After an extensive nationwide search, the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts has selected Paula Wishart as its new assistant dean for student development and career initiatives. The College has also named Elizabeth Pariano as director of the LSA Internship Program.
“LSA is actively exploring a new initiative to help our students envision the ways they can apply their liberal arts education to postgraduate opportunities,” says LSA Dean Andrew Martin. “When we pair the broad and valuable skills of a liberal arts education with real-life experience, strategic advising, and the benefit of connecting with employers and alumni, we give our students an even greater advantage to thrive after graduation in work and in life.”
As assistant dean, Wishart will help LSA students connect their liberal arts education with professional and personal development opportunities, including curricular and co-curricular offerings, internships, career exploration, and more. She has over 20 years of experience in designing innovative programs and initiatives in career services, and has most recently served as Rackham Graduate School’s academic program officer for professional development. Wishart was selected after a national search conducted by a committee chaired by Anne Curzan, associate dean for the humanities.
“I am thrilled to be invited to shape and lead this initiative that has at its core the importance of a liberal arts and sciences education,” says Wishart. “It is an exciting opportunity to build a structure that brings together the curricular and experiential elements across LSA that contribute to fostering the aspirations of our students for their education, their careers, and their lives. More personally, as an LSA grad it is very cool to do this type of work in my own undergraduate home.”
In addition, Elizabeth Pariano has been selected to serve as director of the LSA Internship Program, where she will continue to expand student internship opportunities by connecting with LSA’s extensive global alumni base. Pariano is presently the associate director of the LSA Internship Program.