Matthew Paul Cowley named executive director of Career and Professional Development
Matthew Paul Cowley is the new executive director of Career and Professional Development, a position he began in July. He succeeded Donna Cassell Ratcliffe, who retired in June after 20 years in the role.
“Matt is well versed in the many ways universities of our size and scope meet the needs of undergraduate and graduate students across a diversity of majors and programs,” said Rachel Holloway, vice provost for undergraduate academic affairs. “I am confident Career and Professional Development under Matt’s leadership will continue to be recognized for its excellence in providing career development programs and services to our students.”
Cowley began his career in higher education and career services at Auburn University, working as a graduate assistant in the Raymond J. Harbert College of Business’s Office of Professional and Career Development. He held several positions in the University of Florida’s Career Connections Center for over nine years, including associate director for integrated partnerships.
Most recently, he served as director of Career Development Services at Old Dominion University, where he worked on commonwealth initiatives such as the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership and GO Virginia.
“During a visit to Virginia Tech’s campus, I could not escape the feeling that I was at home,” said Cowley. “This feeling was reified as I encountered the warmth of both the team in Career and Professional Development as well as my colleagues in Undergraduate Academic Affairs. The institution’s motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), is directly aligned with the reason I chose career services as my career path, and I am ecstatic to live out the spirit of the motto in my position as executive director.”
As executive director, Cowley plans to build on Career and Professional Development’s strong foundation while aligning its services, programs, and resources to prepare students for success in a dynamic and ever-changing workforce. He also is committed to advancing internal and external strategic partnerships that create more equitable access to opportunity and support the growing talent needs of the New River Valley and Virginia.
Cowley earned a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from the University of Florida, an M.Ed. in higher education administration from Auburn University, and a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Auburn University. He also holds a Master of Career Services certification from the National Career Development Association.
