to create a four-week career exploration program for English graduate students. In partnership with Career Success and University Libraries, the program will connect students with professionals in library and research-adjacent industries for informational interviews and guided networking.

These grants are instrumental in fostering career development and ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future careers. Congratulations once again to all the recipients for their exceptional work and dedication! 

To learn more about all that Career Success grants have to offer, click here.