Collin McRae

Student Profile

Collin McRae (BA '09)

 "I wouldn't even want to imagine myself at another School..."

  Authella Collins Hawks

Director, Student Industry Resource Center

E-mail Ms.Hawks at hawks@msu.edu

Authella Collins Hawks is the director of the Student and Industry Resource Center (SIRC) for The School of Hospitality Business at the Eli Broad College of Business at Michigan State University. In this role she provides leadership for the placement of over 400 students in internships and graduate positions in The School. She also represents The School in developing and maintaining relationships with the industry , networking with hospitality business alumni and participating in industry functions and special events.

Collins Hawks has 16 years experience in higher education student development, including working with majority and minority student populations as well as experience working in the industry. She previously was the Assistant Director of the diversity programs office for the College of Engineering at MSU. She also has served as the academic advisor in engineering and as director of the High School Engineering Institute. From 1989 to 1993, she directed the advising unit of the Career, Academic and Personal Counseling Center at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa. Other professional experience includes serving as a buyer for the Rocketdyne Division of Rockwell International Corporation in Los Angeles.

Collins Hawks, a native of Seattle, earned a Master's in Education degree in Student Personnel Administration in higher education from Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Seattle Pacific University in Seattle. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees of Graceland University.

"Having worked extensively in higher education, as well as in a corporate setting, I am pleased to be able to serve as a mentor and support to students as they pursue their academic and professional goals," says Collins Hawks. "I also look forward to continuing and strengthening the unique partnership between students and industry that has long been a tradition in The School of Hospitality Business.

"Authella Collins Hawks brings almost two decades of student-focused experience to the SIRC," says Ronald F.Cichy, director of The School of Hospitality Business. "Her energy and enthusiasm, combined with her proven track record, will be a great asset to our students and to positioning our School as the leader in hospitality business."