Author: sawadalla6

New Experiential Learning Showcase Format Supports Student Exploration

The Office of Experiential and Engaged Learning (E2L) hosted its second annual Experiential Learning Showcase on Sept. 12 in Exhibition Hall. A total of 221 students were in attendance, marking a substantial increase compared to last year’s 130 participants and…

Students explored a wide range of hands-on learning opportunities available at Georgia Tech.

“Attendees were guided through the event, being asked to consider their interests and encouraged to take notes throughout the three rooms,” explained Dr. Sarah Brackmann, director of Community-Based Learning. “Students were able to leave with names of contacts and a plan for their next steps, empowering them to take action.”

The guided portion began with a worksheet prompting students to consider their personal goals and interests. They then moved through a series of rooms where E2L staff helped them connect those goals to relevant experiential learning programs and pathways. Afterward, students entered the main exhibition space to speak directly with representatives from student organizations, academic initiatives, research groups, and offices supporting global learning, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and leadership development.

The showcase will continue to be held annually in the fall, with future events building on this year’s structure and student feedback.

E2L serves as the hub for Georgia Tech’s hands-on learning programs, first-year and transfer seminars, and campus learning communities. Students interested in experiential learning can learn more by visiting the E2L website. 

Dr. David MacNair Joins OUESS as Director, Undergraduate Co-op and Internship Programs

We are pleased to announce that Dr. David MacNair has joined OUESS as the Director of Undergraduate Co-op and Internship Programs, part of the Office of Experiential and Engaged Learning (E2L). David comes from 10 years as the Director of…

We are pleased to announce that Dr. David MacNair has joined OUESS as the Director of Undergraduate Co-op and Internship Programs, part of the Office of Experiential and Engaged Learning (E2L). David comes from 10 years as the Director of Laboratory Development and then Director of Interactive Learning for the George Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, where he maintains a 25% joint appointment. 

As the Director of Undergraduate Co-op and Internship Programs, David will focus operationally on increasing student work experiences, optimizing/enhancing the registration process, and strategically building greater partnerships across all of OUESS and campus academic units to better leverage co-op and internship work experience as part of wider student experiential learning progressions. David will also serve on the Career Center leadership team. 

Before working in Mechanical Engineering, David worked as a research engineer at Georgia Tech Research Institute and Oak Ridge National Laboratory and did consulting work with educational support companies. He was at Georgia Tech for his entire educational career (Undergrad in Mechanical Engineering through a PhD in Robotics) and was even on campus for the first 3 years of his life while his parents were both finishing degrees in Mechanical Engineering.

David loves board games and outdoor activities including kayaking/boating, hiking, caving, mountain biking, etc. and will take any opportunity to introduce others to these passions.

Please join us in welcoming David to OUESS!

Fall 2025 All-Majors Career Fair Draws Thousands to the CRC

The Fall 2025 All-Majors Career Fair once again proved why it’s one of the most anticipated events of the semester. 7,832 students attended the two-day event at the Campus Recreation Center (CRC), with the line to enter wrapping around the…

7,832 students packed the Campus Recreation Center for Georgia Tech’s Fall 2025 All-Majors Career Fair, connecting with 1,067 recruiters from 247 companies across a variety of industries. Thanks to resume reviews, a virtual prep session, and the Career Fair Plus app, students came prepared to prioritize employers and make lasting impressions.

The Georgia Tech Career Center welcomed 1,067 recruiters from 247 companies, offering students co-op, internship, and full-time career opportunities in industries including aerospace, biotechnology, cybersecurity, IT, communications, nonprofits, and more. 

To help students stand out in a sea of Yellow Jackets, the Career Center hosted a virtual career fair prep session on Sept. 4, drawing 63 students. Another 890 students joined in-person resume reviews on Sept. 4 and 5. 

With hundreds of companies represented, taking time to research and prioritize which employers to approach can help students focus their efforts and tailor their conversations more effectively. This year, the Career Center incorporated the Career Fair Plus app, which allowed students to share their resume with employers of interest, view an interactive map, and filter opportunities based on their goals. Several students leaving the career fair shared that preparing in advance, especially by reviewing the list of recruiters attending, made it easier to connect with the right companies and leave a lasting impression. 

“Little things make a big difference in the job search, specifically, who gets selected,” said Laura Garcia, director of Undergraduate Career Education. “The candidates that stand out, and are often selected for interviews, do a little more by interacting with the target employer through career fairs, info sessions, and networking with those currently in the company.” 

 

 

The Career Center offers a variety of services to help students no matter where they are in their career search journeys.

Looking Ahead 

Want to get a head start on preparing for the next career fair? Click here for a list of upcoming fairs. Students can also visit the Career Center website to find a wide variety of job search, resume building, and interview prep resources to help no matter where you are in your career search journey.

 

Jo Beth Cup Assumes the Role of Associate Vice Provost for Undergraduate Operations

The Office of Undergraduate Education and Student Success (OUESS) is pleased to announce that Jo Beth Cup has assumed the role of Associate Vice Provost for Undergraduate Operations, effective September 1, 2025. Jo Beth joined Georgia Tech in February 2023…

The Office of Undergraduate Education and Student Success (OUESS) is pleased to announce that Jo Beth Cup has assumed the role of Associate Vice Provost for Undergraduate Operations, effective September 1, 2025.

