VTOP “Top Employers” Honored with Formal Congratulations at Regional Event Showcasing Internship Impact

Virginia Talent and Opportunity Partnership (VTOP) celebrated its “Top Employers” event at Tidewater Community College’s Virginia Beach Campus Joint-Use Library on Wednesday morning, April 30. The program highlighted the value of internships and the strength of regional workforce development. The event brought together leaders in education, workforce development, and student interns to reflect the power of work-based learning experiences. TCC is newly partnered with VTOP with plans to connect students with more internship opportunities in the future.

Following a networking session, attendees were welcomed by Dr. Karen Campbell, TCC’s Vice President of Student Affairs who set the tone for a morning of insight and inspiration. Presentations began with key representatives from VTOP Region 5, including Sarah Jane Kirkland (Grant PI), Michelle Simmons (Project Manager), and Rita Yohe (Project Coordinator).

Alisha Bazemore, Assistant Director for Innovative Work-Based Learning Initiatives at the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, presented “Where is VTOP Now?”, updating guests on the program’s growth and impact.

Bazemore also presented data saying that VTOP reported that across 57 institutions, 24,094 students participated in a credit-bearing internships in Academic Year 2023-2024, an increase of about 4.3% compared to the 2022-2023 Academic Year.

VTOP supports the internship readiness of employers through modules and employer matching grants to small businesses. Bazemore noted that 768 employers participated in the Developing an Internship Program module and 327 employers have participated in the matching grants program. About 213 student interns have been hired through the matching grants program.

Joshua Sheffield, Director of Emerging Workforce- Hampton Roads Workforce Council, shared “The Impacts of Internships.” His remarks emphasized how internships bridge academic learning and professional experience.

Six local college students shared their personal stories about their internship experiences, followed by a Q&A session. The student panel included these students:

Alvin Spruill (Old Dominion University) at BMW of North America
Diana Tagbor (Old Dominion University) at Virginia House of Delegates
Rebecca Haegele (Virginia Wesleyan University) at Venture Electric Company and RK&K
Cameryn Conger (Christopher Newport University) at Norfolk Admirals
Shanequa Jamison-Nesbitt (Tidewater Community College) at TCC’s Student Resource and Empowerment Center
Zion Asamoah (Norfolk State University) at Wells Fargo

VTOP’s sponsors included multiple companies from the Hampton Roads area including Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group, City of Virginia Beach, Chartway Credit Union, LifeNet Health, Stihl, the YMCA, Norfolk International Airport, Wavy 10, and The Port of Virginia.

The VTOP “Top Employers” event served as a testament to the ongoing commitment to workforce readiness and the critical role of internships in shaping future professionals.

A lifetime of service to students and leaders

When Karen Campbell, Ph.D., was working on her bachelor’s at the University of Richmond, a mentor there suggested she look at higher education as a place where she could make a difference.

Campbell took that advice to heart and has spent 30 years helping students find their paths to success.

After working in area universities for more than a decade, Campbell joined TCC in 2005 as a Career Coach in area high schools. In that role, she directly supported students beginning their higher education journeys.

Over the years, Campbell has served in various leadership positions before being selected to the top spot for student services. She currently serves as vice president for student affairs and provides college-wide leadership for admissions, recruitment, registration, advising, education accessibility, student success, student activities, career services and more.

“I enjoy what I do every day,” Campbell said. “It’s rewarding to provide support for those who come through our doors as they prepare for the work they want to pursue.”

In her free time, Campbell also serves as state chair of the American Council on Education’s Women’s Virginia Network. The mission of the group is to identify, develop, advance, and support women in higher education.

“We all give our time to make sure women in Virginia have the skills and confidence to go to the next level if they choose to do so,” Campbell said.

“We encourage women to consider positions out of their comfort zone and to also look at their skills through a different lens,” she added. “Ultimately, we encourage, engage and provide a network to help women leaders advance to the positions they seek.”

For those who may be considering careers in higher education in the future, Campbell says it is still a great place to make your mark while making a difference for others.

“I want everyone to know that higher education is a place you can learn and grow as a professional. It’s also a place where you can help other learners understand who they are and create confidence to build the leaders of the future.”

In her free time, Campbell enjoys traveling to experience different cultures and to learn people’s stories. So far she has visited 25 countries and territories.