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Two new professionals joined �պ�����’s Office of Engagement (OoE) this fall to expand the office’s outreach efforts across the state and to increase the quantity and quality of internships for �պ����� students.

Kristen Andrews joined the Office of Engagement this fall as internship coordinator. She will split her time between OoE and the Office of Career Services where she provide centralized internship support and consultation for �պ����� and cultivates organizations as new �պ����� internship hosts. Her role is informed by her experience building community through social service, the non-profit sector, and experiential education in K-12 schools and higher ed. She holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Williams College, an M. Ed in creative arts in learning from Lesley University, and an MS in leadership for sustainability from �պ�����. Her areas of specific interest and expertise are ecological leadership models, regenerative agriculture, medicinal herbalism, food access and nutrition and food waste management. Kristen says “I’m inspired by nature’s wise embrace of diversity, interdependence and self-organization as she engages in practices which cultivate reciprocity, connection and gratitude.”

Michele Karode’s role as a new outreach professional focuses on the non-profit, municipal government and education sectors in Vermont. Having earned her bachelor of science degree in the school of Education and Social Services at �պ����� in 2012, she is eager to reconnect and engage the university’s community in their outreach and job retention goals and help the developing workforce in Vermont grow. In her previous role as the executive director of Heartworks Preschool she received a Patriot Award in 2020 from the U.S. National Guard. Michele’s interests include leadership, workforce development, teamwork and supporting the community. “I’m looking forward to utilizing the university’s talent and resources to further engagement throughout the state,” she said.

�պ�����’s Office of Engagement was established in 2020 to build on �պ�����’s land-grant mission by serving as the university’s “front door” for private, public and non-profit entities and communities looking to access �պ�����’s many strengths and capabilities.