Madelyn Jones, Director of Employer Relations for the College of Education and Health Professionsrecently won the “President’s Award” from the Arkansas Association of Colleges and Employers.
Jones is serving his first term as a director of the AACE Board of Directors. The organization is made up of college relations and career services professionals, human resources professionals, employers, and workforce development organizations who work to ensure the success of college graduates.
An appointment letter noted that Jones took on tough committee assignments and successfully oversaw the transition to an in-person conference after nearly three years following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The success of this conference is a testament to Madelyn’s attention to detail, her willingness to brave uncharted waters where there is no precedent to follow, and her dedication to serving AACE and the profession. career guidance services,” the award letter reads.
Jones said she feels fortunate to be part of an organization that provides important networking opportunities and strengthened relationships between university career services and employers.
“I appreciate having the chance to create statewide connections that will ultimately enhance the career paths of students and young professionals,” she said. “I am honored and proud to be recognized for the President’s Award and look forward to many more years of continued service.”
Jones was named the first director of employer relations for the College of Education and Health Professions in 2021. She serves as a contact for local and regional businesses hoping to recruit and hire students from the college’s U of A, the university’s third-largest , with more than 6,000 students. Most college programs incorporate hands-on learning. Majors include nursing, teaching, exercise science, athletic training, occupational therapy, counseling, public health, and communication disorders.
Jones coordinates on-campus employer recruitment and programs employer speakers. She also hosts career events and industry tours and provides training to employers, faculty and students to raise awareness of job opportunities. Jones was previously the college’s career counselor, helping students explore their careers, grow, and transition into their professional careers.
Robert Ellis, who previously worked as the Employer Relations Coordinator for the Career Development Center, has been promoted to Career Counsellor. It helps students by reviewing resumes and cover letters, facilitating mock interviews, and helping them build a consistent professional brand.
Businesses are encouraged to email Jones at smj041@uark.edu or call 479-575-8636. Employers and organizations wishing to get involved in the college can complete a interest form. Students looking for career advice can email Ellis at rce002@uark.edu or call 479-575-2933.
About the College of Education and Health Professions: The College of Education and Health Professions provides advanced academic degrees as well as professional development opportunities and learning communities to serve the education and health systems of Arkansas and beyond. The college provides training and experiences for a variety of professional roles, ranging from community mental health counselors to teachers and school leaders. Adult education and higher education programs, as well as educational technology and sports management, offer a wide range of options. In addition to education-related opportunities, the college prepares nurses, speech-language pathologists, health educators and administrators, recreation professionals, rehabilitation counselors, and human performance researchers.
