Alum Tamara K. Taylor comes from a long line of Rattlers
By Latice Johnson
Florida A&M University (FAMU) announced alumna Tamara K. Taylor as the new director of the Career and Professional Development Center.
Taylor promises to bring to the role her passion to see students succeed in their careers.
“The work we do in the Career and Professional Development Center has a direct impact on students ability to attain a high-paying job upon graduation and their career trajectory. I have high expectations of myself and team, and am energized to meet or exceed the expectations of Excellence with Caring,” Taylor said. “My goals are to use current data and trends to reinvigorate career education on campus in order to increase our students economic mobility, while also introducing funding sources that will remove the financial barriers that often prevent students from participating in professional career development activities such as internships.”
Taylor previously served as the director of Career Education and senior assistant director for Career Coaching and Student Belonging at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC). During her tenure at UNC, she developed innovative, comprehensive career education initiatives and operational standards of excellence that supported students’ career development and readiness, leading to their positive career outcomes. Taylor also championed equitable access to career-related experiences by working with the Offices of Development, Scholarships & Student Aid, and Admissions to award professional development stipends to need-based students.
Taylor also served as a clinical instructor under the School of Education, while overseeing the curriculum of three career courses. For her work, she was named the 2023 Outstanding Career Practitioner of the Year for “unwavering commitment to excellence in serving students and to the career counseling profession and innovative ways to keep students engaged and reach more students across campus.”
Additionally, she was honored with the Student Affairs Award of Distinction, Carolina Career Community Diversity Initiative Award, and Student Affairs Office of Assessment High Impact Practice Award.
“Ms. Taylor brings a wealth of experience in Career and Professional Development. Her student centered approach to student success will help the University obtain the goals in the strategic plan and President’s goals,” said. Vice President for Student Affairs William E. Hudson, Jr, Ph.D. “The strategies she has used at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill will enhance what we currently implement in providing experiential learning for students in all majors.”
Taylor is a fifth generation Rattler who graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from the School of Journalism & Graphic Communications. As a member of the FAMU Graduate Feeder Program, she enrolled at the University of Miami, where she earned a master’s degree in education.
“Returning to the Highest of Seven Hills to support the university’s mission of Excellence with Caring, is a privilege and honor,” Taylor said. “I crossed the commencement stage on April 25, 1997, and to return here on April 26 to lead key funding initiatives and equally important, increase the economic mobility of future Rattlers, is nothing short of a divine calling.”
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