Mission

     The mission of the University Career Services office is to offer programs, services, and activities designed to empower our students in developing the necessary skills for life-long career satisfaction.

     Our goal is to better prepare students for the workforce or further education by:

-          Promoting self-exploration and awareness

-          Announcing career opportunities and resources

-          Establishing connections with local and national employers

-          Teaching self-marketing tools and techniques

-          Encouraging experienced learning and goal-setting

Meet the Staff 

Robin Kazmarek, Director, started at Stetson University in 2005 as the Assistant Director of Residential Life. She transitioned to University Career Services in the summer of 2007 and became Director in the summer of 2008. Robin has many years experience working in Higher Education. Before coming to Stetson, Robin worked at both private and public institutions including Duke, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, and Vanderbilt. Through her professional career, she has had the opportunity to work with students in the areas of financial aid, Greek life (fraternities and sororities), residential life, judicial affairs, and career services. Robin received both her B.S. in Family and Child Development and her M.A.Ed. in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA. She loves being a part of the Stetson family and looks forward to working with you.

Patrece Robinson, Assistant Director, joined the staff in July of 2008.  Involved in Arts Administration since 1980, she is Adjunct Professor at Stetson (since 2002) where she teaches Career Skills for upper division music students.  Patrece has served as Administrative Director for the Stetson International Guitar Workshop (1991-2005), as Director of the Stetson University Community School of the Arts (1993-1997), and as Business Manager for Central Florida Cultural Endeavors, Inc. and the Florida International Festival (2006-2007).   A native of Miami, Patrece graduated summa cum laude from Florida State University with Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in piano performance where she was a student of the great Hungarian/American pianist, Edward Kilenyi.  Committed to service in the Central Florida community, Patrece regularly volunteered in the Volusia County schools and managed competitive youth soccer teams for 15 years. She resides in DeLand with her husband, Stephen, and together they have raised four sons.

John Sheehy, Career Development Coordinator, now a four year member of the Stetson family, began as a contracted consultant in the office of Career Management, within the Lynn Business Center’s School of Business Administration.  John continually strives to bridge the gap between the corporate world and the student body through use of his Business degree and ongoing professional relationships: “By doing so, on behalf of our students we collaboratively assist in setting them (our students) up for a successful, enjoyable and prosperous career.”  The CDC position within University Career Services office affords John the opportunity to use his refined skills of mentoring, counseling, event management, and team building attributes acquired through years of diligent and professional management positions.  John enjoys living in DeLand, FL with his wife Amy, of 17 years, his two children, John-Michael (a sophomore at DeLand High), his Daughter, Riley (a seventh grade student at DeLand Middle School), and their American Bulldog Ruby. John has a strong belief that, “We are here for the students well being, and must have them at the top of our priority list.”  You can often hear John saying about his work with Students: “It’s what I do, and I love to do it."

Abbie Heisner, Coordinator, recently graduated from Stetson University with a Bachelor Degree in Accounting and is currently working towards her Master of Accountancy.  Currently, she serves as the vice-president of Beta Alpha Psi accounting, finance, and information systems honor society and is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma business honor society.  As an undergraduate student at Stetson University, she held leadership positions in many campus organizations, including the Student Government Association, Into the Streets volunteering organization, the Community Engagement Core, and Alpha Kappa Psi professional business fraternity.  She also served as a resident assistant of Chaudoin Hall.  Abbie has been recognized as Stetson University’s Student Leader of the Year, Student Mentor of the Year, and Facilitator of the Year.  She is very excited to be a part of the University Career Services team and looks forward to helping students as they pursue their career goals.  

Ian "Cal" Conrad, Graduate Assistant, is currently working towards a Master of Business Administration at Stetson University’s DeLand campus. A Jacksonville native, Cal received his Bachelor of Music (Cum Laude) in May 2009 at Stetson and remains an active pianist, studying and giving performances on campus.   During his undergraduate career, Cal was recognized for his academic achievements and received the Everbank Scholarship, Stetson University’s Dean’s Scholarship, and was named to the Dean’s List multiple semesters. In 2006, he was the recipient of the DuPont-Ball Research Paper Competition’s highest award: the Evans C. Johnson Research Prize for his essay on the piano works of Beethoven and Schubert. Additionally for two years, Cal served as Stage Crew Manager for the School of Music where he oversaw the staffing and production of the majority of the university’s music concerts. During his final semester as an undergraduate, Cal performed his Senior Piano Recital in H. Douglas Lee Chapel. It was in this recital that he programmed Prokofiev’sVisions Fugitives, a set of twenty piano pieces which had never been performed in its entirety at Stetson. He considers this performance to be the “crowning achievement of [his] artistic career at Stetson.” Cal is thrilled to be a member of the Career Services staff and looks forward to assisting students with any academic or career questions they have.

Annette Accorto, Administrative Specialist joined the staff in 2007 and has extensive experience in office management, administrative support and customer service.  Her 18 years of service includes work in the banking industry as well as the private sector.  Annette most recently worked for the National Alliance for Youth Sports, an organization that promotes the value and importance of sports and physical activities in the development of our youth.  She has raised four sons, one of whom is a student at Stetson University. She also has enjoyed volunteering and community service through the public school system and parks and recreation department. Annette is delighted to be a part of the University Career Services team in their mission to provide resources and information to Stetson’s students, as they prepare for their transition to satisfying employment.

Our student work-study staff consists of Anthony, Bashorat and Michael.  Each can offer a student's perspective on opportunities, answer a quick question, or help with referencing and using tools in our office.