Ball State’s Career Center team accepts the Career Services Pursuit of Excellence Award at a ceremony in New Orleans
Ball State University’s Career Center received the Career Services Pursuit of Excellence Award for its innovative, student-centered approach to career development, industry connection, and career readiness.
Ball State University’s Career Center has earned national recognition for its innovative and student-centered approach to career development.
The Career Leadership Collective honored the Career Center with its prestigious Career Services Pursuit of Excellence Award. The annual award celebrates institutions that demonstrate a long-standing commitment to impactful, equitable, and high-quality career services.
The Career Center has previously earned multiple national best practice recognitions, including the NACE Career Services Excellence Award (2017), the Career Services Innovation Award (2023), and additional local and individual team member honors for service and innovation—further validating Ball State’s leadership in career development.
“We are honored to receive the Career Services Pursuit of Excellence Award from the Career Leadership Collective,” said Jim McAtee, assistant vice president and executive director for career and professional development. “This recognition celebrates our innovative career and connection ecosystem, which empowers every student with industry competencies, career support, industry connections, and transformative opportunities, maximizing the ROI of their higher education and setting a national standard for career development excellence.”
The unsolicited award recognizes excellence in strategic planning, data visualization, equitable access, and professional development for career services teams.
Left to right: Jill Cooper; Katelynn Brady, ’20 MA ’21, Allen Johnson JR., MA’24; Jim McAtee; Jennifer Welch, ’25; and Kyndra Haggard, ’07 MA’16
At Ball State, that commitment is evident in student outcomes. Jack Ashby, ’25, turned to the Career Center for help preparing for a career in sports media. He worked closely with Shawn Carmichael, assistant director of mentoring, to strengthen his resume, sharpen his interview skills, and navigate internship opportunities.
“Shawn really helped me prepare my resume and LinkedIn profile,” Mr. Ashby said. “He was someone I could count on for feedback and support—especially when it came to interview prep and salary negotiation.”
That guidance helped Mr. Ashby land a video editing position with the Indiana Pacers and Fever—an opportunity that aligned perfectly with his Ball State Sports Link experience and career goals.
Jayce Blane, ’25, credits the Career Center with helping him build professionalism and make key industry connections. “I got to refine my resume, get a free headshot at the career fair, and make sure my online portfolios looked good,” he said.
That impact—measured in personal growth, career confidence, and long-term opportunity—is what drives the Career Center’s work every day.
“We don’t innovate for recognition; we innovate for impact,” Mr. McAtee said. “But when our peers across the country recognize that impact, it’s worth celebrating.”
You can learn more about the Career Center by visiting bsu.edu/careercenter.
