HWS News
23 April 2026 Career Readiness at HWS
The Salisbury Center expands to prepare students to land opportunities after graduation.
From their first days on campus, students connect with Career Coaches in the Salisbury Center for Career, Professional and Experiential Education.
The team serves as a dedicated partner in students’ career journeys, helping them take intentional steps to build meaningful academic and professional experiences and prepare for opportunities after graduation.
“Students have wonderful aspirations,” says Associate Director of STEM Career Coaching Jessica Townley. “My role is to help translate those dreams into clear, achievable steps.”
Through one-on-one appointments, Career Coaches help students refine resumes and cover letters, identify opportunities and build connections that open doors.
“When students leave a conversation with me, I hope they feel clearer, more confident and less alone,” says Associate Director of STEM Employer Development Jeremy Elliott-Engel. “Even if they don’t have all the answers yet, I want them to know they have options, support and the ability to shape a path that fits them.”
“When students walk out the door feeling confident about their next step, that’s success." Maribeth Shell P’25All of the Salisbury Center staff encourage students to approach networking not as a transactional task, but as a way to build relationships and learn. “Those connections make an enormous difference,” Townley says.
Throughout the year, students have the opportunity to attend information sessions on campus with professionals-in-residence, practice their networking skills, or join Career Treks to businesses and organizations in cities from Boston and D.C. to New York and L.A.
For Assistant Director of Employer Development and Engagement Maribeth Shell P’25, helping students see how their skills translate beyond campus is key. Drawing on more than two decades of experience with global brands including Calvin Klein and Izod, she helps students articulate their skills in ways that resonate with employers.
“When students walk out the door feeling confident about their next step, that’s success,” she says.
The Salisbury Center’s support extends across a wide range of fields, from business and finance to STEM or service and advocacy. Students get matched with the Career Coach who aligns with their aspirations.
Associate Director and Nonprofit Career Coach Isabelle Strong works closely with students interested in arts, education, government, public service and social justice. Her advising focuses on helping students recognize the value of their experiences and take clear, actionable steps forward.
“I want students to leave our conversations excited about their future,” Strong says, “with a few clear, actionable steps.”
Meet the Team
Jeremy Elliott-Engel
Associate Director of STEM Employer Development
Previously held leadership roles at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension and University of Missouri Extension. He holds a Ph.D. from Virginia Tech and an M.A.T. from Cornell University.
Jessica Townley
Associate Director of STEM Career Coaching
Brings experience from Cornell AgriTech and Finger Lakes Health. She holds a B.S. from Nazareth College in Business Administration and Human Resources Management, with a minor in philosophy.
Maribeth Shell P’25
Assistant Director of Employer Development and Engagement
Former leader in merchandising and supply chain with Calvin Klein, Izod and Macy’s. She holds a B.A. in Communications from the University of Iowa.
Isabelle Strong
Associate Director, Nonprofit Career Coaching
A graduate of Dartmouth College, she previously worked in alumni relations and student engagement and is currently pursuing an M.S. in Higher Education from Arkansas State University.
