The W appoints Malia Schimminger to lead Career Services and Professional Development
Dr. Malia Schimminger has been named director of Career Services and Professional Development at Mississippi University for Women.
“I am incredibly proud of what we have built through the Career Services and Professional Development Center, and I am excited to see Dr. Schimminger bring her own vision, energy and expertise to this role,” said Elise Wilson, executive director of Development and Alumni. “Her leadership will build on the strong foundation already in place and help take the center to the next level in serving our students and strengthening career outcomes for The W.”
As director of the Career Services and Professional Development Center, Schimminger will serve as a liaison between the university, students, alumni and potential employers at the state, regional and national levels. She also will develop partnerships with external organizations to expand employment opportunities for students and alumni.
Schimminger said, “Thanks to the leadership of Elise Wilson and Dr. Teresa Thompson, the Career Services and Professional Development Center is well-positioned to make meaningful impacts across our campus and community. I look forward to expanding opportunities for career exploration, strengthening employer partnerships and helping our students and alumni become confident, competitive candidates in today’s workforce.”
Before joining The W, Schimminger served as assistant director of the Camellia Center at the University of Alabama. The center provides confidential counseling and advocacy services for individuals impacted by interpersonal violence, as well as education and prevention programs. In that role, she created education and outreach programming, led communications efforts and managed grants for the center. While at the University of Alabama, Schimminger served on numerous committees, including the Campus Communicators Network, Professional Staff Assembly and the Service & Outreach Committee.
From 2021 until August 2025, Schimminger worked in the International Institute at Mississippi State University. She started as an international student advisor before being promoted to assistant director of International Services. Schimminger holds a doctorate in higher education leadership from Mississippi State University, a Master of Education from the University of West Florida and bachelor’s degrees in journalism and French language and culture from Pennsylvania State University.
The W’s Career Services and Professional Development Center works closely with graduate and professional schools, not-for-profit organizations and profit-seeking organizations at the local, state, regional, national and international levels to provide opportunities for continued education, internships, summer employment and full-time employment.