Communities & Connections
Career Success uses a "Communities & Connections" model. This model features a team of student-facing Career Coaches working directly with students through coaching appointments, Career Communities programming, and more to help students identify steps and prepare for a lifetime of opportunity. The Industry Connections team creates connections with employers seeking top talent.
Both teams are supported by our Administration and Student Support teams. The Administration team manages business and technology functions, leadership, and communication, among other responsibilities.
Addie Cheney (she/her/hers)
Director, Career Communities
cheney.45@osu.edu
As the Director of Career Communities, Addie will lead outreach efforts and provide leadership in initiatives integrating employers and alumni into student career-related support services. These services include skill development training, consultation, resource development, and enhanced connections with hiring organizations and/or PhD alumni. Addie will also establish partnerships across campus to support and co-create an ideal future service structure to help graduate students transition into a wide range of professional practices.
Addie holds a bachelor's degree in German Studies from Miami University of Ohio and is a proud alumna of The Ohio State University's College of Arts and Sciences, having earned a Master of Arts in Germanic Languages. She is currently pursuing a second master's in Workforce Development at Ohio State.
Michelle Norris, MA, MEd, LPC (she/her/hers)
Career Coach
Michelle joined the Center for Career and Professional Success in June 2023. She holds both a BA and MA in Political Science from John Carroll University and Western Illinois University, respectively. A Licensed Professional Counselor in Ohio, she earned an MEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Ohio University and is currently pursuing a PhD in Counselor Education at Ohio State, with research interests in career longevity and the Future of Work. Michelle has a passion for career counseling and coaching in higher education, having previously worked with students at the University of Pittsburgh and Marietta College. She is eager to engage intentionally and reflectively with Ohio State students as they explore their career possibilities and strive to meet their professional aspirations and goals.
Michelle specializes in helping students looking for opportunities in the following fields: Healthcare and Wellness, Science and Research, Technology, Data and Analytics
Barbara C. Harvey, MS (she/her/hers)
Career Coach
A native of Chicago, Barbara earned a B.A. in Applied Behavioral Science and an M.S. in Community Counseling from National Louis University in Illinois. She joined the Center for Career and Professional Success in 2019, bringing her expertise in community mental health and her experience with continuing education for adult learners at NLU. Barbara is enthusiastic about encouraging students to explore and embrace opportunities that enable them to expand and refine their professional goals.
Barbara specializes in helping students looking for opportunities in the following fields: Visual, Written and Performing Arts, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Consulting, Management and Sales
Megan D'Angelo, M.Ed (She/her/hers )
Career Coach
Megan joined the Career Success team in November 2021. After graduating from Bowling Green State University with a B.S. in Dietetics in 2018, she completed her M.Ed in College Student Personnel at Ohio University in 2021. She has gained experience in campus programming, career and leadership development, first-year student programs, and classroom instruction. Megan is excited to serve as a resource while offering encouragement and empathy to students as they pursue their career goals.
Megan specializes in helping students looking for opportunities in the following fields: Journalism, Sports, Entertainment and Production, Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations
Lori Bolton
Career Coach
After 14 years away, Lori has returned to career services at Ohio State. She previously worked in Career Services at The OSU Marion Regional Campus, the College of Medicine, and the College of Public Health. Lori has experience as an academic advisor, working with all majors to prepare students for transitions from high school to college, from two-year programs to four-year programs, and into the workforce or professional degree programs. She believes that students' diverse backgrounds and experiences are their greatest strengths and commits to working with each student to cultivate, promote, and celebrate their individual talents. Lori holds an MS in Education with a focus on higher education counseling and a BS in Business Management with a minor in communications. A lifelong Ohioan, Lori considers herself a National Park enthusiast, having visited over twenty parks so far.
Lori specializes in helping students looking for opportunities in the following fields: Education, Non-Profit and Social Services, Government, International Affairs and Public Policy
Rachel Long (she/her/hers)
Career Studio Associate
Rachel joined the Career Success team in January 2024. After graduating from Capital University with a B.A. in Organizational Communication in 2018, she completed her M.Ed in College Student Personnel at Ohio University in 2021. Rachel worked in orientation programming and first-year student programs for 2 years. She also has experience working with campus programming and leadership development. Rachel is excited to serve as a go-to supporter for student staff and encourage students to make their college experience their own!
Maddie Kindig, M.A. (she/her/hers)
Assistant Director for Graduate Student Professional Success
Maddie joined the Career Success team in October 2022 initially as a Career Coach. Now as the Assistant Director for Graduate Student Professional Success, Maddie looks forward to using her own background as a former Arts and Sciences graduate student to help other graduate students and postdoctoral researchers articulate their unique skills and empower them to explore career paths beyond the tenure track.
Maddie holds a B.A. in World Language Studies with a focus on German and history from Indiana University South Bend, an M.A. in Germanic Languages and Literature from The Ohio State University, and a certification in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Trinity College London. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and learning languages.
