Just Off College Avenue

Hospitality and Tourism are growing industries in Southwest Virginia and to respond to that demand, UVA Wise has been cultivating programs that align with regional needs. Scott Morrow, Instructor of Hospitality and Casino Gaming, joins us to discuss these opportunities. Through his work to connect and strengthen relationships that benefit students, Scott is known as the jobs and relationship guy by his network.

Looking for ways to contact Scott? Check out his LinkedIn, reach out via email, or drop by his office in Smiddy, room 233!

What's keeping Scott curious? The possibilities tied to expanding the hospitality and tourism program, particularly in the gaming sector, at UVA Wise.

“I wanted to be missed,” states Steven who participated in UVA’s Brain Institute in Charlotteville, VA over the summer. “I don’t just want to be like a tourist. I walk in the lab and I do what tasks are handed to me.” In today’s episode, Steven, a senior at UVA Wise, talks about his summer experienceand the value of taking advantage of the opportunities that are available to you while in college. To connect, you can email him at [email protected].

To stay curious, Steven suggests connecting with yourself through writing! Maybe even take a chance and submit your piece to UVA Wise’s literary publication the Jimson Weed.

Doing a summer experience, such as being a research intern like Gabbriella, can spark realizations for students exploring career pathways. In this episode, Gabriella shares about their summer experience and the knowledge they gained from doing research with UVA’s Research Internship program in Charlotteville, VA.

Staying curious is always on our radar and the suggestion this week is discovering connecting threads in the things you are learning! Sometimes topics and interests are more intertwined than you might have guessed.

Are you stressing about what you will do after graduation? In this episode, we talk with MJ Holden who is Spring 2026 graduate of UVA Wise as she shares insights on her early career at People Inc. and creating opportunities for growth. Those who have additional questions for MJ can reach her via email at [email protected] or call (276) 608-6664!

Don’t forget to stay curious, Cavs! MJ’s curiosity suggestion is Now It All Makes Sense: How an ADHD Diagnosis Brought Clarity to My Life by Alex Partridge, a book that made a profound impact on their late ADHD diagnosis.

Carolyn, with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia’s statewide internship initiative, VTOP, joins us to talk about what employers are looking for in early career talent. As an individual with 40+ years in academia, Carolyn shares a wealth of knowledge for students looking to make a lasting impact on employers. Want more guidance? Contact Carolyn through LinkedIn or at [email protected]!

Today’s curiosity suggestion is to attend a conference or webinar. Carolyn expresses that there is endless knowledge to gain from utilizing these professional development opportunities.

Being a non-traditional student comes with its struggles and advantages. In this episode, we talk with Andy Huffman, a 2nd year student, about his experience navigating the non-traditional student experience at UVA Wise. Want to connect with Andy? Reach out via Instagram (@huffmanandy13), Facebook, or through email at [email protected].

Don’t forget to stay curious this summer! Andy has been staying curious through The Hunger Games series, specifically the newest book release of Sunrise on the Reaping and the upcoming movie release. So, check out Susanne Collins or other related authors for an immersive world building experience!  

In today’s episode, we talk about applying to graduate school. From when to start considering graduate programs and information sessions to looking for funding, we cover it all with Mark McNalley! Currently, Mark works in graduate admissions at Purdue University’s Mitch Daniels School of Business, but his career in academia has allowed him to navigate various areas of student affairs and admissions.

As an alum of UVA Wise, Mark is passionate about assisting students as a self-proclaimed bridge builder. Looking for ways to connect with Mark? Check out his LinkedIn page or send him an email at [email protected].

Today’s curiosity suggestion includes checking out the podcast Hey, Riddle Riddle, playing board games, and the book Play the Man by Mark Patterson. Drop a comment with your curiosity suggestion!

We are happy to have Natalie Blankenship, the Academic & Professional Program Manager with UVA Wise’s Office of Strategic Engagement & Government Relations, join us for this week’s episode! Natalie has a background working in admissions as well workforce readiness which makes her a great candidate to talk about continuing professional development after graduation.

To participate in the programming mentioned in this episode, please visit https://www.swcenter.edu/uvawise/ . Want to learn more from Natalie? She is reachable at [email protected] or by calling her work line at (276) 639- 0686. You can also talk to her about program related scholarships.

Today, staying curious means taking care of yourbody! Suggested is using a kettle bell to build lean muscle. Working out can seem like a daunting endeavor, but if you keep your body moving you will maintain a healthy brain. So, let’s hit the gym!

Follow your dreams, or your passions in this case! Finding ways to make your passions the soul focus ofyour daily life is difficult and has many obstacles. Damean, a published alum, talks about when he identified his passion for literature and writing as well as how he was able to connect with the Appalachian Writer’s Guild community to foster his craft. Students who are interested in pursuing their passion as acareer will benefit from hearing about Damean’s journey and the advice he thinks is important for not getting discouraged.

Interested in Damean’s publications? Check out Barnes and Noble or Amazon. On his website, dameanmattews.com, you can keep up with events to see him in person. Looking for more ways to connect? Damean is on Instagram and TikTok as mr.author91 as well as hosting a Facebook page. If you would like to join his pen pal group, SWVA and Beyond, don’t hesitate to reach out to him on one of the various platforms previously mentioned.

We can’t forget the curiosity suggestion! Damean is fascinated by Appalachian cryptids and the supernatural, so he spends his free time looking into the many stories to discover new creatures. In thatsame vain, he listens to Old Gods of Appalachia, an ‘eldritch horror fiction’ podcast that leans into legend, creating an immersive experience.

Have you wondered how to get involved with research on campus and the impact it can have on your professional endeavors? In this episode, we talk with Kenley Eisenminger about their experience creating connections, finding their niche, and how presenting research has propelled their undergraduate career while attending UVA Wise. Have questions about pursuing research? You can reach Kenley on Instagram: @fellowferalgardener, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenley-eisenmenger , or through email (until graduation): [email protected].

Kenley has been involved in various research projects which you can view from the links below. 1.Caves, Clay, and Communication: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Connecting Art and Science (Independent Research, nationally funded): https://gsameetings.secure-platform.com/connects25/solicitations/103002/sessiongallery/schedule/items/95343/application/11108

2.How GSA Foundation Support Transforms Careers: Voices from Our Community, page 35 (Interview for FINS at GSA, nationally funded and FINS funded): https://rock.geosociety.org/net/gsatoday/archive/35/3/pdf/i1052-5173-35-3.pdf

3.Testing Different Sampling Methods To Study Actinobacteria In Pristine Vs Human-Impacted Karst Sites (FINS funded): https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2025SE/meetingapp.cgi/Session/58191

4.The Way a Cave Sings (Senior Final at MECC filmed by Lone Mountain Productions): https://youtu.be/7xn75eh-llY?si=S27EIXvpBhG3zFL6

5.Virginians Are Restoring a Forest Economy Built on Herbs and Tradition, New York Times Article (assisted Dr. Ryan Huish and the Eastern Band of the Cherokee in the Appalachian Indigenous Land Histories and Ethnobotany class): https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/20/climate/virginia-farmers-herbs-appalachia.html

**Cave Safety Training is new for Virginia State Parks, so the cleaning procedures are in the process of being finalized. Check the Virginia Department of Conservation and Research (DCR) website for updates. Don't forget to stay curious like Kenley! They suggest looking into different American Histories such as the influence of Jazz on Pop music. #careerchat #research #uvawise