Laura Cessna
University Director of Career Services and Alumni Relations
Laura is grounded in a student-first philosophy, ensuring every learner has access to meaningful career guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. She is dedicated to helping students identify their strengths, explore career pathways, and build confidence as they transition from the classroom into the workforce. Laura believes that education is most impactful when students feel supported both academically and personally, and she is committed to creating an environment where every student feels seen, encouraged, and prepared to succeed. Her approach centers on empowerment, helping students and alumni discover their purpose, share their stories with confidence, and pursue meaningful careers that reflect their goals and values.
Michelle (Molly) Keating
Director of Career Services
Michelle “Molly” Keating serves as the Director of Career Services for South University’s Savannah, High Point and Richmond campuses.
Dr. Keating is deeply committed to empowering students and graduates to achieve long-term career success. With a passion for supporting personal and professional growth, she ensures individuals have access to the tools, resources, and opportunities needed to confidently pursue their goals. She actively strengthens connections between the university and the professional community by coordinating employer visits, facilitating networking opportunities, and leading engaging workshops in interview preparation, job search strategies, and emerging employment trends. Her hands-on, supportive approach helps students build confidence, refine their skills, and remain competitive in today’s evolving job market.
Campus Locations
South University, High PointSouth University, RichmondSouth University, SavannahStakeholders
AlumniEmployersStudentsBridget Mantooth-Urso
Director of Career Services
Bridget serves as the Director of Career Services for South University’s West Palm Beach and Austin campuses.
Bridget is passionate about empowering students to achieve their fullest potential through personalized guidance and meaningful career readiness support. She meets students where they are, helps them recognize their strengths, and equips them with the tools and confidence needed to take the next steps in their academic and professional journeys. Through her student-centered approach, she fosters confidence, strengthens essential skills, and ensures students are prepared to pursue their goals with clarity, purpose, and long-term success.
Campus Locations
South University, AustinSouth University, West Palm BeachStakeholders
AlumniEmployersStudentsDr. Monica Whitson
Director of Career Services
Monica Whitson, Ph.D. serves as the Director of Career Services for South University’s Columbia and Montgomery campuses.
Dr. Whitson is deeply committed to empowering students and alumni to thrive in their academic and professional journeys. Known for her warm, encouraging, and motivational approach, she creates meaningful learning experiences that build confidence and readiness for the future. Through innovative workshops, impactful networking events, and personalized one-on-one coaching, Dr. Whitson helps individuals identify their strengths, clarify their goals, and take actionable steps toward career success. Her dedication to lifelong learning and service inspires students to grow not only as professionals, but as leaders and community contributors. Dr. Whitson’s influence continues to shape pathways of purpose, achievement, and long-term success.
Campus Locations
South University, ColumbiaSouth University, MontgomeryStakeholders
AlumniEmployersStudentsCrystal Dennis
Director of Career Services
Crystal Dennis serves as the Director of Career Services at South University’s Online.
Crystal is dedicated to empowering students to confidently pursue their academic and professional goals. She is passionate about workforce development, building strong industry partnerships, and expanding internship and career exploration opportunities that open doors for student success. Through innovative programming and personalized career guidance, Crystal ensures students are equipped with the skills, support, and confidence they need to thrive in today’s evolving job market.
Campus Locations
South University's Online ProgramsStakeholders
AlumniEmployersStudentsMauvette Malizia
Career Services Advisor
Mauvette advises online students whose last name begins with the letter A – C.
Mauvette believes in empowering students to discover their strengths, build confidence, and navigate their professional journeys with clarity and purpose. As a Career Services Advisor, she is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive space where students feel heard, valued, and encouraged to explore who they are and who they aspire to become. Her approach centers on meaningful connection, taking time to understand each student’s goals, experiences, and story. Whether it’s through career coaching conversations, resume development, interview preparation, or exploring new career pathways, Mauvette helps students recognize their potential and take informed steps toward their future.
Career Advice: Network with intention. Every conversation has the power to teach, inspire, or open a new door. Listen deeply, share your story, learn from others, and never underestimate the connections you build along the way. Personal and professional growth often happen in the moments where we are open to learning from one another.
Austin Long
Career Services Advisor
Austin advises online students whose last name begins with the letter D – G.
Austin is committed to helping students recognize their strengths, build confidence in their abilities, and step into their careers with purpose and momentum. As a Career Services Advisor, he values getting to know each student’s goals, interests, and experiences so that together, they can create clear and realistic steps toward future success. He believes that growth isn’t a one-time milestone, it’s a continuous process. Austin encourages students to stay curious, try new things, and remain open to learning as they navigate their academic and professional journeys. Whether supporting students with career exploration, resume development, interview preparation, or job search strategies, Austin is dedicated to meeting students where they are and helping them move forward with clarity and confidence.
