Mississippi University for Women has named Elise Wilson as director of the Career Services and Professional Development Center.

“I am honored to serve the university and its students in this capacity. We have exceptional students and further preparing them to reach their career goals is a passion of mine. I am most looking forward to partnering with university departments and stakeholders within our Columbus community to expand our students’ experience here at The W,” said Wilson.

Since 2018, Wilson has served as the employee engagement manager for Dutch Oil Company. For the company, she facilitated leadership trainings for management level professionals, developed leadership programs and researched employee engagement themes and best practices for employee retention.

Andrea Stevens, executive director of development and alumni, said, “We are thrilled to have Elise lead the Career Services and Professional Development Center. She will serve as an excellent liaison between the university and our students. In addition to assisting students in securing employment and hosting job fairs, the Career Services and Professional Development Center will be providing workshops, seminars and other essential skill building tools to support career readiness for our students..”

As director of the Career Services and Professional Development Center, Wilson will serve as a liaison between the university and its students, alumni and potential employers on a state, regional and national scale. Additionally, she will be responsible for developing new contacts with external organizations for the purpose of expanding employment opportunities for students and alumni.

In addition to her experience at Dutch Oil Company, Wilson served as the coordinator of student activities at The W, where she worked to develop student leaders, plan student activities and program new student experiences.

Wilson holds a Master of Arts in Women’s Leadership and Bachelor of Arts from Mississippi University for Women. She has served on the United Way of Lowndes and Noxubee Executive Board since 2022 and on the Friends of the Library Board from 2015 to 2017.

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

About The W

Located in historic Columbus, Mississippi, The W was founded in 1884 as the first state-supported college for women in the United States. Today, the university is home to 2,227 students in more than 70 majors and concentrations and has educated men for 40 years. The university is nationally recognized for low student debt, diversity and social mobility which empowers students to BE BOLD.

Be Bold. Tower with Blue.