Photo courtesy of: Division of Student AffairsTamika Williams pictured with Tara Milliken, Chair for the ACPA Commission for Career Services.

Staff of the Career and Leadership Development Center (CLDC) were honored at this year's convention for the American College Personnel Association (ACPA). The convention was held in Boston, Massachusetts and celebrated the professional association's 95th anniversary.

Its Commission for Career Services seeks to examine, address and impact the changing and diverse role of career services in higher education within the student development framework. This year, Ohio University's Tamika Williams and Kacey Schaum, both career development professionals with the CLDC, received awards recognizing their contributions to the field. 

Williams won the Rising Star Award, which recognizes an individual who has demonstrated strong leadership potential and made contributions to the career services profession and/or to the ACPA Commission for Career Services. Williams joined the CLDC in 2018 as the assistant director for Diversity and Inclusion. She serves in a split position between CLDC and the Division of Diversity and Inclusion. 

When asked to reflect on the aspect of her work that she is most proud of, Williams said "seeing the increase of multicultural students utilizing the CLDC's services and receiving numerous requests this past year to participate in student events as a panelist or presenter. I feel like I am serving a higher purpose and empowering students to be the best version of themselves."

Schaum won the Distinguished Service Award, which honors an individual who has displayed exemplary service and commitment of time and energy to both the Commission for Career Services and the profession. The recipient of this award has demonstrated outstanding service to the Commission, upheld professional standards showing integrity and holds the esteem and appreciation of colleagues, students and peers. 

Schaum has been involved with ACPA for the past nine years and joined the Commission for Career Services directorate board about two years ago. She currently serves as the chair-elect and will take on the chair role in March 2020. 

In her role as assistant director for the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), Schaum’s position is split between the CLDC and CAS.

"I believe I received this award because I value my involvement with ACPA and devote time every month toward fulfilling my commitments with the organization," Schaum said. "Working with ACPA allows me to feel connected to higher education as a whole, and I appreciate being able to learn and grow with other career services professionals."    

Photo courtesy of: Division of Student AffairsKacey Schaum pictured with Tara Milliken, Chair for the ACPA Commission for Career Services.