The UNC Charlotte Career Center team honored outstanding faculty and staff at the annual Career Collaborator Awards Ceremony, a celebration of the University community’s commitment to student career success. Held each spring, this event recognizes individuals who go above and beyond in integrating career development and preparation into the Charlotte student experience. The Career Collaborative is a group of faculty and staff at UNC Charlotte who actively and intentionally support students in pursuing purposeful work. As the University continues to prioritize career readiness as part of the Charlotte Model strategic plan Shaping What’s Next, the contributions of these awardees exemplify how cross-collaboration fuels Charlotte student success.
In her opening remarks, Program Manager for Career Readiness Design + Faculty/Staff Engagement, Dr. Suzanne Voigt acknowledged the critical impact that faculty and staff make in preparing students for life beyond the classroom. “Throughout the academic year, each of you has demonstrated dedication, passion, and perseverance in your respective roles,” she noted.
The Game Changer Awards, presented by Dr. Voigt, recognize those who integrate new career education into academic programs and actively connect students with experiential opportunities.
- Betria Stinson (Lecturer and Coordinator of the Public Health Minor), was recognized for her leadership of the Internship Preparation Course and her collaboration with the Career Center on customized workshops and networking events for public health students.
- Carol Marshall (Academic Advisor, Mechanical Engineering + Engineering Science), was praised for her personalized mentorship, encouragement of co-op and internship experiences, and ongoing participation in career events across campus.
Assistant Director Brandi Ledermann presented the Innovator Awards, honoring individuals who launched new initiatives this year to enhance career readiness across campus.
- Austin Fifield (Program Director and Lecturer, Electromechanical Engineering Technology) developed and co-taught the Elements of Automation course in collaboration with industry partner SEL, bridging academic content with real-world applications in power systems and engineering.
- Mark Manning (Program Director for Student Involvement) created a new process aligning student organizations with NACE career competencies, helping students connect their co-curricular activities to long-term career goals.
Presented by Assistant Director Megan Corkery, the Spotlight Awards recognize faculty and staff who consistently collaborate with the Career Center to support student development through events, programs, and initiatives. These recipients have also been featured throughout the year in Career Center publications and social media.
Part of the Office of Undergraduate Education and led by Associate Dean of Advising and Experiential Learning and Executive Director Dr. Patrick Madsen, the Career Center at UNC Charlotte is committed to providing comprehensive, innovative services and resources for students, alumni, and employers that prepare Charlotte graduates for the competitive global market.
The Career Center team strives to prepare and connect every Charlotte student with intentional programming, readily available resources, and experiential learning opportunities as they create meaningful career journeys. More than 60% of Charlotte students utilize the Career Center’s programs and services, and nearly 80% of Charlotte seniors have participated in some type of experiential learning by graduation. Experiential learning including internships, co-ops, study abroad, gig training, micro-internships, and more. More information is available at career.charlotte.edu.