FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Barbara H. Batson has been named Director for the Career Development Center of the University of Arkansas. Batson will provide leadership to the Center responsible for working with students to plan their future careers and responsibilities, for employee relations and recruitment, and career placements.

"The University of Arkansas is very fortunate to have Barbara Batson at the helm of the Career Development Center," said Mary Alice Serafini, assistant vice chancellor for Student Affairs. "Her vision of a global approach to career development includes stronger relationships with the community, the corporate world, alumni, faculty, and campus departments. Under the leadership of Ms. Batson we can expect expanded opportunities for students to explore and experience the direction of their career choices through internships, cooperative education assignments, service learning, and interfaces with employers. Ms. Batson is a professional at establishing collaborative relationships and in engaging students in thoughtful consideration of their career choices," Serafini said.

A key department in the Division of Student Affairs, with responsibilities and collaborative relationships throughout the campus, the Career Development Center is housed in the Arkansas Union in the Nola Holt Royster Suite on the sixth floor. Career Centers in the Sam M. Walton College of Business and the College of Engineering are integral parts of the Career Development Center.

"I look forward to this opportunity to serve University of Arkansas students and alumni through career planning and placement," Batson said. "Career planning is a lifelong process that enriches the educational experience for our students. We strive to build partnerships with faculty, staff, alumni, and employers that will provide experiential education and placement opportunities for University of Arkansas students."

Batson has been the associate director for employer relations in the Sam M. Walton College of Business since 1999. Prior to that, she served as the director of Cooperative Education Program and as a career counselor/program coordinator in the Career Development Center.

Batson brings a wealth of experience in the private and corporate sector as a business consultant for The Training Department, training manager for ARVEST Bank Group, Arkansas Bank & Trust Training Manager, and a program coordinator and job trainer for Adults with Disabilities.

Originally from Hot Springs, Arkansas, Batson and her family have been residents of Fayetteville since 1987.