Diane Kirkham, a resident of Charlotte, has been named internship coordinator at The University of Olivet, according to an announcement from Maria Davis, Ph.D., provost and dean. She began her responsibilities July 1.
Kirkham has served eight years at The University of Olivet, most recently as administrative assistant to the provost and dean. In her new role, she is responsible for building connections with businesses and organizations for internship and job exploration opportunities, as well as placing students in these roles. She will also work with faculty to help them increase the number of students who complete internships each year. In addition, she will be instrumental in organizing the college’s annual internship fair with Eaton County Emerging Talent Initiative and The University of Olivet employees Mike Oyster, executive-in-residence, and Joanne Williams, director of the Career Services Network.
“The University of Olivet recognizes the importance of job and career exploration to the future success of our students,” Davis said. “Many of our academic programs already require internship experiences for students; of these students who go on to seek employment directly after completing their degree, we see nearly 90 percent job placement post-graduation.”
In addition to her work at The University of Olivet, Kirkham has served in a number of roles in her community. She was elected to the Charlotte Board of Education, serving from 2005-10, and also served as a long-term substitute teacher for Charlotte Public Schools, teaching alternative education students. Prior to teaching, she served as a case manager for Peckham, a Lansing-based organization that provides job training and placement for persons with disabilities or other barriers to employment.
“Diane has years of experience helping individuals and businesses find the right match when it comes to employment,” Davis added. “Her ties to the local community, as well as her talent for connecting students with potential employers, make her an ideal candidate for this important role.”
For more information, or to connect your business with The University of Olivet interns, contact Kirkham.