Following an exhaustive national search of career management professionals, Fisher College of Business has named Kevin J. Hardy its executive director of the college’s Office of Career Management.

Hardy arrives at Fisher with more than 20 years of experience in higher education career services, most recently at the University of Cincinnati’s Lindner College of Business.

For much of the past decade, he served as assistant dean of the college’s Career Services Center, a role in which he provided strategic vision and direction for a team of professionals serving undergraduate, graduate, and online students at UC. Lindner’s Career Services Center was recognized in 2019 by the Cooperative Education and Internship Association with the best practice award, and it received the 2023 exemplary career center award by the National Career Development Association.

Prior to his assistant dean position, he was associate director of the center’s Employer Relations team.

“It is no secret that our Office of Career Management is an invaluable resource for so many of our students,” said Anil K. Makhija, dean and John W. Berry, Sr. Chair in Business. “I am delighted to welcome Kevin to Fisher. I look forward to all the ways his demonstrated creativity and innovative spirit will build on our career success and further differentiate our students as among the most sought-after business talent in the world.”

Hardy’s previous career services experience spans higher education institutions both domestically and abroad including, Iowa State University, the University of Notre Dame and John Cabot University in Rome, Italy.

“Over 20 years ago, I began my career in the Career Center at the University of Notre Dame where I learned two invaluable lessons: the importance of relationships and providing outstanding customer service,” said Hardy, whose areas of expertise include employer relations, international opportunities and data.

“To this day, much of my success in this profession relates to those two attributes. Interacting with extremely important constituent groups — students, alumni, employers, faculty, staff, and donors — demands the very best from any career office. I am excited to bring my perspectives and expertise to Fisher to continue the great work of the Office of Career Management.”

Hardy earned a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University and a master’s degree from Purdue University.