About the Center
The Eugene P. Beard Center for Student Success (CSS) launched in fall 2022, marking the beginning of a new era for the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business. The Center is the realization of the School's integrated, holistic approach to serving students. To achieve this vision, staff roles across the school were reimagined to better support students and the 7th floor of Rockwell Hall was completely renovated.
With the launch of the CSS, business students receive a comprehensive experience, from their first contact with the School as high school students through graduation and their transition to alumni.
Student Success Coaches
Student Success Coaches are the heart of the CSS. Each coach is responsible for specific academic programs and they advise and counsel all students in their respective programs. Coaches have a deep understanding of their respective programs and fields, allowing them to meet the needs of students.
Still Exploring Majors?
One of our Success Coaches is dedicated to supporting Discover Business (undeclared) students. The Center has plenty of resources to help them determine strengths and forge an academic path.
Career Services
In partnership with the Center for Career Development, School of Business career consultants offer our students a variety of opportunities:
- Networking Events: business panels and career fairs
- Career Exploration and Planning: campus interviews and online tools including Handshake, Duquesne's exclusive online job and internship recruiting system. Handshake connects students to open roles, recruiters, and events.
- Career-Related Experiences: job-shadowing, micro internships, fellowships, and volunteering
- Services: LinkedIn coaching, mock interviews, cover letter and resume workshops, career advice
Alumni can also take advantage of career services.
"The Beard Center offers access to an unparalleled network of support. The student-coach relationship begins earlier than ever so students can hit the ground running and map their paths to graduation while coaches maximize student opportunities."
Student Success Team
Becky Ellsworth
Assistant Dean for Academic Programs and Student Affairs | One-Year MBA
Chris Hilf
Associate Director for Student Success | Finance, GC/MS-Finance, PMBA Joint Degrees, PMBA (subset)
Jessica Black Parr
Student Success Coach | Marketing, PMBA (subset)
Shakeria Carter
Student Success Coach | IST, Management, 3+3 Law, GC/MS-Analytics & Information Management, PMBA (subset)
Michelle Curry
Student Success Coach | Discover (undeclared), Economics, Entrepreneurship, GC-Entrepreneurship, MS-Entrepreneurial Leadership, PMBA (subset)
Jasmine Jones-Reed
Student Success Coach | Accounting, Supply Chain, MS-Accountancy, GC/MS-Supply Chain Management, PMBA (subset)
Sloan Spinks
Administrative Assistant
History of the Center
For more than two decades, Mr. Beard’s gifts to the School of Business have transformed students' lives, enabled groundbreaking research, and improved programs in ethics and sustainability. Mr. Beard’s contributions make him the most generous donor in Palumbo-Donahue School of Business history.
In 2023, the School celebrated the renovation of Rockwell Hall’s 7th floor with a dedication ceremony and reception. The event was held in the Welcome Center of the Beard Center, marking a new era of student success and achievement.
