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PRACTITIONER

Professional Bio

Professional Involvement

I began my career in higher education and career services at Auburn University, working as a graduate assistant in the Raymond J. Harbert College of Business’s Office of Professional and Career Development. Since then, I have been privileged to serve in several positions in the University of Florida’s Career Connections Center and, as the director of Old Dominion University’s Career Development Services unit. Currently, I am the Executive Director of Career and Professional Development at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech).
 
I am driven by the opportunity to provide positive postsecondary outcomes for all students with a focus on producing equity and justice, developing strategic partnerships, and executing innovative initiatives.
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// Executive Director

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Career and Professional Development 
July 2023-Present
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//  Director
Old Dominion University, Career Development Services
June 2022-June 2023
 
//  Associate Director for Integrated Partnerships
University of Florida, Career Resource Center
May 2016-Present
 
//  Assistant Director for Career & Professional Development
University of Florida, Career Resource Center
July 2014-May2016
 
//  Career Development Coordinator
University of Florida, Career Resource Center
June 2013-July 2015
 
//  Professional Development Graduate Assistant
Auburn University, Office of Professional & Career Development
August 2012-June 2013
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Public Scholarship
Your Organization Might Be Racist: A Lesson Every Company Should Learn from This Moment​
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If We Treat Everyone the Same, We're Likely Doing It Wrong...
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The Multi-Factor Authentication Problem in College Admissions
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Careers vs. Systems of Oppression: Sexism & Socialization
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The Empowered Liberal Arts Graduate
 
Memberships
// National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE)
//  Southern Association of Colleges and Employers (SoACE)
// Virginia Association of Colleges and Employers (VACE)
// Eastern Association of Colleges and Employers (EACE)
// National Career Development Association (NCDA)
// NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education
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Leadership Development
NACE Management Leadership Institute, July 2018
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Presentations

Presenter NACEConnect

"Advancing Equity Through & Despite Current Trends", 2020

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Presenter, NACE Viewpoint 2020

"Unconscious Bias", 2020

 

Presenter, Employer Retreat, UF Career Resource Center

"The Inclusive Recruiter: Going Beyond Diversity", 2017

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Presenter, Escape to the Lake Professional Development Conference “Professionalism at All Levels”, 2016

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Presenter, NASPA Annual Conference

“Bringing Back Field Day", 2015

 

Presenter, Escape to the Lake Professional Development Conference

“LinkedIn: Professional Edition”, 2015

 

Presenter, Black Student Leadership Conference

“See Your Strengths- StrengthsQuest for Students”, 2015

 

Trainer, Housing & Residence Education, University of Florida

“LinkedIn for Professionals”, 2014

 

Trainer, Reitz Union Staff, University of Florida

“LinkedIn for Professionals”, 2014

Positions

© 2021 by Matthew Paul Cowley.

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