Contact: Sammy McDavid
To better focus the university's efforts in the job placement of its graduates, Mississippi State is merging its career services office and its nationally recognized cooperative education program.
The two officially become one April 15. Until suitable quarters can accommodate the new Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education, career services will remain in 316 Colvard Union and cooperative education in 222 Walker Engineering Building.
"We always are seeking ways to make our programs more efficient," said David Cole, provost and vice president for academic affairs. "We see this merger as an opportunity to provide top-flight services both to our students and the organizations that seek to employ them."
Averaging 800-1,000 participants, MSU's 44-year-old cooperative education program is one of the largest at an American university. Open to all academic majors, the program combines schooling with practical work experience by allowing students to alternate semesters between campus classes and employment with businesses, industries or government agencies.
Career Services provides job search assistance and career counseling. Among other activities, the office arranges for employers to interview on campus and organizes a variety of career outreach programs.
Students in several majors that participate heavily in the cooperative education program have achieved nearly 100 percent job placement rates in recent years.
Luther B. Epting, cooperative education director since 1978, will lead the new office. An MSU graduate, he has received national recognition for his veteran leadership in the field.
"Employment assistance is a critical service and we feel Dr. Epting's acknowledged leadership will help make our career services program one of the best in the region," said Roy H. Ruby, vice president for student affairs.