Continuing its uncompromising commitment to student success on campus and in the world that awaits, Wittenberg University is excited to announce recent changes in its Office of Career Services that will enhance its efforts to provide the best career preparation and vocational discernment possible.
Joi Garrett Scales, who served this past year as coordinator for Career Services and COMPASS: Sweet Success Center, will take on an elevated leadership role as associate director for career operations and student employment, while Tim Bates, Wittenberg class of 2018, has been named the assistant director for career engagement and exploration.
Joining Wittenberg University and the COMPASS team in July 2020, Scales has more than 15 years of professional higher education experience. In her new role, she will continue to help students discover and pursue their vocation by providing opportunities for skill-building, networking, and career education while also coordinating recruiter relations, implementing career and graduate school fairs, and managing assessment surveys. With the executive director, she will oversee a strategic approach to managing the infrastructure of Career Development that further professionalizes and effectively supports programs, services, and departments. In addition, she will manage and market the student employment program.
“I am excited to be in a position where I can help students prepare for the next phase of their lives after Witt,” Scales said. “There is nothing more satisfying than witnessing students making those connections and having ‘aha’ moments when it comes to their career aptitude.”
Scales holds a B.A. from Denison University and a Master of Education from the University of Cincinnati, and is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.
Bates, a graduate of Wittenberg’s communication program, will work to enhance the professional development, career advancement, vocational exploration, life design, experiential learning, and mentoring opportunities for students. He will direct the CABLE (Communication and Business Leadership Experience) Program and partner with faculty on ways to establish similar experiences for more students. In addition, he will partner with the Office of Advancement to establish avenues for alumni and friends of the University to connect with students in ways that allow for career exploration, professional development, and internship and job opportunities.
Bates brings more than three years of experience in corporate communications for both the private and public sectors. Prior to Wittenberg, he managed award-winning projects for clients, worked alongside community partners, and engaged stakeholders across Ohio and throughout the Midwest region. Through his leadership, Bates oversaw the guidance of internship programs and new employee mentorship within his company. He also provided employment pathways for soon-to-be college graduates. As head coach of the 18U team of a premier travel baseball program in Columbus, Ohio, he has supported personal and college readiness development for graduating high school students. A resident of the Upper Arlington area, Bates is involved locally with non-profit education and athletics organizations.
“I’m honored to rejoin Wittenberg University, this time in a role that provides a unique intersection between my passions and professional skills,” Bates said. “It’s exciting to have the opportunity to work with students to enhance their personal and professional development and to share the value of a Wittenberg education with employers and alumni. Wittenberg is a special place to me; it’s where I met my best friends and soon-to-be wife. I consider Witt my second home, and through the opportunities it provides, the University aids all students in being a part of something bigger than themselves.”
Continuing to support Wittenberg’s career development operation will be current Internship Coordinator Heath Queen, Wittenberg class of 2016. Queen is completing his master’s degree in divinity full-time, but will remain on board part-time to work on special projects for the division.
“As Wittenberg continues to focus on outcomes and support for career and vocation, we are excited for the work of Joi, Tim, and Heath, and all they will bring to students’ vocational and career development in and out of the classroom,” said Jon Duraj, assistant vice president for student development and senior associate dean of students.
Wittenberg is in process of searching for a dynamic leader to serve as executive director of career and professional development to aid in the leadership and program development of career and vocation support. More information on the position can be found here.
