Welcome -
I'm Dwayne!
Career Educator & Strategist
Early Talent Acquisition Consultant Higher Education Leader
Welcome to my e-portfolio, where I share highlights of my passions, professional achievements, and experiences.
Passionate about transforming futures.
I am a nationally recognized leader in career education, experiential learning, early career talent acquisition, and workforce development, with a passion for transforming futures. As a career strategist for almost two decades, I've helped people in nearly every industry and at all educational levels navigate their career decisions and find success.
Throughout my career in higher education, I also advanced and scaled programs that prepare college students for meaningful careers and guide employers' access to early career talent.
In my current role as the Director of Industry to Campus Connections at the University of South Florida, I lead efforts to bring meaningful opportunities and employers to campus, connecting them to our talented students and graduates.
Signature Strengths: Futuristic, Achiever, Relator, Responsibility, Positivity
Education
2015
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Human Resources Emphasis
University of North Florida
An MBA equips me with the strategic business acumen to better guide organizations in developing early talent pipelines and long-term workforce strategies. I tailored my coursework toward human resource management, with courses such as staffing and employment law, to deepen my expertise in talent acquisition.
2009
Master of Science (MS) - College Student Personnel (Student Affairs in Higher Education)
Miami University
Earning my M.S. in higher education from Miami University, a top program in the country, provided me with a strong foundation as a student affairs educator through a holistic, theory-to-practice approach. As part of my education, I applied student development theory across diverse contexts—including career exploration, academic advising, Greek Life, and residence life—strengthening my ability to shape college student learning and development.
Experience
2024-Present
Director
Industry to Campus Connections
University of South Florida
Center for Career & Professional Development
Led industry partnerships with 60K+ organizations with 600+ on campus annually, expanded employer participation, and consulted with 200+ recruiting organizations annually in talent acquisition strategies. Designed data-driven employer engagement systems that strengthened alignment between industry needs and student preparation.
2009-Present
Career Strategist | Strengths Coach
Facilitating Career Development (FCD)
National Instructor
Trailblazing Career Solutions
As the owner of Trailblazing Career Solutions, provided personalized guidance on career exploration, job search, and professional branding. Help clients at all educational levels strengthen competitiveness through tailored coaching, application support, and interview preparation. Teach customized Facilitating Career Development (FCD) courses, preparing career practitioners for national certification in career facilitation.
2006
Bachelor of Arts (BA) -
Music Studies
University of South Florida
My Bachelor of Arts in Music Studies reflects my passion for a liberal arts education, cultivating the critical thinking, creative problem solving, and adaptability that are essential for today’s evolving workforce. Music shaped how I see the world—teaching me discipline, collaboration, and perspective—which directly informs my practice.
2020-Present
Board of Directors
Florida Association of Colleges & Employers
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Briefly describe your degree and any other highlights about your studies you want to share. Be sure to include relevant skills you gained, accomplishments you achieved or milestones you reached during your education.
2019-2024
Dean, Career Success & Experiential Learning
Executive Director
New College of Florida
Career Engagement & Opportunity
Built a campus-wide career success model leading career exploration and education, work-based learning, employer relations, , national scholarships, study abroad and domestic exchange programs, and pre-law and pre-health advising. grew student engagement, and national recognized multiple times for innovative practices in liberal arts career education. Expanded faculty collaboration to academically integrate career development and work-based learning.
2015-2019
Assistant Director, Career Development
Georgia College & State University
University Career Center
Oversaw the career development curriculum and programming for a public liberal arts university serving 6,800 students. Led the implementation of a university-wide career development/readiness plan.
2014-2015
Assistant Director, Employer Development
University of Florida
Career Resource Center
Developed and managed a strategic national employer outreach and recruitment plan to increase employment opportunities for job seekers. National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Chevron Award for Program Innovation Honorable Mention for Employer University, a comprehensive employer education program.
Recruit USF
Hiring? Make your next candidate a USF Bull!
No matter what your staffing needs are, the University of South Florida's deep pool of educated, career-ready students and alumni can contribute to your organization’s success. Click below to explore USF's career fairs and employer recruitment services or schedule a recruitment consultation with me to develop an effective plan that meets your recruitment goals.