 

Jo Beth joined Georgia Tech in February 2023 as the inaugural Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives and Operations, where she brought nearly 30 years of experience in higher education administration. Her leadership has played a pivotal role in strengthening OUESS’s administrative operations, prioritizing organizational culture, and advancing its strategic priorities in alignment with the Institute’s Strategic Plan.

In her new role, Jo Beth will continue to serve as deputy to the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and Student Success on operational and administrative matters, lead the OUESS Strategic Alignment Plan, oversee initiatives that support employee engagement, and guide the division’s operations as it embraces growth and new opportunities that will further advance student success at Georgia Tech.

Please join us in congratulating Jo Beth on her new role and in celebrating her ongoing contributions to the success of our students and the Georgia Tech community.

Dr. Jaime Caperton Joins OUESS as Academic Program Manager I

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Jaime Caperton has joined Academic Success and Advising as Academic Program Manager I for Pre-Health Advising. Jaime will provide support and guidance to Georgia Tech undergraduate, graduate and alumni pursuing careers in medicine…

 We are pleased to announce that Dr. Jaime Caperton has joined Academic Success and Advising as Academic Program Manager I for Pre-Health Advising. Jaime will provide support and guidance to Georgia Tech undergraduate, graduate and alumni pursuing careers in medicine. Her contributions and role will be integral to the ongoing programming, event planning, and development of resources aimed to support the Georgia Tech pre-health community.  

Jaime earned an Ed.D. in student affairs leadership from the University of Georgia, a master’s degree in educational leadership, and a bachelor’s degree in child and youth studies from Florida Gulf Coast University. Her dissertation focused on women in STEM and how their participation in major-focused student organizations shaped their sense of belonging, retention, and academic persistence.

Jaime began her career in higher education as an academic advisor at the University of Georgia, where she supported students majoring in engineering. She later transitioned to advising students in exercise and sport science and sport management. During this time, Jaime found she enjoyed helping those with an interest in the health professions, which inspired her to focus exclusively on supporting this population. Her time as an academic advisor sparked a passion for empowering students to achieve their personal and professional goals, while encouraging them to take full advantage of the opportunities available to them throughout their college experience.

In her spare time, Jaime enjoys spending time with family, reading, working out, attending sporting events, and traveling.

Please join us in welcoming Jaime to ASA and OUESS!

38 Georgia Tech Students Selected as 2025 Millennium Fellows

Thirty-eight Georgia Tech students have been selected for the prestigious 2025 Class of the Millennium Fellowship, a global leadership program jointly organized by the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) and the Millennium Campus Network (MCN). These exceptional students were chosen…

 Thirty-eight Georgia Tech students have been selected for the prestigious 2025 Class of the Millennium Fellowship, a global leadership program jointly organized by the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) and the Millennium Campus Network (MCN). These exceptional students were chosen for their commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UNAI Principles in their communities.

The Millennium Fellowship is a semester-long program that convenes, challenges, and celebrates student leadership for the UN’s global goals. The application process for the Class of 2025 was very competitive, and a record-breaking 60,000+ applicants from over 7,500 campuses across the world applied. Of those, only 290+ campuses (just 4%) in 47 countries were selected to host more than 4,000 Millennium Fellows this year.

The Millennium Fellowship Class of 2025 brings together undergraduates recognized for their leadership in sustainable development projects. These students are united by a common goal: to further the United Nations SDGs within their local communities. As part of the fellowship, they will participate in a semester-long leadership training designed to enhance their skills in organizing, building partnerships, and driving meaningful community impact.

Georgia Tech’s participation in the 2025 Millennium Fellowship underscores the Institute’s focus on cultivating leaders who are dedicated to addressing pressing global challenges. The 38 Georgia Tech Fellows will work on a wide variety of projects, from promoting quality education and reducing inequalities to advancing climate action and leveraging technology for social good, reflecting the Institute’s deep commitment to fostering positive, global change.

We are so proud of the newly announced cohorts of Georgia Tech Millennium Fellows,” said Dr. Georgia Brunner, Prestigious Fellowships advisor at Georgia Tech. “For the first time, we’ve had enough recipients of the award to necessitate two cohorts of students. Not only does this recognition illustrate the commitment Georgia Tech students have to sustainable development, but it also gives us insight into what amazing things these 38 students might do next.

Congratulations to the 38 Georgia Tech students selected as Millennium Fellows for the Class of 2025. Their dedication to advancing the United Nations SDGs and UNAI Principles is an inspiration, and their projects are set to make a lasting impact on their communities and beyond.

