Empowering Your Journey, Every Step of the Way

The Eugene P. Beard Center for Student Success (CSS) is a hub for academic guidance, professional development, and personal support for business students. The mission of the CSS is to empower students to achieve their personal and professional goals through holistic and personalized support, innovative learning experiences, and meaningful connections with community and industry leaders.

The CSS aspires to be the leading personalized services ecosystem that transforms the student journey into a seamless, enriching, and outcome-driven experience, positioning students to make a profound difference in their careers and in the world.

The strategic pillars that guide the Beard Center for Student Success are:

  • Provide outstanding and personalized student service
  • Foster a culture of belonging, inclusion, and long-term engagement
  • Empower students to make informed decisions for educational and career success
  • Provide enriching experiential opportunities fostering learning and career readiness

From Day One to Graduation and Beyond

Your Goals. Your Journey. Our Commitment.

At the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business, your success begins when you say "yes."  The CSS empowers students to thrive academically, professionally, and personally. Whether starting your undergraduate journey, advancing your career with graduate studies, or maximizing your success with professional development, the CSS provides the support, resources, and connections you need to succeed.

A One-Stop Hub for a 360° Student Experience 

The 7th floor of Rockwell Hall is a modern, welcoming home base where students find guidance, academic support, career development, peer mentors, tutors, and community. Our student support network is a partnership between the student and our five full-time success coaches who value collaboration, connection, and a shared commitment to your success.

Our Student Success Coaches are full-time, year-round professionals dedicated to helping you navigate your time at Duquesne. From choosing a major or minor to preparing for interviews or managing your academic options, they share knowledge and provide practical advice to keep you on track. Whether you're planning your next steps or working through a challenging semester, your coach is a reliable partner throughout your journey.

Proven path to growth.

Define

From day one, you're matched with a dedicated Student Success Coach who works with you to define your goals and map a clear path forward. Your coach is a trusted resource—helping you navigate academic choices, career options, and long-term objectives with focus and clarity.

Develop

You'll gain the skills employers want through hands-on learning, professional coaching, and targeted support. With internships, experiential learning, networking opportunities, and professional development, you'll graduate confident, capable, and ready to succeed in a fast-changing world.

Differentiate

By graduation, you'll stand out—for what you have learned and who you have become. You will connect your skills, experiences, and goals into a clear, compelling story that gets noticed. In a competitive job market, it's not enough to show up—you need to show what sets you apart. Here, you will become a true difference-maker.

At the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business, everything we do is built around you.

Our student-centered approach provides the support, resources, and flexibility to tailor your education to your goals and passions. From the day you say "yes" through graduation and beyond, we're here to help you thrive.

Explore the many Student Services we offer.

Student Success Team

Becky Ellsworth

Becky Ellsworth

Assistant Dean for Academic Programs and Student Affairs | One-Year MBA

Chris Hilf

Chris Hilf

Associate Director for Student Success | Finance, GC/MS-Finance, Flex MBA Joint Degrees, Flex MBA (subset)

Shakeria Carter

Shakeria Carter

Student Success Coach | IST, Management, Business and Law 3+3, GC/MS-Analytics & Information Management, Flex MBA (subset)

Michelle Curry

Michelle Curry

Student Success Coach | Discover (undeclared), Economics, Entrepreneurship, GC-Entrepreneurship, MS-Entrepreneurial Leadership, Flex MBA (subset)

Jasmine Jones-Reed

Jasmine Jones-Reed

Student Success Coach | Accounting, Supply Chain, MS-Accountancy, GC/MS-Supply Chain Management, Flex MBA (subset)

Jessica Parr

Jessica Parr

Student Success Coach | Marketing, Flex MBA (subset)

Sloan Spinks

Sloan Spinks

Student Success Coordinator


From Our Students

Jason Garland

"My Student Success Coach continues to be a source of support who understands that I have big goals. He elevates me, lets me know about new opportunities, and supports my triple major by helping me map out my graduation plan."

Jason Garland B'27, Finance, Accounting & Entrepreneurship Triple Major

History of the Center

The Eugene P. Beard Center for Student Success was made possible by the generosity of Eugene P. Beard (B'59, MBA'61). Mr. Beard retired as Chairman of Old Westbury Funds, Inc., a multi-billion-dollar investment company, and Vice Chair of Finance and Operations at the Interpublic Group of Companies, a global advertising company.

For more than two decades, Mr. Beard’s gifts to the School of Business have transformed students' lives, enabled groundbreaking research, and improved programs in ethics and sustainability. Mr. Beard’s contributions make him one of the most generous donors in the history of the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business.

In 2023, the School hosted a dedication ceremony in the Welcome Center of the Beard Center for Student Success. This joyous event celebrated the state-of-the-art renovations of the 7th floor and officially marked a new era in student success and achievement.
Eugene Beard poses with Duquesne University President, Ken Gormley and Dean McFarlin, Dean of the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business.

Read More About the Dedication