The Moody College of Communication is expanding its career center for students, giving them greater access to internships, employer connections and career coaching. Thanks to a transformational $10 million gift from Joe and Monica Eastin through the Eastin Foundation, the new Eastin Center for Career Readiness will be a space for students to explore career opportunities, internships and professional development.
“We are proud to support Moody College, in part as parents of two daughters in the program, and because Monica and I have seen what’s possible through the Eastin Center for Career Readiness at my alma mater [Oklahoma State University],” Joe Eastin said. “Moody already has a strong foundation and clear vision for preparing students for the workforce, making this a natural next step.”
The gift strengthens the bridge between classroom learning and career preparation, helping students pursue internships, mentorship and industry connections earlier in their academic career.
“At Moody College, we strive to not only give our students the most innovative educational programs, but to also give them real-world opportunities to apply their skills and what they’re learning in ways they may have never imagined,” said Interim Dean Anita Vangelisti. “With the establishment of the Eastin Center for Career Readiness, we will be able to increase those efforts in many ways. By fully integrating career development into our curriculum and strengthening our programming and events, the Eastin Center, together with our dedicated faculty and staff, will better equip students with the preparation and confidence they need to succeed in their careers.”
Eastin, executive chairman and co-founder of ISN Software Corporation, said that he understands the need for career readiness throughout a student’s college experience.
“When I think back to when I was getting out of college, I was trying to get ready for a career and for interviews. All this preparation and professional mentorship was happening in the spring of my senior year, but it really needed to happen sooner,” Eastin said. “Through the center, I hope that students can gain even more exposure to professionals, hearing from guest speakers and having real conversations with them. I also hope they can gain professional mentorship and, of course, internships. All these things are vital to accompany the curriculum they’re getting in the classroom.”
Eastin’s gift will provide funding to ensure life-changing internships are within reach for all Moody students.
“This transformational gift will allow us to scale the innovations in career readiness that are already the hallmark of Moody College: integration of career readiness concepts into the curriculum; meaningful connections between students and employers, alumni, and friends of Moody College; and opportunities that give students real-world experience,” said Cassandre Giguere Alvarado, Moody College’s senior associate dean for undergraduate education and teaching excellence.
As the professional landscape evolves, Eastin believes hands-on experience before entering the workforce is more important than ever.
“Pick anything in life — the more you prepare, the chances of your success go up dramatically,” Eastin said. “What we’re trying to provide is a foundation so that everyone has more opportunity. I think if everyone who comes through Moody can get some understanding of these career competencies prior to leaving the UT campus, I’m confident it will improve their futures.”
The Eastin Center for Career Readiness is expected to open this fall. For more information and updates, visit Moody College’s website and social media channels.
