Sinclair College is restructuring its Office of Student and Community Engagement by dividing it into two separate departments, aimed at providing more focused support for students both inside and outside the classroom.
The transition will create Career Development, led by Christine Yancey, and Student Life, led by Travis Beetley. While Career Development will focus on preparing students for career-based success, Student Life will center on enriching the overall student experience on campus.
Student Life will oversee campus events, student clubs and organizations, the Ohio Fellows Program and Physical Education (PED) programs and operations. The goal is to strengthen student involvement and help students feel more connected to campus life outside of class and academics.
Related: Sinclair Ohio Fellows tour government buildings in Columbus
Yancey, who will serve as manager of Career Development Services, said the change reflects Sinclair’s growing focus on career readiness throughout a student’s time at the college. She brings more than 15 years of experience in career development and more than 12 years in higher education to the new role.
“With the college moving toward career development being embedded throughout the students’ time here, it was important that we create an office that was consistent and easily identifiable for students, employers and Sinclair faculty and staff,” Yancey said.
She explained that separating the departments allows Career Development to focus specifically on job readiness services and professional preparation for all students.
The new Career Development department will offer services such as resume and cover letter reviews, mock interviews, job search strategies, networking guidance and help using social media during the job search process. Students will also have access to Sinclair’s web-based job board, where they can build an e-portfolio from their first class and continue using it after graduation.
“Our office will also coordinate the campuswide career fair,” Yancey said. “Students can post their resumes for employers to see.”
Yancey said one of the biggest things students often overlook is learning how to communicate their value to employers.
“The importance of articulating their skills and establishing for an employer that they are the best fit for the job,” she said. “Also, soft skills are always important, and we can assist students in that aspect.”
She hopes the new department will become a clear resource for students looking for guidance as they prepare for life after graduation.
“I’m looking forward to creating an office where students can come to us for these types of services, to gain confidence in their job search, to land interviews and be well prepared for those interviews,” Yancey said.
For students who have not started thinking about their career path yet, Yancey encourages them to begin exploring early and to stay open-minded about where their degree can take them.
“There are a lot of different options when it comes to utilizing that degree to get a job,” she said. “Don’t just think solely of the title of the job and how that ties directly to your career, because there may be options outside of that direct correlation.”
As Sinclair prepares for this transition, the goal is to provide students with stronger support systems for both career readiness and campus involvement, helping them succeed during college and beyond.
Jacie Moore, reporter
Check out more posts from The Clarion:
- Summer construction will replace water systems, restrict access to Building 8
- 48 teams, 104 matches: What you need to know about the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Dayton’s Inaugural Black Rodeo will bring culture and community to Welcome Stadium
- Sinclair’s Juneteenth celebration to feature spoken word and musical performance
- The face behind the brews: Sinclair Coffee manager brings creativity and passion to library cafe
