Executive Director
Prior to appointment as the Executive Director of the Career Management Center, I served as the Director of the Career Management Center for the College of Engineering and Technology, where I supervised the Career Management Center's satellite office located in Kaufman Hall. I directed the College's Cooperative Education and Internship programs and provided all career-related services to the students of the College of Engineering and Technology for 14 years.
I joined the University and the Career Management Center in 1989 after completing a 21 year career as a Marine Corps Lt.Col. and fighter pilot. I received a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in College Student Personnel from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois.
Director, Information Technology
After graduating with my Master's degree in Instructional Design and Technology from The Ohio State University, I joined Old Dominion University's distance learning team. From designing classrooms to delivering training, I've earned a unique perspective on technology barriers and bridges.
With over fifteen years in higher education, I have held progressive roles in academic administration working with faculty, staff, and students. Learning from twenty years experience integrating technology in teaching, learning, and communication, I take a practical approach to meeting instructional needs.
Now developing the Virtual Career Center with a needs-based approach, I enjoy working with CMC career professionals to provide cyber services: online access to career assistance, career resources, and career experience anytime, anywhere.
With technology, everyone becomes a resource. Through the Career Advantage Program, we not only learn from our own experience but from the experience of others. Experiential education is not just about work but about interaction and reflection, connecting curriculum to career.
Director, Experiential Education Programs, Liaison to the College of Engineering
I began as a student worker in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering while pursuing my BS in Business Education/Office Administration at Old Dominion University. Following graduation, I worked as the Undergraduate Academic Advisor and Assistant to the Chairman of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering for 18 years. During that time, I completed my MS in Guidance and Counseling with College Student Personnel at Old Dominion University including a practicum in the Career Management Center. Following a 6-year absence from the university, I returned in July 2003 to serve as the Career Management Coordinator for the College of Engineering and Technology. I am thrilled to be working with engineering students again, as I assist Tom Wunderlich with all phases of engineering career management.
In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, college football games, and spending time with my two daughters and husband, who is an engineer. I enjoy working with the wonderful students in the College of Engineering and Technology.
Director, Student and Alumni Programs, Liaison to the College of Arts and Letters
While working toward my BS degree in Computer Science, at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, I discovered that my initial choice of majors was not what I had expected, and set out to "find" what was right for me. I did all of the things that I thought were appropriate - speaking with my advisor, visiting the Career Center, and researching my options, as a result I changed my major during my Junior year to Mathematics Education. The sound advice that I received lead me to realize that what I study and what I do are not who I am, and that you must always be true to yourself, and ask yourself what you "Love to Do". I knew that I liked math and I enjoyed teaching, but after student teaching realized that I did not like teaching math. I continued my education and received my Master of Science degree in College Student Personnel Services from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, as well as a certificate in Career Development from the College of New Rochelle in New Rochelle, New York.
Throughout My Career I have held positions in various areas of Student and Academic Services at Colleges and Universities, as well as proprietary institutions. I have spent time as a Residence Hall Director, Academic Advisor, Coordinator of Special Programs, Counselor, Career Services Manager/Director, and most recently as the Evening Administrator for a Business School. As diverse as my experience is there is a common thread of education and training. In my position at ODU as Liaison to the College of Arts and Letters, I will be working to help you explore your options about internships, jobs, and careers as well as gather information so that you are better equipped to achieve your goals before and after graduation. I am excited to be here at Old Dominion University and to be able to continue to create opportunities for providing quality service and support.
Assistant Director, Cyber Career Center Supervisor Liaison to Distance Sites
Originally from Western Pennsylvania, I received my Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. After teaching Middle School for a few years, I decided to make the transition to Higher Education and made the move to Old Dominion University to pursue my Master's in Counseling with a concentration in Student Affairs. While working on my Master's degree in Counseling I was fortunate enough to land a graduate assistantship with the Career Management Center, where I worked with the College of Arts and Letters and also in the Cyber Career Center. Then shortly after my graduation, I was offered a full time position with the Career Management Center as Assistant Director and Liaison to the Distance Learning Sites. In addition to my role at the CMC, I am also an Adjunct Instructor for the College of Education's Human Services program. I am happy to remain with the University and continue working with the wonderful CMC team and students, staff, and faculty of ODU!
Penny Craig Pickel
Assistant Director, Liaison to the College of Business and Public Administration
I was raised in Richmond, Virginia and moved to Norfolk to obtain a bachelor's degree in Business Management from Old Dominion University. I quickly developed the "sand in the shoe syndrome." That is, when I finished my degree I didn't want to go home. I wanted to say here with close proximity to surf and sand. In 1983 I was hired by Old Dominion University to begin a student employment program. I worked for many years promoting part time student work as a means of building student resumes as well as subsidizing the cost of college education. In 1992 I completed my Master's degree in Business Administration.
Through many University reorganizations I continued my service in what is now called the Career Management Center. I was afforded an opportunity to work with faculty and students in the College of Business and Public Administration when Old Dominion University created the Career Advantage Program. Together with the dean, faculty and students I was able to build a fully functioning satellite office which is housed in Constant Hall and continue with my life long quest to help students build resumes and careers.
I took a 6 year break from University work to raise some children. In July, 2006, I returned to the Career Management Center on a part time basis to continue the good work of faculty and staff in the College of Business and Public Administration's Career Advantage Program.
Director, Employer Programs
I recently joined the CMC staff as Director, Employer Programs and Liaison for the Colleges of Education and Health Sciences. I have over 25 years experience as an educator, career counselor, recruiter, career resources center manager, and employment manager.
I was Employment Manager for the U.S. for Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM), headquartered in Norfolk, VA from 2000-2005 and was the Transition/Employment Supervisor for Fleet and Family Support Center Little Creek from 1995-2000. Previous to that I spent 21 years with U.S. Navy as a Personnel Specialist, Recruiter and Career Counselor/Education Specialist for a variety of commands in Virginia, California, Washington, Michigan and South Carolina. I possess a Master's Degree in Human Resources Management from Troy State University and have a Bachelor's of Science in Business Management from Limestone College. I'm originally from Michigan but am happy to call Hampton Roads my home since 1982. I look forward to working with the students, staff, faculty, alumni & employers to help connect the links for quality employment opportunities. My office is in the CMC @ Webb Center. I can be reached at 683-4388.
