Alumna returns to university as new Career Center executive director
Bethany Mills
A Mississippi State alumna with almost 15 years of experience in higher education career services is the new executive director of the university’s Career Center.
Bethany Mills, former director of career development and programs at the University of Georgia and a Licensed Professional Counselor, now is leading operations of the MSU division that helps students sharpen their workforce readiness skills. The center also works to connect employers with students and alumni who may be potential employees.
David Shaw, MSU provost and executive vice president, said after completion of the national search, “Mississippi State is pleased to welcome Bethany as both a highly qualified leader for our Career Center and as an alumna. She understands our university’s needs in this position and our efforts in interdisciplinary collaboration as the center works to create career success stories across campus.”
Prior to her 2018-21 UGA career development director role, Mills served as Georgia’s director of alumni career services at the Atlanta Alumni Center from 2014-18 and as a College of Education career consultant from 2010-14. A certified administrator of the Strong Interest Inventory and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, she began her career at MSU teaching classes as a graduate assistant for the Career Center.
Vice Provost Brent Fountain, who served as interim director until Mills’ appointment, said, “We’re excited that Bethany has joined our Career Center team. As a graduate of MSU, Bethany understands the important role the center plays in our students’ career exploration and development. She has distinguished herself as a career services expert, has built a valuable professional network, and brings experience, expertise and new ideas to this role.”
The Bulldog alum completed a bachelor’s degree in secondary education/chemistry in 2006 and a master’s in counselor education/community counseling in 2009. She has held leadership positions with the Georgia Career Development Association over the last seven years, including terms as president and director-at-large. A member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Employers, she also was selected in 2018 as one of only seven participants in the nation in the National Career Development Association Leadership Academy.
Mills said during the pandemic she -- like many -- experienced a values shift and wanted to find a job where she could make a “true impact” and move closer to family.
“It was clear during the interview process at Mississippi State that staff and faculty truly care about student success, and I knew that I wanted to be a part of that legacy,” she said. “I believe that we have the right people on the Career Center team to continue building and growing our impact on campus. It’s one thing to do what you love, but it’s another to do what you love in a place you love.”
For more information on the MSU Career Center, visit www.career.msstate.edu.
MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.
Harriet Laird | Public Affairs
