Educators' Retreat

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Spring 2026 Educators’ Retreat
Wednesday, January 14, 2026 
EHH 120

Register

Purpose & Pathways: An Educator's Retreat for Fostering Career-Ready Students

8:30 a.m.

Coffee and Check-in

 

9 a.m.

Curricular Career Readiness at The University of Southern Mississippi 
T.J. Tesh, Associate Professor of Music and Spring 2025 Provost Faculty Fellow 

The session will delve into the comprehensive concept of career readiness and will underscore the existing curricular initiatives aimed at enhancing career readiness within the Southern Miss community. Actionable recommendations for further integrating these initiatives into our curriculum will be offered. 

 

10 a.m.

Best Practices for Career Readiness Initiatives at Four-Year Institutions 
Stephanie McCoy Smith, Interim Director of Kinesiology and Nutrition and Spring 2025 Provost Faculty Fellow 

This session will discuss findings related to career readiness outside the classroom. These findings are grouped into four categories including applied experience, community engagement, professional development, and engagement in research/creative activities. Career readiness definitions, importance, and best practices, peer institution comparisons, and recommendations for programming at USM will also be presented. 

 

11 a.m.

Ready for a Career in ____? 
Russ Willis, Associate Provost of Student Success  
Kelly Lester, Associate Provost of Faculty Success  

This session will outline strategies and recommendations for implementing schoolwide and program level Career Readiness initiatives. Provosts Willis and Lester will provide the curriculum map process and template for sharing career ready strategies at school and program levels. 

 

12 p.m.

Lunch

 

1  p.m.

Career Ready for Life 
Heather Glausier, Assistant Director of Career Education and Employment Readiness in Career Services 

This interactive session will explore practical strategies for integrating career readiness into the curriculum, helping students develop the competencies most valued by employers and connect classroom learning with real-world skills. Participants will explore best practices for integrating career competencies across disciplines and learn how Career Services can be a collaborative partner in preparing students for life beyond graduation. 

 

2 p.m.

Breakout sessions or individual/small group workshop time

 

2:45 p.m.

Closing with Heather Glausier:  What Career Services Can Do to Help

 

Questions? Email CFDFREEMississippi.