The Placement Exchange (TPE) is committed to enhancing the career readiness of current professionals as well as incoming and future colleagues through providing experiences that scaffold the learning, growth, and development at all levels.

 

Our Charge

The TPE Committee’s primary, collective responsibility is to contribute to the career development and success of the job seekers and employers served by TPE by developing and implementing programs, initiatives, and resources that enhance career readiness, job search strategies, professional networking, recruiting, hiring, retention, and ongoing career support for the field of student affairs.

 

Our Composition

The TPE Committee consists of a diverse group of professionals involved in student affairs, career development, human resources, and wellbeing, including staff members, volunteers, and external stakeholders with relevant expertise. A committee chair is appointed to provide leadership, facilitate meetings, and serve as a liaison between the committee and TPE’s leadership.

 

Our Commitment

Participation on the TPE Committee is a 2-year commitment commencing September – May. The Committee does not meet in June or July. Committee members can request a 1-year extension anytime after the completion of their initial 2-year commitment.

 

2025 Committee Opportunities

Career Services – Peer Coaching and Materials Review

Online Learning – Host webinars and panels. Cultivate social media resources.

Published Learning – Write blogs and contribute to the bi-monthly newsletter.

Research – Support survey and assessment initiatives. Contribute to the workforce sustainability survey.

Apply

2023-2024 COMMITTEE

More About the Committee

Committee Chair

Karess Gillespie

Syracuse University

Committee Chair Select

Nick Bates

Boston University

Director, The Placement Exchange

D’Najah Pendergrass Thomas

The Placement Exchange

Development: Advancing Professional

Steph Olson

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Development: Students

André Jordan Jr.

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Development: Incoming Professionals

Julie Batt

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Employer Development

Dr. Janine M. Weaver-Douglas

University of Northern Colorado

Employer Development

Raymond Gordon

University of Texas at El Paso

Employer Development

Katy Pelton

Sam Houston State University

Graduate Ambassadors

Katie Hill

California State University, Monterey Bay

Graduate Ambassadors

Frankie DiFranco

American University

Graduate Ambassadors

Griffen Farrar

Iowa Western Community College

Marcom – Employers

Lisa Blasi

Penn State University

Marcom – Candidates

Dr. Kyle N. Boone

Grand Valley State University

2025  COMMITTEE TIMELINE

  • May 1: Applications Open
  • June 30: Applications Close
  • July 1-30: Applicant Review and Conversations
  • August 5-9: Notifications
  • September 1: Committee Terms Begins
  • May 31: Committee Term Ends
  • The Committee Breaks in June and July

APPLY TODAY

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The new iteration of The Placement Exchange (TPE) is crucial for our profession as it embraces innovation and adaptability, providing a cutting-edge platform for employers and candidates to connect virtually and in a more accessible format.

Dr. Melvin “Jai” Jackson, Assistant Vice Provost for Faculty Engagement, NC State University

TPE provides so many employment opportunities and candidate resources. It really optimizes your chance for finding a quality work experience.

Randall Williams, Assistant Director of Student Accountability, Vanderbilt University

The low-cost search option of TPE Placement gives you access to so many candidates with the exact experiences you are seeking.

Tierza Watts, Director of the Center for Leadership, Elon University

Adaptation is one of the most important components for survival for any organization. TPE is the adjustment needed to serve our profession and its needs in a way that is sustainable and timely for today’s audience.

Nyerere Tryman, Executive Director, University Housing, Auburn University

On the fence about TPE? Absolutely do it! Take advantage of the amazing resources that TPE provides to enhance your experience.

Randall Williams, Assistant Director of Student Accountability, Vanderbilt University

Participating in the Virtual Career Fair & Placement experience offers a cost-effective, efficient, and flexible way to connect with a diverse talent pool, showcasing your organization's adaptability and innovation while eliminating traditional events' costs and geographical constraints. The virtual format provides access to a global talent pool through an inclusive recruitment approach.

Dr. Melvin “Jai” Jackson, Assistant Vice Provost for Faculty Engagement, NC State University

Candidates will never have unfettered access to this many employers in the same space at the same time. The ROI on your investment of time and energy to participate will be worth it and you may not have to leave your living room!

Nyerere Tryman, Executive Director, University Housing, Auburn University

As someone who has extensively recruited through TPE, there is nothing better than being able to connect with potential job seekers from all across the country and in different places in their career journey.

Dr. Tim Leyson, Associate Director of Housing Operations, Northern Kentucky University

Equity has long been a talking and sticking point in our profession of how we recruit, hire and retain talent. Our field has needed a kickstart to how we move hiring and recruitment forward into the future, TPE is and will continue to be that driving force.

Dr. Tim Leyson, Associate Director of Housing Operations, Northern Kentucky University