Keri Burns knows it’s rare to find a career that motivates you to do your best everyday. As director of Career Services, she strives to help students and alumni find that same passion in their own careers.
She began her new position at the University of West Georgia on August 1, 2013, after moving from her hometown of Carbondale, Illinois, where she served as director of University Career Services at Southern Illinois University (SIU).
“The director position at UWG appealed to me because I like to be a part of growth and change,” says Keri. “This institution sold me on the opportunity to bring my extensive background in career services and employee relations to UWG.”
Prior to working at SIU from 2011-13, Keri was assistant director of recruitment operations for the Graduate Career Service Center at Texas Christian University’s Neeley School of Business for four years. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in hotel administration and her M.S.Ed. in workforce education and development. Both were received from SIU.
Keri feels that it is very important for students to be proactive in their career development early in their education.
“It’s important that universities provide the tools necessary for students to make informed decisions,” she comments. “I think UWG is on the right path to providing these opportunities.”
She, her husband and three children have made their Georgia home in Douglasville. She says UWG is the friendliest place she’s ever worked, and the faculty and staff have been welcoming.
“The state of Georgia is the epitome of Southern hospitality, but UWG just feels like home,” Keri concludes. “I look forward to being a long time employee of UWG and bringing that sense of pride to my new role.”
