The offices of Undergraduate Research and National Fellowships and Scholarships, led by directors Justina Clark and Laura Damuth respectively, are now co-located with the Office of Career Services on the second floor of the Nebraska Union, and Bill Watts has been named associate dean of undergraduate advising and career development. Watts will oversee the directors of the three offices in addition to the leadership of the Explore Center.

“Bill is a national leader in both advising and career development and is well poised to integrate the leadership of undergraduate research and national fellowships within the Career Services team,” said Amy Goodburn, senior associate vice chancellor and dean of undergraduate education. “I am confident he will do so in a way that will enhance overall programming for students’ career and professional development while also supporting each office’s individual mission.”

The move will elevate visibility and accessibility to the offices that support undergraduate research and fellowship advising and provide broader and more integrated career and professional development opportunities for students.

“Career Services is always working to provide more ways to support academic experiences for our students. These offices fit well with our mission to help students find post-graduation success in the workforce or through graduate and professional education” said Watts.

Undergraduate Research oversees UCARE, FYRE, and the Summer Research Program, all of which engage students in research and creative activity under guided faculty mentorship. National Fellowships and Scholarships supports students applying for competitive national fellowships and scholarships such as the Goldwater, Truman, and Fulbright.