The 100% Career Ready initiative—the largest supported funding priority in the Elevate campaign, with more than 16,000 donors championing academic excellence—promises that every Northern Arizona University student will graduate not only with a degree, but with the confidence, experience, and skills to thrive in a changing world.
Led by Academic Affairs in collaboration with NAU’s Career Development Office, the effort brings career preparation into every corner of campus—from the liberal arts and sciences to business, engineering, and healthcare.
“The 100% Career Ready initiative is about ensuring that students graduating from all our programs have learned capacities, knowledge, and skills that will prepare them for the careers they will pursue with the degrees that they’re earning,” said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Karen Pugliesi.
Career readiness in many courses at NAU follow some, if not all, of eight key competencies identified by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)—skills like communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and professionalism. These are strengthened through hands-on experiences such as internships, undergraduate research, study abroad, and capstone projects. Faculty across the university are working closely with career development professionals to weave career exploration and planning directly into their courses.
“NAU has always educated students for success after graduation,” said Vice Provost for Academic and Workforce Alliances Yvonne M. Luna. “100% Career Ready is making career readiness explicit—for faculty and students alike. We’re also bringing career supports to students in their classrooms.”
That intentional approach is visible in classrooms like SPA 309: Spanish for the Health Sciences, taught by Assistant Vice Provost for Career Readiness Strategy Jersus Colmenares, where students shadow doctors serving Spanish-speaking patients—learning to communicate with cultural fluency and professionalism. In MST 250: Exploring Museums—Curiosities, Collections, and Controversies, taught by Associate Teaching Professor Becky Pratt-Sturges, students collaborate with local museums on digital storytelling projects, blending academic theory with real-world practice.
Supported in part by a Strada Foundation grant, matched by President José Luis Cruz Rivera, the initiative connects students and faculty with alumni and industry partners who share insights, mentor students, and help shape programs that reflect today’s workforce.
Already, the results are clear: 73 percent of NAU graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of earning their degree.
“At a time when prospective students, current students, and families are asking about the value of college degrees, we’re going to be sure they’re getting a robust return on their investment of time and money,” said Pugliesi.
