Amanda Johnson, a member of the Arkansas Tech University Norman Career Services staff since fall 2015, has been selected as the new director of the department effective Oct. 1, 2018.
A native of Russellville, Johnson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Arkansas Tech. Before joining ATU as employer relations coordinator, she served as regional director for the Arkansas River Valley Tri-Peaks Tourism Association and marketing assistant for the Russellville Advertising and Promotion Commission.
“What is most exciting for me about working at ATU in this role is the great team that is already in place as well as the way this team works together to serve our students, faculty and employers,” said Johnson. “Due to our concerted efforts over the past few years, we have already significantly increased the number of employers recruiting our students, as well as increased the number of career fairs and other networking opportunities for our students. I look forward to continuing these efforts and in growing our already great programs.”
Johnson succeeds Brandon Wright, who resigned as Norman Career Services director effective May 1, 2018, so that he could pursue a new career opportunity at the University of Alabama-Birmingham. Johnson served in the role of interim director during summer 2018 and the early portion of the fall 2018 semester.
As the new director, Johnson is focused on how Norman Career Services can support the strategic plan of the university and facilitate student success.
“Making career readiness an institutional priority helps our office achieve other priorities, including increasing graduation and retention rates,” said Johnson. “Students who have clear career goals and participate in professional development programs and in networking with employers at career fairs have higher retention and graduation rates than students who do not. The goal of Norman Career Services is for all students to have successful post-graduation outcomes. We help ensure this outcome by offering current career development resources, services and programs that prepare students professionally and connect them with strategic employment opportunities. We strive to develop dynamic partnerships with employers, administrators, faculty, other departments and alumni to increase career opportunities for our students, which in turn increases job placement and retention numbers.”
The career services office at ATU is named for Arkansas Tech alumni Sandra and Robert Norman of Tulsa, Okla. It is located in Doc Bryan Student Services Center suite 153.
Visit www.atu.edu/career to learn more about Norman Career Services at Arkansas Tech.