Georgia Tech Millennium Fellows for the Class of 2025

Cohort A:
  • Aastha Singh
  • Aditi Venkatesh
  • Akshaya Poonepalle
  • Anna Rosner
  • Charles Anderson
  • Daeun Lee
  • Diyanah Jilani
  • Hannah Koppel
  • Jonathan Feldman
  • Kiran Kapileshwari
  • Kunal Ponkshe
  • Madeline Weller
  • Malvika Sawant
  • Priyanka Joseph
  • Rasagna Vuppala
  • Sarvesh Tiku
  • Shalin Bhatia
  • Sneha Vashistha
  • Thanmayee Kavuri
Cohort B:
  • Akarshana Arunkumar
  • Alexandria Aromolaran
  • Chelsea Ekwegh
  • Gauri Sharma
  • Harshin Vijay
  • Ishita Raghuvanshi
  • Ishita Sukul
  • Jordanne Stewart
  • Kavitha Kuppuswamy
  • Lakshana Ramanan
  • Maryam Aamir
  • Nihanth Pinnaka
  • Radeen Dixon
  • Saif Aslam
  • Seth Kinoshita
  • Shivani Murugapiran
  • Shreya Iyer
  • Thomas Chin
  • Vidhi Kulkarni

How to Apply for This Fellowship and More

Students interested in applying for the Millennium Fellowship can learn more about the Class of 2025 and application details on the Millennium Fellowship website. Additionally, students can contact Georgia Brunner at fellowshipsadvising@gatech.edu or visit the Prestigious Fellowships website.

Record Attendance at GTAAN’s Welcome Back Breakfast

The Georgia Tech Academic Advisors Network (GTAAN) kicked off the new academic year on August 13 with a Welcome Back Breakfast hosted in conjunction with the Office of Undergraduate Education and Student Success (OUESS). The drop-in event gave advisors a…

 

The Georgia Tech Academic Advisors Network (GTAAN) kicked off the new academic year on August 13 with a Welcome Back Breakfast hosted in conjunction with the Office of Undergraduate Education and Student Success (OUESS). The drop-in event gave advisors a chance to connect before the fall semester began. 

Over 100 faculty and staff advisors attended, with representatives from all colleges, the Office of the Registrar, the Office of International Education (OIE), Athletics, and Academic Success & Advising (ASA). This marks a record turnout for the event, which has grown significantly in recent years. 

GTAAN has long served as a professional development group for academic advisors and affiliated student support staff and faculty at Georgia Tech. In addition to a monthly information meeting, the group also sponsors informal connections and networking opportunities throughout the year.  

Dr. Lorett Swank, executive director of ASA, noted, “The turnout for this event is evidence that there is a renewed energy and excitement in our Unique and United advising community!”  

GTAAN is open to all interested faculty and staff. For more information about their meetings, the listserv, and other opportunities, please visit the GTAAN website. 

Meghan Babcock, Ph.D., Named Outstanding Faculty Advisor

Dr. Meghan Babcock, a faculty member and academic advisor in the School of Psychology, has been selected to receive the Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award from NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising . Dr. Babcock will be honored with others at…

Dr. Meghan Babcock, a faculty member and academic advisor in the School of Psychology, has been selected to receive the Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award from NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising. Dr. Babcock will be honored with others at the awards ceremony during the upcoming NACADA Annual Conference this October. Her application was submitted following her selection as Georgia Tech’s faculty recipient of the Outstanding Undergraduate Academic Advisor Award for 2025. 

“I’m honored to be recognized with this award from NACADA,” said Dr. Babcock. “I’m so grateful to be part of a community like Georgia Tech that shares a deep commitment to supporting students and their success.” 

Dr. Babcock is an academic professional based in the College of Sciences and works with students, faculty, and staff in the School of Psychology. Her focus on evidence-based strategies, proactive engagement with students, and consistent drive to improve the advising infrastructure with the School of Psychology make her a shining example of a great faculty member in academic advising at Georgia Tech.  

About NACADA: Established in 1983, the NACADA Global Awards Program honors individuals and institutions making significant impact on academic advising. NACADA is a representative and advocate of academic advising and those providing that service to higher education. The association has grown to over 14,000 members around the globe.  

Jenae McCray Joins OUESS as Administrative Manager I

We are pleased to announce that Jenae McCray has joined the Office of Student Achievement (OSA) as Administrative Manager I. Jenae brings over a decade of experience in higher education, spanning admissions, advisement, and student success, all within the University…

Jenae McCray, Administrative Manager I

We are pleased to announce that Jenae McCray has joined the Office of Student Achievement (OSA) as Administrative Manager I. Jenae brings over a decade of experience in higher education, spanning admissions, advisement, and student success, all within the University System of Georgia. Most recently, she served as the Academic Program Coordinator in Georgia Tech’s School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, where she played a vital role in supporting the master’s and doctoral programs.

Jenae is deeply passionate about administration, student support, and purpose-driven work: values strongly aligned with OSA and OUESS. She shared that she is excited to contribute to a community where she can continue fostering student success.

Jenae holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Science, a Master of Education, and a Master of Arts, all from Armstrong State University. As a proud alumna, she understands the lasting value of a transformative undergraduate experience.

Outside of work, Jenae enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, tending her garden, and exploring a variety of literary genres.

Please join us in welcoming Jenae to OSA and OUESS.