The field of career services first intrigued Michael as he was going through his own job preparation process during his senior year at Ohio University. He returned to this interest after being sidetracked for several years.

Through a networking connection, while completing his Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology, he obtained a position as a Career Counselor with the Vanderbilt Law School Career Center.

He then relocated to the Dallas area and pursued an Associate Director position with the UT Dallas Career Center. After serving as the Interim Director, he was appointed to the Director's position in 2005.

Jody currently serves as the Career Center's Assistant Director for Employer Relations. A Georgia native, Jody attended The University of Georgia and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, with a major in public relations. She also received a Master of Education in sport management at The University of Texas at Austin. While at UT Austin, Jody worked in Career Services for College of Education undergraduates. As Assistant Director for Employer Relations, she develops employer partnerships and career opportunities for UT Dallas students. She joined the UT Dallas Career Center in June 2007 as the SOM Internship Coordinator.

Mickey Choate is the Associate Director of Career Development in the UT Dallas Career Center. He has extensive experience assisting students in identifying their career options.

His responsibilities include directing the credit career development classes and career development programs available to students through the Career Center. He also ensures that students get excellent coaching, advice and guidance from the team of career counselors and career program coordinators in the center.

Mickey is a Licensed Professional Counselor and holds a Master of Science degree in Counseling and a Bachelor’s of Science in Counseling from TAMU-Commerce.

Prior to coming to UT Dallas in 1988, he served as the Associate Director of Career Services at Texas Christian University and as a Career Counselor with UT Arlington and TAMU-Texarkana.

Kimshi holds a Masters Degree in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University and has a BS in Speech Communications. She is a Certified Career Development Facilitator Trainer. Kimshi has worked in higher education for 16 years with 14 years experience in Career Services.

Her background includes recruiting employers for internships and full-time job opportunities and assisting students/alumni with career assessments and advising. Kimshi is active with the Metroplex Area Consortium of Career Centers (MAC3) and the Southern Association of Colleges & Employers (SoACE).

She has given presentations/trainings for the Southwestern Association of Colleges& Employers, the Southern Association of Colleges & Employers, Hispanic Women's Association, TCU Petroleum Land Practices Program and DFW Area colleges on career-related topics including Job Search Preparation, Dining Etiquette, Ethics in Recruiting, Building Your Brand, along with many more.

Lisa has worked in higher education for over 15 years and joined the UT Dallas Career Center staff in May 2005. As Associate Director, she works with a great Coordinator staff to oversee on-campus recruiting options as well as a comprehensive internship program serving six of the university's seven schools.

She has extensive experience working with international students and employment issues, particularly with regard to curricular practical training (CPT). Lisa is active with the Cooperative Education and Internship Association (CEIA) and with the Texas association (TxCEIA).

She has a BA from SUNY Geneseo and an MSW from UT Arlington and regularly revisits the idea of beginning a doctorate program in higher education. Lisa enjoys working with college students and helping them to be successful at UT Dallas and beyond.

As the Assistant Director, Career Development Programs, Karen enjoys bringing career development opportunities to UT Dallas students and alumni by facilitating on-campus programs and events with corporate, public, and private sectors. She has experience planning, marketing, and facilitating events in both academic and business environments. 

In addition to coordinating career programs and events, she also has experience editing resumes for a variety of majors and a diverse student population.  As an alumna herself, Karen has a bachelor’s degree in business and marketing and a master’s degree in public administration, both from UT Dallas.

Mohammed is the Internship Coordinator for SOM. He has worked as an Intake Officer at Richland College with the TRIO Educational Talent Search program and Health Profession Division and as Program Coordinator in the Career Services office at the University of Central Arkansas, UCA.

He is a UT Dallas alum and has earned his Masters of Science degree in College Student Personnel Services and Administration from UCA.

"I realize that for a student's career dreams to materialize is to earn a college degree. This understanding provides groundwork for me when I am working with students. Tapping into students' potential and guiding them to success during the internship process makes it a rewarding experience for me."

Kortney graduated from UT Dallas in May 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in Literary Studies. While earning her degree she served students at the campus bookstore, where she developed her interest in working in the realm of higher education. She joined the Career Center staff in August 2009.

As an Internship Coordinator she interacts with students from the schools of Arts and Humanities, Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Economic, Political and Policy Sciences.

