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Green takes over professional development center

Suzanne Douglas Green is helping prepare Grambling State University students professionally for jobs, interviews and careers, making them more marketable to employers.

“We're here to assess the students and their needs,” said Green, the new director of the Center of Student Professional Development in the College of Business.

Green started the job earlier in the semester after working as a digital coordinator in the university’s communications and media relations office. She is transitioning from Long-Jones Hall where she was based for 10 years.

Now located on the first floor of the business college, she regularly sees business, economics, computer science and engineering majors. 

The job became available when the previous director, Greta Carter, had the opportunity to work in the president’s office as a special assistant to GSU president Dr. Willie Larkin. 

Green is known to have a good reputation on campus, and students should look to her for help, according to some.

“Green definitely has a passion for Grambling,” said Mitzi LaSalle, interim director of university communications, marketing and media relations.

“She’s a remarkable person,” added Larkin. “Her new position is going to help GSU move forward.”

Green, 36, has been working at Grambling State for 10 years. She balances her life as the CSPD director as well as a wife, mother of four and a member of New Living Word Ministries in Ruston. 

“I focus on my relationship with God because that is what will center you when everything goes haywire,” said Green. “And depending on Him everything is going to work out right.”

Green grew up in Alexandria, Louisiana, where she attended Peabody High School. She majored in computer science at Grambling State as a college student then went on to pursue a master’s in public administration with a duel concentration in human resources and public management. 

She is a Ph.D. candidate in Jackson State University’s program for executive leadership in urban higher education.

Green is determined to see students assisted based on the center’s motto to serve as “a comprehensive college of business resource focused on supporting students successful matriculation through college and preparing through various career preparation workshops, networking sessions, mentoring and experimental opportunities.”

The center focuses on interpersonal skills, communication and decision-making and professionalism. Students can earn a certificate from the center after completing the courses within the four pillars.

“The main focus is professional development,” said Green. “I gauge success on the certification. There are so many workshops students have to take in the different core of pillars, and once they have achieved all those courses they will be certified.”  She said the overall goal is to help students intensify their professionalism as they prepare for careers.

Sometimes the center is confused with the university’s Office of Career Services. Both units focus on student success, but the center, located in Jacob T. Stewart Room 108, has a more narrow focus on business college students. 

“We have to work together to prepare all students for jobs,” said Green.