Orick named first director of Doug and Kathy Babb center at UAFS

Officials at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith have announced a new student development program and have named a long-time employee, Ron Orick of Fort Smith, as its founding director.

The Doug and Kathy Babb Student Professional Development Center, housed in the newly expanded and renovated Boreham Library, will provide UAFS career-preparation programs and services to students to give them a competitive edge in acquiring employment opportunities or pursuing graduate education. The Center will also serve as a resource to the business community.
 
Seminars given in the Babb Center will help students develop a balanced portfolio of academic, career readiness and leadership skills to place them on the path to professional success.

Dr. Paul B. Beran, UAFS chancellor, applauded what the Center provides for students and said the outreach to the business community has “tremendous potential” for economic development.
 
“The Babb Center will partner with local, regional and national employers to offer specialized services to help employers recruit internship and job placement candidates,” said Beran. “Supporting employers through the entire recruitment process and working closely with UAFS Career Services, the Babb Center will also host companies for on-campus interviews, networking receptions, industry panels and expos and career fairs.”
 
Beran expects that the Babb Center will build collaborative relationships with the business community by involving company experts in student skill development and bringing professional expertise to campus.
 
Orick, who has served as the director of UAFS Career Services since March 1999, said he was excited about working with UAFS students through the Babb Center.
 
“This position, in partnership with employers and the UAFS faculty, will provide career programs to assist our students in developing the skills needed to excel in today’s competitive global economy,” said Orick. “I look forward to working with the students in their professional development as they prepare to enter the workforce.”

Orick will assume his new duties on July 1.
 
Orick’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Lyon College (formerly Arkansas College) in Batesville, Ark., and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. He is also certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR).
 
As director of the Babb Center, Orick will supervise and coordinate the Distinction in Professional Development program, which offers students 12 hours of professional development. Upon successful completion of all requirements students will receive a “distinction,” or non-credit certificate.

During the development phase of the center, students seeking the Distinction in Professional Development will complete MGMT 2863, the Business Communications course, which will increase curricular focus on written communication in the areas of resume writing and cover letters, as well as oral communication in the areas of job interviewing, networking and “elevator-speeches.”

Following the two-year pilot phase, the 12-hour Distinction in Professional Development program will be expanded to provide the elements included in the Business Communications course as co-curricular modules available to non-business students wishing to complete the Distinction in Professional Development.