In the new role, Kouakou provides leadership and strategic direction to the Career Development Council and is responsible for strengthening and expanding career development and experiential learning at Quinnipiac. Working closely with faculty and school-based staff, he also is accountable for setting and achieving campus-wide career readiness goals and immersive learning opportunities across all fields of study.

“I am very excited to join the Quinnipiac family and I am looking forward to supporting our students and alumni in their educational and professional journeys so they can achieve career success and a life of purpose,” Kouakou said. “I am very eager to work with faculty, staff, alumni and employers in building an infrastructure that will position Quinnipiac University as a national model for career development and experiential learning.”

Kouakou comes to Quinnipiac from Albion College where he served as dean of the School for Public Purpose and Professional Advancement. Kouakou brings extensive expertise in creating a career-development and experiential education infrastructure that empowers students to develop leadership and employability skills.

Kouakou holds a doctorate in higher education administration from Northeastern University with a focus on experiential learning’s impact on students’ professional success. He earned a master’s degree in economics from Brooklyn College and bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and business administration from York College.

This newly formed position advances Quinnipiac’s Strategic Plan by preparing graduates for the careers and citizenship of tomorrow. It expands our collective efforts to enhance access to career-related programs, activities and experiential opportunities for all students.

“This is an exciting and significant step for Quinnipiac as we build a comprehensive career education, planning and advising function,” Provost Debra Liebowitz said.