Jason Pruitt has been hired as the executive director of the Gustavus Adolphus College Center for Career Development, Vice President for Student Life JoNes VanHecke announced today. Pruitt, who joins the Gustavus community after serving as the career development director at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin, will begin his duties on September 17.
Pruitt’s hire in this newly-created role is the result of a $10 million grant last November that endowed the Gustavus Center for Career Development. As the center’s offerings continue to grow, he will be charged with enhancing the College’s career curriculum by further integrating post-graduate preparation into the academic and co-curricular life of Gustavus students, deepening connections with employers through robust engagement efforts, and continuing to build intentional mentorship, internship, and career experiences for all students.
“Jason’s depth and breadth of knowledge in the career services field is impressive and his extensive record of success in connecting to alumni and employers is an excellent foundation for his strategic vision and leadership at Gustavus,” VanHecke said.
The Gustavus Center for Career Development is expanding programmatic offerings, partnerships with academic departments and employers, and mentorship and internship opportunities as the result of the $10 million grant that was announced last November. By pairing analytics and technology with staff who specialize in different fields, Gustavus seeks to build a top liberal arts career services operation that supports all students as they explore, experience, and successfully transition from college to career. The focus on integrated education, vocational reflection, and mentoring are key elements of the Gustavus Acts Strategic Plan, the College’s bold, 10-year vision to equip students to lead purposeful lives and to act on the great challenges of our time through an innovative liberal arts education of recognized excellence.
“Speaking with faculty, staff, and students at Gustavus, I could tell early on that there is an excitement about this initiative and a genuineness about doing what is best for the students,” Pruitt said. “I am truly humbled to be working with a strong career staff where we will collaboratively build a model that will have a high impact and will transform the career trajectories of Gustavus students.”
Pruitt has been at Carthage College since 2005 and was promoted to career development director in 2013. In addition to creating programming, meeting with students, and leading the day-to-day operations of the office, he recently played a key role in facilitating planning meetings with college leadership, faculty, students, and career development staff to create a world-class career services model funded by a multimillion dollar gift. Known as a strong relationship builder and strategic thinker, Pruitt earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and holds a master’s in human resources and labor relations from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
“Jason is an accomplished leader who has a track record of success in career counseling, employer relations, supervision, and alumni outreach,” VanHecke said. “It is clear to me that his relational approach will be a great fit for the Gustavus community, and I am excited about his vision for new opportunities and increased support for our students.”
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