Amy Louise, LSW, MSW
Career Services Office Department of Economics
Amy joined The Ohio State University staff in June 2022. She directs all career-related activities for undergraduate students in the Department of Economics. She received her BA in English from Northwest Nazarene University in Idaho, followed by secondary education coursework and certification in English and Spanish in the state of Oregon. In 2018, she earned her master's degree in social work at OSU. Her previous work includes teaching English and foreign languages and roles in the social services field. In 2020, she earned her Facilitating Career Development certificate from the National Career Development Association and is now focused on helping students successfully transition from college to work. Amy loves to learn and is on a lifetime journey of discovery! One of the best things on that journey is meeting new people, showing them their strengths, and empowering them to be successful. Amy hopes to be encouraging as well as helpful as she works with students here, and she looks forward to getting to know each of you!
Amy provides career coaching for Economics majors and minors.
Career Coaching Appointments Available, AU 2022
Monday: 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Virtual or phone appointment
Wednesday: 1:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Virtual, phone, or in-person appointment
Thursday: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Virtual, phone, or in-person appointment
Scott Kustis, MBA (he/him/his)
Director of Industry Connections
kustis.1@osu.edu
Scott joined the Center for Career and Professional Success in October 2005 as a career prep advisor, eventually moving into an assistant director role. In this position, Scott advised students on ways to enhance their resumes and professional competencies. He also coordinated the annual Ohio State Spring Career Fair and served as the manager for employer relations.
In August 2018, Scott was appointed to the newly established role of Director of Industry Connections. In his current role, Scott leads his team as they forge relationships with businesses and brands interested in recruiting high caliber and diverse talent, ready to address 21st-century challenges.
Scott connects with industries that are seeking talent from the following Career Communities:
Shirley Wu, MA (she/her/hers)
Assistant Director of Industry Connections
Shirley joined the Career Success team in July 2023, returning to her roots as both an OSU Arts and Sciences alum and Ohio native. Her experiences include career-technical education, campus programming, and student mentoring and advising for minoritized students. She graduated with dual bachelor's degrees in Political Science and Linguistics from The Ohio State University, with a minor in Chinese. She obtained her Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration, specializing in Policy and Equity, at the University of Louisville. She champions her Arts and Sciences background for its wealth of potential and opportunity and advocates for industry connections to better facilitate the career and professional success of students pursuing an arts and sciences education.
Shirley connects with industries that are seeking talent from the following Career Communities:
Aaron Klein, M.Ed. (he/him/his)
Assistant Director of Industry Connections
Aaron joined the Career Success team after working in international education at The Ohio State University and Texas A&M University. His experiences include managing international internships and programs, collegiate athletics, residence life, and new student programming. A native of Illinois, Aaron received his B.S. in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism, and his M.Ed. in Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership, with a concentration in Higher Education, from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Higher Education and Student Affairs at Ohio State.
Aaron connects with industries that are seeking talent from the following Career Communities:
- Technology, Data and Analytics
- Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations
- Journalism, Sports, Entertainment and Production
Andrew Freeman, MHI (he/him/his)
Assistant Director of Industry Connections
Andrew joined Career Success in 2022, coming from The OSU Wexner Medical Center. His career spans 20 years in the events industry in Columbus and Seattle, and he has volunteered as a performer with community choruses in both cities. Andrew has served as president of two nonprofit boards and as interim executive director of an arts organization. His vast and diverse network from these experiences helps him connect ASC students with industry communities.
He holds a bachelor's degree in liberal studies from Bowling Green State University and a master's in healthcare innovation from The Ohio State University. Andrew is committed to creating opportunities for ASC students, helping them cultivate success and connect with professional communities seeking top talent.
Andrew connects with industries that are seeking talent from the following Career Communities:
- Visual, Written and Performing Arts
- Government, International Affairs and Public Policy
- Education, Non-Profit and Social Service
Gil Scott Keyes (he/him/his)
Events Senior Coordinator
Gil (Scott) Keyes joined the Center for Career and Professional Success in 2024. Before his current role, Keyes worked in Urban League Workforce Development, engaging individuals at every level of education and serving as the Dean of Students in D.C.
Keyes graduated from Ohio Dominican University with a degree in communication. During his college years, Keyes played basketball and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. After graduating, Keyes coached basketball for five years, demonstrating his dedication to youth and community involvement.
In his position at Ohio State, Gil serves as the Employer Engagement Coordinator. This role enables Keyes to establish relationships with employers nationwide through career fairs and treks. Currently, while embracing his new role, he continues his education in Public Administration, aspiring to earn his doctorate.
