UNH CaPS program recognized for DEI impact

Monday, September 27, 2021

Hood House, home to UNH's Career and Professional Success (CaPS) office.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has recognized the work of UNH’s Career and Professional Success (CaPS) office on the Diversity and Inclusion Employer Champion Program, featuring the program in its Best Practices series online for the impact it has had on diversity, equity and inclusion.

The program – led by Raina Sprague, director of employer relations, and Amanda Sophinos, technology and data optimization director, of CaPS – was created in part to provide employers with tools to “start or expand diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging initiatives.”

“Formal recognition of the Employer Champion Program is timely and well-deserved. CaPs created a formalized means for students to make connections with organizations that would be more inclined to foster a sense of belonging for them, which is a big deal,” says Nadine Petty, chief diversity officer and associate vice president for community, equity and diversity. “The program has been well-received and there’s a reckoning here that can’t be ignored – a reckoning that speaks to a greater need for companies to rise to the DEI expectations of a younger work force. It also incentivizes DEI efforts and creates meaningful opportunity for both students and organizations who choose to take part. It’s a win-win.”

Adds Trudy Van Zee, associate vice provost of career and professional success: ““We are thrilled to have the diversity, equity and inclusion efforts of our CaPS team celebrated at a national level,” says Trudy Van Zee, associate vice provost of career and professional success. “This recognition is a direct reflection of the tremendous leadership exhibited by Raina Sprague and Amanda Sophinos, who have so effectively guided the program, as well as the good work of the committee they oversee. UNH is deeply committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and we are proud to be a part of that.”

The NACE feature outlines the program in detail, highlighting the work Sprague and Sophinos have done in building and leading the initiative.

“As a broader institution, the University of New Hampshire is committed to building and nurturing an environment of inclusive excellence where all students, faculty, and staff can thrive,” Sprague is quoted as saying in the story. “We believe diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion are foundational values inextricably linked to achieving our core educational mission.”

Photographer: 
Scott Ripley | UNH Marketing | scott.ripley@unh.edu | 603-862-1855