Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Nadirah Pippen has been named the new director of UNCW Career Center, the university announced today. Pippen has been serving as interim director since May 1, 2019, following the retirement of Thom Rakes.
 
Pippen, who had previously served as associate director, will report to Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Pat Leonard.
 
“I am excited about continuing the legacy of forward leadership in the Career Center, and also the opportunity to refresh our brand and image with students, faculty, staff and employers,” said Pippen. “One of my top goals is to scale our services beyond our physical center to provide more access for students, more resources to faculty and more visibility for our team of dynamic professionals.”
 
Before joining the UNCW Career Center in 2018, Pippen worked for East Carolina University and Edgecombe Community College. She is a licensed counselor and has a Bachelor of Science in sociology and a Master of Science in counselor education from East Carolina University.
 
As director of the career center, Pippen will provide leadership and oversight of the center’s services, programs, events, staff and budget in support of student and alumni career goals, and UNCW’s mission and strategic initiatives. She is also responsible for implementing innovative approaches to support students’ career development, job and graduate school searches with the specific goal of improving students’ career readiness and career success. Pippen will also work with campus, community and business partners to create career opportunities for students and help them expand their professional network.  
 
“From the moment I set foot on campus, everyone has been welcoming, warm, and supportive,” she said. “It has been through these collaborations and relationships that the Career Center has been able to accomplish so much, and I look forward to continuing the wonderful work within our office, Division of Student Affairs and university at large.”

-Venita Jenkins
#SA