Meet the Team

Zach is an experienced career development specialist and advisor with a demonstrated passion for supporting the academic, personal, and professional success of students. With a calm, welcoming presence and a gift for connecting with individuals from all walks of life, he thrives in roles that require collaboration across students, faculty, administrators, employers, and community partners.

Since joining the University of Kentucky in 2005, Zach has brought proven expertise in public speaking, recruitment, event planning, student affairs, and program development. He is known for creating inclusive, supportive environments and for bringing creative ideas and meaningful insights to every project or initiative.

Guided by his CliftonStrengths—Developer, Maximizer, Ideation, Adaptability, and Connectedness—Zach is deeply committed to helping individuals grow and thrive, both in their careers and in life.

Zach brings curiosity, flexibility, and a sense of humor to his work, and he proudly calls himself the CEO of the Career and Co-op Center—that’s Chief Encouragement Officer for those who haven’t yet met him. He makes a lasting impact wherever he goes, lifting others up and creating space for success to take root.

Betsy is a dynamic relationship builder and persuasive communicator with extensive experience in employer engagement, career advocacy, and strategic communication. Her career spans higher education, legal advocacy, fundraising, public outreach, and work in federal government arenas.

Before joining the University of Kentucky College of Engineering in 2014, Betsy served as an industry liaison where she collaborated with federal agencies, congressional leaders, nonprofits, and industry partners to advocate for legislative and policy changes. Her work involved crafting innovative solutions, navigating complex policy landscapes, and building coalitions to drive meaningful outcomes.

At UK, Betsy brings that same strategic mindset to her work in the Pigman College of Engineering. Whether she is guiding students through career exploration and teaching them how to evaluate full-time job offers, partnering with employers to expand opportunities, or leading large-scale events, her focus is always on building meaningful connections and empowering others to succeed.

She excels at synthesizing complex information, developing creative solutions, and advocating for positive outcomes in career development, education, and communication.

Thoughts From Betsy:
“I am service-oriented, and the rewards are plentiful because when I have a good day at work, a student is going to have a great day down the road.”

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EMPLOYERS: You should set up an Employer Engagement appointment with Betsy to learn about the best way to engage and recruit our students.

STUDENTS: You can request a student appointment on Handshake to meet with Betsy.

Tips From Sarah:
“Every experience builds on the last one, so start early and keep improving as you go!!”

Sarah’s Thoughts On Co-ops:
“I think Co-ops are one of the only times in life where you get to explore different industries and companies in a hands-on, real-world setting. This gives you the rare ability to find a career that truly aligns with your passions and goals!”

Sarah’s Co-op & Internship Experience:
• SpaceX: Starship Operations Engineering Intern (CA)
• Tesla: Process Engineering Intern (TX)
• Toyota North America: Production Engineering Intern (KY), Materials Engineering Intern (KY)

Sarah’s Involvement:
SHPE, Career Peer

Tips from Ella:
“Getting into the Career Center as early into your college career as possible will make a world of a difference! There are so many internship opportunities, even for freshmen, so don’t be afraid to go to the Career Fair or our other recruiting events your very first semester!”

Ella’s Thoughts On Co-ops:
“Doing a co-op helped me because I was having trouble getting aerospace-related summer internships. My co-op helped me to get my dream summer internship.”

Ella’s Co-op & Internship Experience:
• Northrop Grumman Corporation: Operations & Engineering Intern (VA), Engineering Intern (FL)
• Honda Development and Manufacturing of America HALO Wind Tunnel: Mechanical Engineering Co-op

Ella’s Involvement:
SWE, Tau Beta Pi, Pigman College of Engineering Ambassador, Career Peer

Ruthie’s Thoughts On Co-ops:
“Doing a co-op helped me because I was having trouble getting aerospace-related summer internships. My co-op helped me to get my dream summer internship.”

Ruthie’s Co-op and Internship Experience:
• Chick-fil-A Inc.: Digital Transformation and Technology Co-op – Systems Analyst, Customer Technology Systems (GA), Digital Transformation and Technology Co-op – Software Engineer, Digital Enablement and Operations (GA), 
• Coastal Cloud: Junior Analyst (KY)

Ruthie’s Involvement:
Peer Mentor – Engineering Living Learning Program, AWS Student Builder Club, Career Peer, Engineering Student Council, Career Peer

Tips from James:
“Be yourself and trust in what you bring to the table. The application process can feel overwhelming, but remember, you are enough, and the effort you put in each day is moving you closer to your goals.”

James’s Thoughts On Co-ops:
“Co-oping truly changed my life. It allowed me to build strong technical skills, develop essential soft skills, and gain a deeper understanding of myself. My co-op experience played a crucial role in getting me to where I am today, and it stands as one of the most valuable learning experiences anyone can have.”

James’s Co-op & Internship Experience:
• Raytheon (AZ): FPGA Design Intern, Electrical and Electronics Engineer
• Radiance Technologies (AL): HArdware Engineering Intern
• Keithley Tektronix (OH): Product Applications Engineering Co-op 

James’s Involvement:
Lead Ambassador for Pigman College of Engineering, ELLP Peer Mentor, Career Peer

Veronica’s Thoughts On Co-ops:
“Co-ops provide invaluable experience that you simply can’t get from a 12-week internship. It allows for greater project engagement.”

Veronica’s Co-op & Internship Experience:
• Rockwell Automation: Mechanical Engineering Intern (WI)
• SMS Group Inc. – Mechanical Engineering Co-op (KY)
• Novelis – Mechanical Enginering Intern (KY)

Veronica’s Involvement:
SWE, Career Peer

Tips from Sara:
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Whether it’s about your work, asking for help, or asking for more projects, you are there to learn, and asking the professionals around you can only help.”

Sara’s Thoughts On Co-ops:
“My co-op experience helped me learn and apply knowledge in the field, as well as gain confidence in my own abilities and skills.”

Sara’s Co-op & Internship Experience:
• Bechtel: Mechanical Engineering Intern – Nuclear, Security, & Environmental Division (VA), Mechanical Engineering Intern – Mining & Metals Division (TX)
• Marathon Petroleum Corporation: Mechanical Engineering Intern (LA), Mechanical Engineering Intern (KY)
• Illinois Tool Works (ITW): Manufacturing Engineering Intern (KY)

Sara’s Involvement: SWE, Career Peer