BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College’s new director of career services and experiential learning discovered his own passion in helping students navigate their next steps.

Dr. Justin Bowers recently came to the College from Upshur County Schools.

“For a long time, I have wanted to connect to higher education,” he said. “I was teaching at the high school last year. I loved the opportunity to teach, but really got passionate about helping upperclassmen think about next steps – whether that was higher education, employment or enlisting in the military – that was the most fun I had.

“When I saw the position of director of career services and experiential learning was open, I felt like it was a great fit. Being a community member, I have floated around the outskirts of West Virginia Wesleyan College, but to be a part of this community in this role is really, really exciting to me.”

The Office of Career Services and Experiential Learning has also moved. Students will find Bowers on the second floor of the Benedum Campus Center in the Student Development suite  when they return in August.

“My primary roles are going to be networking to make sure we have strong internships and experiential learning opportunities for students,” Bowers said. “I will also be developing career services to help students with building effective resumes and cover letters, interview skills, finding the right job or grad school after college.”

Bowers views his office as a campus resource center for students as they look at their next professional steps.

“Everybody comes to college thinking about what they are excited to learn, what they are passionate about, what career they want to pursue,” he said. “I think having a resource with very practical steps they can take to move toward their goals is very helpful.”

Bowers grew up in Buckhannon and moved back in 2012. He earned a Ph.D.  in organizational leadership and has spent the last 10 years pastoring a church locally and working in the school system while building a business for leadership developing and coaching and consulting. He and his wife, Carrie, have four daughters.