Kathleen Powell

Key Responsibilities

• Manage Career Development for William & Mary
• Set Strategic Vision
• Oversee the Cohen Career Center Team

About Kathleen

As the Chief Career Officer and Associate Vice President for Advancement, Kathleen Powell has more than 30 years of progressive experience in higher education career services. She is an effective leader and creative programmer. She is recognized nationally and internationally for her leadership, strategic vision, and external review practices.  Dedicated to strategic visioning and management, collaborative partnerships, and faculty engagement, Powell also has a commanding understanding of career development, student development, and organizational and leadership theories.

Powell has authored chapters in several different publications and served as an academic advisor and adjunct faculty member teaching career planning, leadership development, and communication. Powell served as the faculty lead for strategic planning sessions at the Management Leadership Institute through the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), as well as a facilitator for the Executive Leadership Summit for NACE.  In addition, Kathleen is a prolific presenter with more than 45 competitively selected presentations, both nationally and internationally.

Kathleen currently serves on the Advocacy Advisory Committee for NACE;  identifying core issues for the profession; educating members regarding legislative and/or regulatory matters that may impact the profession, and when needed, advocating before governmental officials and the public for outcomes that best support the interests of NACE members and the profession. This includes issues of equity and inclusion in the workplace and workforce development. In addition, Kathleen serves on the Board of CAS (Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education) as the NACE Liaison, as well as a member of CASE (The Council for Advancement and Support of Education). Kathleen is a past president of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), past president of the Midwest Association of Colleges and Employers (Midwest ACE), and past- president of the Illinois Small College Placement Association. Most recently, she was presented with the Kauffman Award, this prestigious award honors those who have made a tangible contribution to NACE that significantly improved the association. Kathleen is also a member of the Academy of Fellows, the highest honor, recognizing individuals who have contributed to the profession through the advancement of knowledge, leadership, or excellence in professional practice. In addition, she is the recipient of the Founders Distinguished Service Award and J.W. Paquette Award for Superior Leadership Award (Midwest ACE), Charles Sumner Harrison Award, and Teacher Appreciation Award, Sigma Kappa, (Marietta College). In addition, Powell holds a Management Leadership Certificate for Career Services Professionals.

Powell holds a Master of Science in Student Personnel Services from Miami University of Ohio and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Akron. She began her tenure in university career services at Ashland College, now Ashland University. Her career services work includes positions at Knox College (IL), Marietta College (OH), Grinnell College (IA), and The University of Akron (OH). Immediately prior to her appointment at William & Mary, Powell served as the director for career exploration and development at Denison University in Granville, OH. During her time at William & Mary, Kathleen has served as the assistant vice president for student affairs and executive director of career development, promoted to the associate vice president for career development, and most recently to the elevated role of Chief Career Officer and Associate Vice President of Advancement.