Mentor Spotlight: Nikita Haynie

What do you do at your job?

Currently I serve as a Career Advisor Senior in Business Career Services in KU School of Business where I engage in career and leadership development and for students. In this role, I oversee a mentoring program connecting alumni and current business school students at all ages and stages of their careers in a formal professional mentor/mentee relationship. Through the management of this program, I assist students in connecting with experienced mentors in their field of interest, structured mentorship engagement activities, and increased insight to achieve professional goals. I mentor student leaders within an affinity-based student organization for Black female students she assisted in co-creating to create a brave space and programs centering on the Black female student experience at a predominantly white institution. I am a Higher Education Practitioner with over ten years of progressive experience. I have addressed developmental needs and concerns throughout my professional career, fostered safe and inclusive spaces, enhanced support systems, and created access opportunities. In each of my professional opportunities, I have masterfully supported students in their developmental journey by creating a mode of self-discovery and providing a safe, inclusive campus community experience.

As an undergraduate student at Clayton State University, I was heavily involved in a multitude of student leadership organizations serving as the President and Events Coordinator for Campus Events Council, Resident Assistant for Student Housing, Gamma Phi Beta, Programming Chair for her sorority, and Student Assistant for the Department of Campus Life. Through campus involvement I discovered my fervor for educating and empowering students while matriculating through their undergraduate experience in connecting key piece to ultimately, they can live purposeful lives.