Top 10 Directors of Career Services - 2026

As higher education faces increasing pressure to demonstrate return on investment, universities are rethinking how students engage with career services. Traditional, office-based models no longer meet the needs of today’s learners. At Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU), Peter Alkatib, Director of Career Services, Strategic Partnerships, is advancing a career-ecosystem model that embeds career-readiness across the student experience.

In an interview with Education Insider, Eileen Southam McGovern, Director of Career Services at Aveda Arts & Sciences Institutes, discusses the evolving landscape of student success, workforce readiness and regulatory change in the beauty and wellness education sector.

Jessica Roper is a career services leader and certified coach with more than 15 years of experience in higher education and workforce development. As Director of Career Services at the University of Phoenix, she leads programs and coaching initiatives, helping students and alumni build skills, navigate job markets and achieve career growth.

Doreen Abrams is a higher education professional and Director of Career Services at Northwest Vista College, with over a decade of experience in student success and workforce readiness. She leads career programming, employer partnerships and advising initiatives that equip students with practical skills, career pathways and opportunities for long-term professional growth.

John B Mahon is a higher education leader with experience in career services, enrollment management and program leadership. As Director of Career Services at Mount Saint Mary College, he develops data-driven programs and employer partnerships to strengthen student career readiness and outcomes.

Erica LaRue is a higher education professional and Director of Career Services at West Virginia University. She leads strategic initiatives, operations and employer partnerships, delivering career development programs and student employment services that enhance career readiness, job search skills and workforce connections for students and alumni.

Caroline Savalle is a higher education leader with over two decades of experience at Arizona State University. As Director of Career Services, Internships and Alumni Engagement, she leads programs that expand experiential learning, strengthen employer and alumni partnerships and support students in building meaningful, career-focused pathways.

Shawndra Harmond is a higher education professional with experience in career services, grant management and academic program leadership. As Director of Career Services at Texas Southern University, she develops workforce-focused initiatives, strengthens employer partnerships and supports student career readiness and advancement.

Bobbi Kingery is a higher education professional with extensive experience in career services and student development. As Director of Career Services at Eastern Illinois University, she leads career readiness initiatives, builds employer partnerships and drives programs that align student outcomes with workforce needs.

Michael Ray is a seasoned business and education leader serving as Director of Career Services and Internships at Ensign College. With extensive executive experience at companies including Intel Corporation and MarketStar, he is recognized for driving strategic growth, building high-performing teams and strengthening industry partnerships that create career opportunities for students and professionals alike.