February 27, 2014

Reichenberger chosen to lead Career Services

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill.  -- Douglas C. Reichenberger, director of alumni career services at Malone University in Canton, Ohio, will become the new director of career services at Southern Illinois University Carbondale effective Monday, March 3.  

The Office of Career Services provides career counseling and resources to assist students in selecting academic majors and conducts several career fairs during the year to connect students with prospective employers. The office also serves SIU alumni. 

“Doug brings an extensive background in student services as well as experience helping students and graduates launch their careers,” said John W. Nicklow, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs.  “We are keenly aware of the importance of having a strong career services program to help students build on their academic success and connect with employers who are seeking highly qualified graduates.” 

The director’s responsibilities also include assessing the needs and interests of clients and constituents and developing career- and employment-related student and alumni programming. 

In addition to serving as director of alumni career services at Malone, Reichenberger spent 17 years as director of the university’s career development center.  From 1990 to 1994, he was director of counseling and career services at William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa. 

Reichenberger said the university’s excellence in teaching and research, which makes graduates attractive to employers, was one of the reasons he expressed interest in the SIU position. He said he envisions career services becoming more integrated with academic units. 

“I believe that it is important to collaborate and meaningfully connect with faculty, staff, alumni, and internal and external organizations to provide the highest quality resources, services and events that will inspire, motivate and encourage students to pursue excellence in all their endeavors,” he said.  “Career Services is a facilitator of these functions and services, and we desire to be a destination point for all students before they complete their degree programs at SIU.” 

Reichenberger’s background includes serving as a graduate assistant in the career planning and placement center at the University of Missouri-Columbia and associate director of student affairs at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Mo. 

He earned a master’s of education degree in educational and counseling psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a bachelor’s degree in church recreation from Southwest Baptist University.