We are committed to leading a university-wide culture of career advising and professional mentorship to empower students and alumni to reach their unique career goals.
~ Embrace differences ~ Empower growth ~ Inspire confidence ~ Foster connections ~ Celebrate wins ~
Thomas A. Arce, M.Ed. (pronouns: they/them) proudly grew up in Gary, Indiana. Thomas attended The University of Iowa for undergraduate studies and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Certificate in Critical Cultural Competence. Completed graduate studies at Iowa State University, where they earned a Master of Education in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies and a Certificate in Social Justice Education. Thomas has worked over ten years in higher education among functional areas: admissions & enrollment management, academic affairs curriculum development & teaching, fraternity and sorority life, housing & residence life, student activities, LGBTQ+ student services, and multicultural & international student services. Thomas has worked at Iowa State University, Grinnell College, Southern Oregon University, The University of Iowa, and currently at Oregon Tech serves as the Director for the Department of Student Involvement and Belonging.
Desiré Wooten has over 15 years of experience in Human Resources and Office Management with a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management from Colorado State University- Global Campus. Throughout her education and experience Desiré has specialized in talent acquisition, career, workforce and professional development and training. Desiré has worked in the staffing and hospitality industries before starting her current journey in Higher Education. It was through these experiences and her own struggles as a first-generation college student, that she realized her biggest strength and passion is helping people navigate the barriers and winding path to an individual’s perfect career that often occurs. When Desiré isn’t working with and cheering students on, she is spending time outdoors near any body of water she can with her loving husband and her dog, Dudley.
Anna Fowler joined the Career Services team in August 2021. She is a graduate of California State University, Stanislaus with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies – Elementary Education. Anna has spent over 17 years of her career working in local elementary schools, and has experience in both business and human resources. Working with employers and students has been a great way to combine her experiences in business and education. In her free time, Anna enjoys spending time with her husband, three children, and her father on their ranch in the forest outside of Chiloquin. Cooking, reading, gardening, and crafting are her avid hobbies, as well as volunteering in support positions with her local fire department. Anna is excited to engage connections between employers and students!