Onika Richards Leads Career Services and Alumni Relations in the Andrew Young School

ATLANTA — Onika Richards has joined the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies as the director of career services and alumni relations.

Richards brings to her new role more than 17 years of experience in career development and employer relations across several diverse academic institutions, including Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health, Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies, LaGuardia Community College and DeVry College of New York.

“Onika Richards’ experience in and vision for expanding employer partnerships and enhancing alumni engagement will be critical to preparing our students for meaningful careers and lifelong success,” Dean Thomas J. Vicino said. “Her forward-thinking approach and deep commitment to student success will help our students and alumni work together to help create clear paths forward in their college-to-career journeys.”

Richards served as director of career services, partnerships and experiential learning at Emory’s Rollins School, where she spearheaded several initiatives that significantly expanded career opportunities for students and alumni. Her strategic oversight of experiential learning programs and innovative approach to employer engagement contributed greatly to the growth of the college’s career services offerings.

As an associate director of industry relations at Columbia University, she increased industry outreach by 25 percent, placing students in leading organizations such as the United Nations, the Rockefeller Foundation and American Express. She also launched the SPS e-Mentorship Program, connecting students with alumni mentors to enhance professional development. Throughout her career, she has played pivotal roles in building employer networks, increasing student placement rates and developing targeted career advising programs.

“Onika Richards’ career reflects her dedication to aligning career services with the evolving needs of students and demands of the workforce,” Associate Dean Jan Ivery said. Ivery chaired the search committee that included Matt Arp, the director of the Office of Academic Assistance, Renanda Dear, the director of practicum education for the School of Social Work, and Esra Tanyildiz, a clinical associate professor and the director of curriculum and teaching innovation in the Department of Public Management & Policy.

“Just as important, her leadership style emphasizes collaboration, strategic planning and continuous improvement, qualities that are deeply aligned with the mission and goals of the Andrew Young School,” Ivery said.