She guides them through the internship process, helping them to obtain invaluable hands-on experience in a chosen industry. This role allows her to help students discover their interests, values, and strengths through working experiences, enabling them to seek out professions which give them the opportunity to thrive.

Rick graduated from UT Dallas in August of 2005 with a Bachelors degree in Historical Studies. After working in staffing for six years Rick returned to UT Dallas as the recruiting coordinator. In this role Rick works with employers to coordinate all on-campus events which include employment opportunities, company information sessions and on-campus interviews.

Shereada received her Bachelor's degree in Mass Communications from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and a Master of Science degree from the University of Central Arkansas in College Student Personnel and Administration.

Prior to her arrival at UT Dallas, she has spent five years in the field of career services at Arkansas State University, Troy University, and the University of Central Arkansas. Shereada has experience in career services in the areas of career expos, employer outreach, career counseling, and career programming.

She enjoys preparing a wide range of student centered programs and services that assist students with their career exploration, development, and management.

Jill holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from The University of Texas at Austin and has a background in communications, marketing, and customer service. She joined the UT Dallas Career Center in November 2010.

As Career Programs Coordinator, Jill develops and executes programs for students to educate them on job related topics and to provide them with tools to be successful in the workplace. She loves meeting new students and getting involved with groups on campus.

With more than 20 years in corporate training and sales, Elaine joined the Career Center staff in 2002. She utilizes excellent communication and customer service skills to meet the needs of the Career Center's diverse student population.

As the Student Employment Coordinator, Elaine manages various programs to ensure the success of the Student Employment Program. She enjoys assisting work-study and non-work-study part-time students to find employment on and off campus.

Janie is a Licensed Professional Counselor who joined the UT Dallas Career Center staff as a Career Counselor in 2002. She is an experienced career counselor with a passion for empowering students to build and manage their own careers. Janie enjoys the “aha!” moments that come as she assists students and alumni with understanding their career assessments. Her areas of specialty include one-on-one career counseling, resume writing, interviewing, job search strategies and coaching, presenting career-related seminars, and working with student groups to encourage career exploration.

Lauren joined the Career Center in January of 2010 and holds a Master's degree in Computer Education and Cognitive Systems from the University of North Texas and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.

She has extensive experience in the Telecommunications and Software industries with a focus on training & development and business process improvement. Her true passion is building relationships and helping people achieve their professional goals.

As the Career Coach Lauren will partner with you to create a step-by- step plan to achieve your immediate and long term career goals.

Laura received her Bachelor of Science in Economics from UT Dallas. She is currently working on her Master of Science in Management and Administrative Sciences at UT Dallas as well.

Laura joined the UT Dallas Career Center in August 2007, and she has helped thousands of students and alumni with their resumes, cover letters, interview skills, and more. She is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), and is currently pursuing her second resume writing certification (Academy Certified Resume Writer).

Laura specializes in taking the most difficult backgrounds and turning them into strong, specific resumes.

Esther Watkins joined the Career Center staff at UT Dallas in 2006 after previously working as a Quality Assurance Engineer for 8 years.

As Technology Coordinator she manages the technical activities of the Career Center, which include website management and technical support.

She currently serves as one of the Technology Liaisons on campus. Esther holds a Bachelor's Degree in Arts and Science from Indiana University.

Darlene Coppage joined the Career Center staff in November of 2001. Having worked for a major international trade association for 21 years as their manager/coordinator of five international awards programs, she decided to switch to a calmer environment that would allow her more time with her family.

Darlene began as the Career Center's Front Desk Receptionist; she then moved into the position of Administrative Assistant in September, 2002. Her responsibilities include assisting the department Director with the maintenance of budget and financial records; processing payroll and human resources documents; new employee orientation; equipment and supply maintenance; department travel arrangements; as well as many other related projects.

Darlene has two daughters, one of whom is a UT Dallas alumnus who also works on campus as an Academic Advisor to graduate students in the School of Management.

Fannae Shields has been on the Career Center staff since 2001 as a Secretary III with the Internship Program. Her primary duties include data input and maintaining seminar handout material. Once listed in Who's Who's Native American Women In The United States, she has previously worked with the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma, the State of Oklahoma Governor's Office, the Indian Affairs Commission Oklahoma, and American Airlines. In addition to computer skills, Fannae is also skilled in American Sign Language and Speech Reading.