The Dr. Glenn L. Clayton Award

Karen Carter Hagans `81 received her Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing from Ashland University and her Master of Arts in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University. She is a certified job search strategist, a certified career management coach and she is also Myers-Briggs qualified. Hagans is passionate about coaching individuals in areas of vocational exploration, discovery and pursuit. In 1984, Hagans started as the Assistant Dean for Student Development at Otterbein University, later becoming Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and the Director of Career Development at Bluffton University. From 2008-2009, Hagans served as the Director of Career Services and Internships at Lake Erie College. In 2003, she started her current position with KMB Career Quest in Medina as a Career Coach. She had a number of stints with Ashland College/University, including serving from 1987 to 1994 and from 1999 to 2007, and again in 2001 to 2017. Hagans started at AU as Director of Career Development and currently holds the position of Executive Director of Career Services. Hagans started her teaching career at Ashland University as an instructor of the required Freshman Studies course. She also served as an academic advisor to students during their freshman year and to any “undecided” upperclassmen. Hagans then became an instructor at The University of Akron and Medina County University Center as she taught an elective Career Planning course. Hagans made her return to Ashland University teaching a required Lifetime Wellness course and she recently team-taught the elective Life Calling courses. She has received the Academic Mentor Award and the Alumni Association Special Achievement Award from Ashland University. On the Ashland University Alumni Board, Hagans has served as President, Vice President and Activities Chair. Additionally, for the Ohio College Personnel Association, she has served as President, Conference Presenter, Conference Co-Chair, Placement Chair and Program Chair. Hagans also participated in the Ohio College Personnel Association as a member and as a part of the election committee. The association awarded her with two awards at the annual Ohio College Personnel Association in January. She will leave her full-time position with Ashland University in May after 33 years as a higher education professional.