Office of Career Development Staff & Contact Information

The Office of Career Development provides comprehensive services designed to assist students and alumni in the career exploration and decision-making process. We strive to teach students the skills necessary to put their liberal arts degree to work.

Shana Plasters - Director

Shana Plasters received her Master of Science degree in Student Personnel Services from Central Missouri State University in 1994. She also completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication, with a photocommunication emphasis, from Pittsburg (KS) State University in 1992. Shana has worked in numerous student affairs areas during her 10 years in higher education; beginning her career at the University of Idaho and Washington State University where she worked with orientation, student activities and union management. Most recently, she was at Elon University (NC) where she coordinated and directed a comprehensive leadership program. Her professional areas of interest are centered around experiential education, challenge courses, and leadership development. A Kansas native, Shana lived in both the Pacific Northwest and the South before returning to her Midwest roots. Personally she enjoys outdoor activities and time with her family.

Heather Nagelkerk - Associate Director

Heather Nagelkerk received her Master of Education degree in College Student Affairs Leadership in 2004 from Grand Valley State University. She also completed a Bachelor of Art Degree in Communication and Social Sciences at Aquinas College in 2001. Heather has worked in a variety of student affairs areas during graduate school and beyond. She started out working in the Student Life Office at Grand Rapids Community College and most recently coordinated campus wide events at Davenport University. The other areas she has worked in include Career Development, Academic Advising, Financial Aid, Admissions, Service Learning, and Assessment. Heather is interested in Leadership Development and Service Learning. Outside of working in Career Development, she enjoys outdoor activities, playing the piano, going to the beach, spending time with friends and family, and traveling to new places.

Erik Achenbach - Associate Director

Erik Achenbach received his Master of Arts degree in Counselor Education from Wester Michigan University (WMU) in 2001. He also received his Bachelor of Arts at WMU in 1992, majoring in both English and Psychology with a concentration in secondary education. Erik began his post-graduate professional career in 2001 as a home based treatment specialist through Community Mental Health of St. Joseph County, where he provided case management and mental health counseling services to children and their families. Currently beginning his 5th year at Albion College, Erik has worked in a variety of roles with the Division of Student Affairs including part-time counselor in Counseling Services, retention and at-risk case management in the main Student Affairs and First Year Experience offices. Currently, he maintains responsibilities as an Associate Director in the First-Year Experience and Career Development offices. Outside of his professional life at Albion College, Erik enjoys playing disc golf, listening to music and spending time with his wife and two daughters.

Prudie DeWaters - Administrative Secretary

Prudie DeWaters has worked in the Office of Career Development since January 2004. Prudie previously worked at Jacobson Stores Inc. as Executive Secretary for the Senior Vice President until Jacobson’s went bankrupt. She worked at Jacobson’s for 18 years. Prudie is married and has two daughters. In her spare time she loves to go camping, ride in their dune buggy and spend time with family and friends.