Vacant
Internship Specialist
Tricia Zelaya-Leon, PhD (she/her/hers)
Assistant Dean
For over 20 years, Tricia Zelaya-Leon has dedicated herself to serving students and advancing higher education in various roles. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Tricia holds a BS in Spanish Education and an MA in Higher Education from Ohio University. Her career commenced in housing at Ohio State, during which she completed her PhD in Higher Education and Student Affairs. Tricia's leadership has been evident across both large and small institutions nationwide, in areas such as graduate education, student development and assessment, and student success. Her notable contributions to career services underscore her commitment to developing strategic initiatives that prepare college graduates for meaningful careers. Tricia is an active scholar and participant in the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) and serves on local and regional executive boards. Most recently, she was the Director of the Center for Career and Professional Development at Kalamazoo College in southwest Michigan. Tricia is excited to return to the OSU community, eager to empower Arts and Sciences students to leverage their education towards fulfilling careers. Beyond her professional life, Tricia enjoys baking, watching sports, and spending quality time with her family.
Addie Cheney (she/her/hers)
Director, Career Communities
cheney.45@osu.edu
As the Director of Career Communities, Addie will lead outreach efforts and provide leadership in initiatives integrating employers and alumni into student career-related support services. These services include skill development training, consultation, resource development, and enhanced connections with hiring organizations and/or PhD alumni. Addie will also establish partnerships across campus to support and co-create an ideal future service structure to help graduate students transition into a wide range of professional practices.
Addie holds a bachelor's degree in German Studies from Miami University of Ohio and is a proud alumna of The Ohio State University's College of Arts and Sciences, having earned a Master of Arts in Germanic Languages. She is currently pursuing a second master's in Workforce Development at Ohio State.
Scott Kustis, MBA (he/him/his)
Director, Industry Connections
kustis.1@osu.edu
Scott joined the Center for Career and Professional Success in October 2005 as a career prep advisor, eventually moving into an assistant director role. In this position, Scott advised students on ways to enhance their resumes and professional competencies. He also coordinated the annual Ohio State Spring Career Fair and served as the manager for employer relations.
In August 2018, Scott was appointed to the newly established role of Director of Industry Connections. In his current role, Scott leads his team as they forge relationships with businesses and brands interested in recruiting high caliber and diverse talent, ready to address 21st-century challenges.
Hansen Rallis (he/him/his)
Office Associate
Hansen joined the College of Arts and Sciences Center for Career and Professional Success in November 2022. Having graduated from The Ohio State University from the College of Arts and Sciences with an English degree, he has direct experience with the processes and services he will now help provide. Hansen looks forward to providing administrative and operational support to the staff and students, allowing them to achieve their goals and encouraging them to push beyond their limits. He also loves meeting new people and is excited to get to know everyone.
Jacob Sigafoos (he/him/his)
Marketing Manager
Jacob Sigafoos is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in social media management, content creation, and digital marketing. His expertise includes video production, mentoring, and strategic planning, consistently delivering impactful results throughout his career. Jacob's educational background, with a bachelor's degree in communications from Wittenberg University and a Broadcasting Diploma from The Ohio Center for Broadcasting, bolstered his practical skills.
Beginning his career as a Film Instructor at the Ohio Media School, Jacob taught digital video content creation and mentored students, enhancing their film production skills. During this time, he also worked as a freelance creative for companies such as Bath & Body Works, Blizzard Activision, and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
Jacob advanced to become the Video and Photography Manager at Lubrication Specialties Inc, where he produced multimedia content, managed social media platforms, and led graphic design projects. His attention to detail, creativity, and technical acumen ensured the company's visual assets effectively communicated key messages.
Later, as the Marketing Production Manager at Scholar House Media Digital Marketing, Jacob spearheaded various marketing initiatives, delivering cohesive messaging and significantly impacting clients' campaigns.
Hunter Nelson (he/him/his)
Reporting and Analytics Specialist
Hunter joined the College of Arts and Sciences Center for Career and Professional Success in May 2023. Originally from Mansfield, Ohio, he earned his BA in Political Science from Bowling Green State University in 2021 and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from The Ohio State University in 2023. In his role, Hunter will research and utilize data to enhance center outcomes, maintain active analytics of event and program usage, coordinate and implement goals, fulfill data requests, and provide operational and analytical support to the team. Hunter is excited to serve as a resource to the team as they work with students to fulfill their career and professional goals.
Genesis Clarke (she/her/hers)
Associate Business Systems Analyst
Genesis joined the College of Arts and Sciences in April 2024, fresh from her graduation at Capital University with a major in Computer Science. She has a passion for technology and education, having spent time working with primarily high school students via a non-profit called TechCorps through different tech pathways. She also has experience working with technology and data through her internship at White Castle Headquarters.
In her role, Genesis oversees essential software like Handshake, making student interactions smooth and providing insightful data analysis. Her excitement for exploring the latest tech trends ensures that the Career Success Team stays innovative, and ready to equip students with the skills they need to thrive professionally.