Career Development Specialist, Pre-Law Advisor
okhayes@central.uh.edu

Liaison to the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS), UH Law Center, and Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life

Olivia Hayes serves as the Career Development Specialist for Government, Pre-Law, & Public Administration. As a Career Development Specialist, she works with students through their major or career exploration, supports students to prepare strong application materials, teaches students strategies on how to have the confidence in their own skills and abilities, and provides individual recommendations based on student needs. She will also serve as an instructor for the Liberal Arts Career Planning course (LACP 2111) for CLASS students.

Olivia received her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in History with a minor in Political Science, and her Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum Instruction from Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU). Furthermore, continuing her passion for helping students, she attended the University of St. Thomas in Houston, TX where she received her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Ethical Leadership. Her research focused on: Undergraduate Upperclassman Black Male STEM Students’ Perceptions of Academic Advising at an HBCU and HSI in Southeast Texas. Olivia is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc ® where she continues to exemplify excellence through sustainable service while giving back to her community and soaring in leadership.

Olivia’s top five strengths are Positivity, Includer, Achiever, Self- Assurance, and Arranger. Her strengths are important within her role because she can provide enthusiasm, positivity, inclusivity, and confidence to students as they embark on their desired career path. Olivia’s previous experience includes utilizing an appreciative advising approach to educate students on course selections that align with their career goals at PVAMU, serving as the Houston Career Consultant and supporting the career development needs of all students at Texas Woman’s University- Medical Center, and developing resources such as the development of the first Career Closet at Alvin Community College. Olivia’s passion is student success, she believes “it’s not about how you start, it’s how you finish”. She is proud to serve Coogs of all identities and career paths. Visit Cougar Pathway to schedule an appointment with her today.