National Association of Colleges and Employers
Kathy Sims, former NACE president (2000-2001) and a leader in the profession, died on November 12, 2022.
“Kathy’s contributions to the career services profession and to NACE were numerous and important. With a career that spanned 42 years, she has long been heralded as a pioneer in the field, as well as a mentor, confidant, and friend,” says Shawn VanDerziel, NACE executive director.
Sims began her career at West Virginia University, her alma mater, where she served as a career counselor. She moved on to serve as assistant director of career services at Bowling Green State University, then held the role of executive director of career services at George Washington University for 14 years. She capped her career as the director of the Career Center at UCLA from 1994 until her retirement in 2014.
Trudy Steinfeld, Americas strategy and partnerships, Cappfinity, points to Sims as “a trailblazer in every way [who] changed the way career services work was approached, bringing innovative strategies and approaches to a profession that she loved.” That sentiment is echoed by Tim Luzader, executive director of career success at Purdue University, who noted that “her leadership and impact on our beloved career services profession goes way beyond measure.”
As a leader in the field, Sims was quick to share her expertise by mentoring others. “More than anything else, Kathy epitomized what it means to be a brilliant and visionary leader,” says Marilyn Mackes, former executive director of NACE. “Kathy consciously developed others to serve and lead, pushing all of us to be stronger and better.”
Sims' passion for mentoring others is how many—including Vanessa Strauss, senior adviser for human resources at FDIC—first met her. Sims, says Strauss, “had an amazing knack and huge heart that allowed her to see the potential in others.” She could also be relied on to lend an ear and offer support and guidance. “I admired her quiet leadership and ability to always do the right thing—no matter what the situation was. She was the person to talk to when you faced hard professional choices,” says Strauss.
Sims’ involvement with NACE also spans decades, and her impact was far-reaching and consequential. Citing Sims as “the definitive NACE leader and career services professional—smart, engaged, innovative, compassionate,” Manny Contomanolis, director, Office of Career Services, Harvard University, notes that “the NACE we know today was shaped by her vision and determination.”
In fact, Sims contributed much to the association behind the scenes; for example, she played a significant role in determining NACE’s current governance structure and strategic planning process. But she also took part in more outward-facing initiatives, such as working with the regional associations to move NACE’s conference schedule from once every three years and transform it into an annual, and now marquee, event.
Sims touched nearly every facet of NACE’s work through participation in and leadership of more than 20 committees and task forces—including the Nominating Committee, Principles Committee, Honors and Recognition Committee, National Meeting Planning Committee, Global Initiative Action Team, Strategic Planning Committee, and Global Recruitment Symposium Task Force. Most recently, she served on and chaired NACE’s Advocacy Advisory Committee. Sims shared her expertise and insights through articles and presentations, and served on the faculty for the Management Leadership Institute.
Her contributions earned her induction into the NACE Academy of Fellows, NACE’s most significant designation, in 2002; in 2006, she was also honored for her impact on the association through the Kauffman Award.
Beyond the awards and accolades, she will be remembered—as Tom Devlin, UC-Berkeley says—as “a remarkable person who lived life to the fullest.”
A memorial service was held for Sims in early December. Donations may be made in her name to Hospice of the Panhandle, Project Koru, or the Jefferson County Animal Welfare Society, 23 Poor Farm Rd., Kearneysville, WV 25430.
Posted December 7, 2022