Career Advice: Continue to sharpen the saw. You are your greatest asset. Learning doesn’t stop at graduation, your growth continues over time. Invest in yourself by developing new skills, attending networking events, joining professional associations, or simply exploring new interests. Consistent personal and professional development strengthens your confidence, expands your opportunities, and keeps you moving forward.
Misty Heitman
Career Services Advisor
Misty advises online students whose last name begins with the letter H – K.
Misty is deeply passionate about helping students recognize their purpose, feel supported throughout their academic journey, and step confidently into the career paths they have chosen. As a Career Services Advisor, she believes that every student brings unique strengths, experiences, and goals, and that those gifts deserve to be nurtured and celebrated. Her approach centers on encouragement, clarity, and personal growth. Misty enjoys connecting with students one-on-one, listening to their stories, and helping them build the tools, skills, and confidence they need as they approach graduation or explore new opportunities. She believes there is meaning behind every student’s decision to pursue their education at South University.
Career Advice: You have purpose. Your career path is not by accident. Take pride in your growth, stay open to learning, and trust that your experiences are shaping you into who you are meant to become. And remember—you are not alone. We are here to support you.
Specialties and Interests
Career Planning, Resumes & Cover Letters, Job Search Strategies & Interview PreparationCampus Locations
South University's Online ProgramsStakeholders
AlumniStudentsEylie Buehler Crudup
Career Services Advisor
Eylie advises online students whose last name begins with the letter L-N.
Eylie is passionate about helping students feel supported, confident, and ready to take the next step in their academic or professional journey. As a Career Services Advisor, she values authentic, one-on-one connection and believes that every student’s story, strengths, and goals deserve to be recognized and celebrated. Her approach is grounded in encouragement, clarity, and growth. Eylie works closely with students to explore their interests, identify opportunities, strengthen application materials, and build practical strategies for transitioning into new roles or phases of life. She believes in meeting students where they are and guiding them with empathy and enthusiasm. Eylie is genuinely excited to connect with each student and is proud to be part of their journey as they grow, learn, and step confidently toward their goals.
Career Advice: Keep a master resume. Maintain an ongoing list of your experiences, projects, achievements, and contributions—even the small ones. Over time, it’s easy to forget the great work you’ve done. A master resume not only makes updating your professional documents easier when opportunities arise, but it also serves as a reminder of your progress and accomplishments—especially on days when you need a boost of confidence.
Shanna Bossler
Career Services Advisor
Shanna advises online students whose last name begins with the letter O – Sl.
Shanna is passionate about supporting students and alumni as they prepare for graduation, explore new career directions, and step confidently into the workforce. She believes every student deserves encouragement, guidance, and someone in their corner, and she is committed to offering that support throughout each stage of the career journey. Shanna takes a personalized and uplifting approach to advising, meeting students where they are and helping them build on their strengths. She loves learning about students’ goals, experiences, and interests, and works closely with them to create a plan that feels achievable and meaningful. Whether it’s career exploration, resume development, job search strategies, or preparing for interviews, Shanna is here to help students move forward with clarity and confidence.
Career Advice: Your online presence matters. Take time to review your social media and ensure it reflects the professional image you want to present to future employers. Consider making personal accounts private and use your public platforms, especially LinkedIn, to highlight your interests, connect with others in your field, and build a positive professional brand. Every post helps tell your story, make that story one you feel proud to share.
Specialties and Interests
Online students with last name starting O-SLMichelle Vent
Career Services Advisor
Michelle advises online students whose last name begins with the letter Sm – Z.
Michelle is dedicated to helping students confidently prepare for their next step, whether that’s exploring career paths, strengthening job search strategies, or building professional skills that support long-term growth. As a Career Services Advisor for South University’s online campus, she creates a supportive and encouraging environment where students feel heard, motivated, and equipped to move forward. Michelle takes a personalized approach to career advising, working with each student to identify their strengths, clarify their goals, and build tools that help them effectively present their unique value to employers. She believes that every student’s journey is meaningful and that growth happens when we allow ourselves to learn, reflect, and stay open to new opportunities.
Career Advice: Start exploring and preparing early. The job search process can take time, and every step you take now sets you up for success later. Keep learning, keep building new skills, and update your resume and LinkedIn as you grow. And remember, the connections you make along the way matter. Networking, both inside and outside your field, can lead to unexpected and exciting opportunities.