Fogelman College Hires Carolyn Cates as Assistant Director of Student Professional Development
For release: March 9, 2015
Fogelman College Hires Carolyn Cates as Assistant Director of Student Professional
Development The Fogelman College of Business and Economics is excited to announce
the new hire of Carolyn Cates. Cates has accepted the full-time position as the assistant
director of student professional development. This position is a part of the Avron
B. Fogelman Professional Development Center. She will work one-on-one with students
who are preparing for internships and employers who are seeking to hire business interns.
The Complete Professional Program is a student-centric program designed to teach students the necessary skills to succeed in a professional environment. The Complete Professional Program’s philosophy is to holistically prepare students for a career in the real world and, hence, provide them with a competitive advantage. The program emphasizes the importance of a strong educational foundation and also trains students to become ethical, polished, healthy and community-oriented professionals. Some of the programs that help refine students include business etiquette, communication (presentation and written skills), emotional control, critical thinking, creativity, inspiration for peak performance, discipline-specific coaching for careers and individualized attention to applying for and preparing for job interviews.
Cates will work one-on-one to assist students with résumé development, interview preparation, personal image and networking. Cates’ role will also help match students with potential employment opportunities and internships. Many companies both national and local, recruit talent from the Fogelman College of Business and Economics. Through her close interaction with the students and personal evaluation of their skill sets, Cates will be able to contribute by recommending the most qualified students for internships.
Cates has 19 years of upper management and higher education experience. Having reported directly to 5 College/University Presidents and 2 Academic Provosts, Cates has an in depth understanding of the challenges facing today’s universities and tomorrow’s graduates. She has knowledge in managing admissions and retention programs, academic advising, financial aid, student development, career planning, event planning and institutional advancement. Her experience working with students, colleges, and community leaders should prove for a positive transition to her role at Fogelman.
“I am very excited that Carolyn is coming on board because she will be essential in filling a two-part role,” said Dr. Kathy Tuberville, director of the Avron B. Fogelman Professional Development Center. “First, she will be preparing the students individually for various internship opportunities. Second, she will be able to work directly with employers who are looking to hire sharp and savvy scholars at their companies.”
Cates’ position is fully funded by the generous investment of two Fogelman supporters. These benefactors, who wish to remain anonymous, are massively influential to the strategic initiatives of the College. Their financial commitments will directly improve the experience of FCBE students and make them more employable upon graduation.
“We are extremely grateful for the significant investment these supporters have shown. Thanks to their commitments we will be able to further enhance the overall experience of our students,” said Dean Grover. “And, in addition to better developing our students for success in their own professional lives, we are also improving the talent pool for local employers. It is a win-win for all parties involved.”