MSU Career Center names winners of Experiential Education Awards
Morehead State University’s Office of Career Services named the winners of its annual Experiential Education Awards in conjunction with the campus’ Celebration of Student Scholarship last week. The awards honored a student, an employer and a faculty member whose contributions to and investments in career development via experiential education were truly exceptional. All students, employers and faculty engaged in experiential education – internships, co-ops, clinicals, practicums and student teaching – during 2018 were eligible for nomination.
“Experiential education allows students to gain professional experience outside of the classroom prior to graduation,” said Megan Boone, interim director for MSU’s Office of Career Services. “These experiences are often what sets one candidate apart from others so experiences like these allow MSU students to be more competitive in the job market. Our office is proud to recognize the hard work and dedication of not only Morehead State students and faculty, but also the employers who invest in them.”
Student Intern of the Year Award: Lucy Steele
Lucy Steele from Lexington is a senior marketing major in the School of Business Administration. As an intern with the Appalachian Studies Association, Steele designed and implemented a system to review over 600 conference proposals while also spearheading an initiative to increase conference participation through a strategic social media campaign. Her supervisor Dr. Joy Gritton, professor of art at MSU, touted that "the quality and quantity of her work were unsurpassed” and spoke highly of her leadership, communication and problem solving abilities.
Internship Employer of the Year Award: Regal Beloit
Regal Beloit, located in Morehead, is a leading manufacturer of electric motors, mechanical and electrical motion controls, and power generation products serving markets throughout the world. Lindsay Childs, a senior from Huntington, West Virginia, and a former intern at Regal Beloit, recognized the mentorship of the management team as being crucial in allowing her to develop skills outside the classroom while increasing her confidence and leadership abilities. The award recognized Randy Norwood, plant manager; Randy Bumgardner, manufacturing manager; Ernie Robinson, quality/lean coordinator; and Caleb Grimes, manufacturing engineer II. This is the second consecutive year Regal Beloit has received this award.
Faculty Supervisor of the Year Award: Connie Grimes
Connie Grimes, an instructor of computer information systems, was recognized for her dedication in assisting students learn about, secure and complete experiential education opportunities within the School of Business Administration. Additionally, she works with local businesses to develop internship opportunities.
“Internship experience provides students with the opportunity to transform theory into practice,” Grimes said. “These experiences are invaluable, giving students insight into their chosen field, allowing them to gain self-confidence and advancing their career competencies. As a result, students who intern often have amazing employment and career advancement opportunities.”
To learn more about experiential education opportunities at MSU, contact the Office of Career Services at 606-783-2233, email careerservices@moreheadstate.edu or visit www.moreheadstate.edu/career.
