Randolph announces creation of new Experiential Learning Center
Randolph College has announced the creation of a new Experiential Learning Center (ELC), a major step forward in advancing the College’s strategic plan and expanding high-impact learning opportunities for students.
“I am pleased to announce the creation of Randolph College’s new Experiential Learning Center,” said Tim Smith, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “This center is a major step forward in fulfilling the College’s strategic plan and strengthening our ability to support students through high-impact learning experiences.”
The new ELC will bring three existing areas together into one unified center:
- The Career Development Center
- The Center for Undergraduate Research
- The Office of International Programs and Services
By aligning these programs under one umbrella, the College will be better positioned to integrate experiential learning across academic and co-curricular life, ultimately helping students connect classroom learning with internships, research, global experiences, and career preparation.
As part of this transition, Randolph has hired Maegan Crews Fallen as senior director of the Experiential Learning Center.
Fallen previously served Randolph as director of the Career Development Center and brings deep knowledge of Randolph’s campus community and students. Most recently, she was the director of the Office of College and Career Success at Beacon of Hope. She is a graduate of William & Mary and has substantial experience in career services, experiential learning and helping connect students with resources to assist them in discovering their full potential.
In her new role, Fallen will provide full-time leadership for the ELC. Going forward, the Career Development Center, Center for Undergraduate Research, and the Office of International Programs and Services will be housed under the ELC umbrella.
The Experiential Learning Center is one of three centers outlined in Randolph’s strategic plan, along with the Teaching and Learning Center and the Academic Success Center.
Progress is already underway across all three areas. This fall, Randolph hired Andrew Walden as director of the Teaching and Learning Center, with programming scheduled to begin this spring. Planning also continues for the Academic Success Center under the leadership of Grant Kittrell, with renovations planned for the library to house student success and academic support services in a shared, accessible space.
Smith expressed appreciation for the directors whose work has helped strengthen these programs and laid the foundation for this new structure.
- Adrienne James, director of the Career Development Center, has expanded first-year engagement through the LMA course, developed substitute CDC programming for cancelled class meetings, and introduced services such as professional headshots and a career clothing closet for interview attire.
- Crystal Howell, an education professor and director of the Center for Undergraduate Research, oversees Randolph’s undergraduate research ecosystem, including the summer research program (in partnership with the program director), MARCUS, the Symposium of Artists and Scholars, and distribution of RISE funding for student research and creative projects.
- Joy McGrath, director of International Programs and Services, oversees study abroad programs and international student support, assists with the Global Scholars and Quillian travel programs, and has begun laying groundwork for future international partnerships, including recent travel abroad to support MOUs and exchange program development.
“Please join me in welcoming Maegan back to Randolph and in celebrating the important work being done across these areas as we continue building a stronger, more integrated student experience,” Smith said.
