The College of Applied Human Sciences (CAHS) continues to strengthen its student-centered initiatives with the addition of two staff members to its Office of Student Success: Courtney Pletcher, Career Development Specialist, and Rachael Conrad, Student Experience Coordinator.
Pletcher brings extensive experience in career counseling, student engagement, and professional development to her new role as Career Development Specialist. A native of San Antonio, Texas, she is a first-generation college student whose journey includes service in the U.S. Navy. Her professional experience spans 17 years across multiple industries, with a focus on career counseling and student engagement in higher education.
Pletcher will focus on integrating career development into the academic experience for CAHS students, collaborating with faculty, and leading career exploration courses.
“I love supporting students in their career development,” Pletcher says. “Having been a first-generation student myself, I like to foster a welcoming environment for all, which aligns with the land-grant mission of accessibility. I think WVU CAHS is doing amazing things to support students, and I want to be a part of it and help take it to the next level.”
Conrad, the new Student Experience Coordinator, brings over a decade of experience at WVU, including her most recent role as Assistant Director of Employer Relations for the Career Services Center. In that role, she managed large-scale career fairs and events, developed targeted outreach strategies to connect students with employers, and collaborated with university leadership to create meaningful experiential learning opportunities. Prior to that position, she was an Employer Relations Specialist where she built relationships with employers across diverse industries to expand internship and job opportunities for students.
At CAHS, Conrad will oversee initiatives that enhance students’ academic and professional journeys, focusing on experiential learning and building connections between students, faculty, and industry professionals.
“I’ve been with WVU for over a decade, and I’ve always valued how the University prioritizes student growth,” Conrad says. “As a land-grant institution, WVU is dedicated to serving communities and promoting access to education. I hope to make a difference by helping students translate their academic experiences into careers that benefit their communities and the broader society.”