EACE Rapid Roundtable

Marketing the Value of the Career Center to Senior Leadership

Wednesday, December 3, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Virtual on Zoom

How do you make the case for the impact of your career center to Presidents, Provosts, and Deans? This EACE Rapid Roundtable will share strategies to communicate outcomes, demonstrate ROI, and align your office’s work with institutional priorities. Through case studies and practical examples, you’ll learn how to translate student success stories and career development metrics into a compelling narrative that resonates with senior leadership.

Walk away with actionable approaches to elevate your office’s visibility, secure buy-in, and strengthen your seat at the table.

What is a Rapid Roundtable?

A new virtual programming series featuring fast-paced, topical content curated for EACE members. Each Rapid Roundtable brings together 4–5 speakers who will share best practices, innovative ideas, and tangible takeaways in short, TED-style talks (about 8 minutes each). You’ll walk away with fresh insights you can immediately apply in your work.

Presenters

Philip Wilkerson, Employer Consultant, George Mason University

Philip Wilkerson is an Employer Engagement Consultant at George Mason University Career Services, connecting employers with the GMU Philip Wilkerson is an Employer Engagement Consultant at George Mason University Career Services, connecting employers with the GMU community to expand internship and job opportunities. He oversees engagement within Media, Arts, Design, Sports & Recreation, Hospitality & Tourism, and Technology & Engineering. A dynamic communicator, he is a Distinguished Toastmaster, TEDx speaker, and 2024 NACE “Mentor of the Year” nominee. His work has earned numerous recognitions, including GMU Employee of the Month, GMU Black Alumni Forty Under 40, and awards for leadership, service, and inclusive excellence. Philip also hosts the Positive Philter podcast and advises student organizations, while actively working with the community to expand internship and job opportunities. He oversees engagement within Media, Arts, Design, Sports & Recreation, Hospitality & Tourism, and Technology & Engineering. A dynamic communicator, he is a Distinguished Toastmaster, TEDx speaker, and 2024 NACE “Mentor of the Year” nominee. His work has earned numerous recognitions, including GMU Employee of the Month, GMU Black Alumni Forty Under 40, and awards for leadership, service, and inclusive excellence. Philip also hosts the Positive Philter podcast and advises student organizations.

Shannon Zelek, Senior Director, Career Development, Merrimack College

Shannon is a strategic leader serving as the Senior Director of Career Development within the O'Brien Center for Career Development. Her work centers on driving cross-campus collaborations with student involvement, faculty partners, academic advising and athletics to strengthen student success. She develops educational initiatives which allow students to articulate their skills, explore career paths and confidently use career technology tools. 

Within EACE, Shannon has been a consistent and dedicated member, serving in multiple volunteer roles. She has contributed extensively to the Annual Conference Committee including her current role as Co-Chair of EACE26 and has supported the association through her work on the Leadership & Recognition Committee.

Anders Houldcroft, Associate Director of Marketing, Suffolk University Center for Career Equity, Development, and Success

Anders Houldcroft is a higher education communicator with over 10 years of experience in project management, campaign-driven communications, and cultivating student engagement. Anders currently supports Suffolk University's Center for Career Equity, Development, and Success as an Associate Director of Marketing. Starting in 2021, Anders hopes to raise the awareness and presence of the Career Center to support Suffolk students' career journeys during their education and beyond.

Prior to working at Suffolk, Anders "Croft" Houldcroft served as the Marketing and Communications Manager for Emerson College’s Career Development Center. His work with Emerson’s team was focused primarily on student engagement and self-service through the introduction of new marketing strategies and technologies. Anders’s background in higher ed began in 2015 at his alma mater, Bridgewater State University, where he served as the Communications Coordinator for the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. He believes strongly in meeting students where they are in their journeys, while maximizing the use of existing resources through impactful partnerships.

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