Brigham Young University Hawaii officials announced S. Kimbrelyn Austin as the new Director of Career Networking and Placement.
“Austin understands that the mission of BYU-Hawaii is to train leaders for Asia and the South Pacific,” said university president, Eric B. Shumway. “It’s difficult for students to consider going back to their countries without the options of employment. She will work to secure good jobs for our graduates.”
Shumway said that Austin’s professional background covers a wide spectrum. “Her area of expertise is marketing and strategic planning, but she has done that work in a number of different arenas: education, government, and business and in different settings: small, large, for profit, not-for-profit, domestic, international. Those varied experiences should provide a good foundation for the work of a placement director.”
For the past four years Austin taught business courses at a university in China and did some consulting work with local businesses and the government. This includes editing and revising the Beijing 2008 Olympic Bid Committee’s presentation to the International Olympic Committee.
Austin, who is originally from Gilmer, Texas, ascribes her experience living in Asia for the past few years as the turning point which allowed her to develop cultural sensitivities, as well as a better empathy for people whose backgrounds differ from her own.
Austin said, “That’s probably more significant to this position than even my professional experience.”
She received a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1977 and a master’s vocational marketing education and business education from the University of North Texas in 1982.
“We definitely have our work cut out for us,” Austin said. “There are going to be some very long days ahead, but I am confident we are up to the task! I recognize how important this is and I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work.”
Austin will assume her new responsibilities in July 2003.