Kerri Zold is the new manager of Co-operative Education & Workplace Partnerships. [ANGELA KHARBOUTLI/University of Windsor]
By Sara Elliott
For Kerri Zold, stepping into the role of manager of Co-operative Education & Workplace Partnerships feels like coming home.
“When the opportunity came up to come back here, I knew I wanted to return to where my heart is,” she says.
Zold says she thrives in roles that connect directly to the student experience—especially those that help students link their time at university to their post-convocation goals.
Over the past 20 years, she has brought her passion for career development and work-integrated learning to a range of positions on campus, including career advisor, co-op coordinator, applied learning coordinator and manager of what is now the Career Centre.
“I was fortunate to work in frontline roles with students. That experience is invaluable now that I’m leading a team that continues to do that work every day,” she says.
What hasn’t changed, she adds, is students’ drive to participate, gain experience and build connections that help them stand out—whether they pursue further education, full-time employment, entrepreneurship or another path.
Zold has spent most of her University of Windsor career within the Office of Experiential Learning, contributing to both Career Development & Experiential Learning and Co-operative Education & Workplace Partnerships. A few years ago, she took a detour into Human Resources, gaining new insights and relationships.
“I’m deeply grateful for the learning and perspective I gained in Human Resources. That experience will serve me well in this role and any future ones,” Zold says.
In August 2025, Zold returned to the Office of Experiential Learning, where she now supports students in UWindsor’s Co-operative Education and Internship programs, helping them complement their academic studies with full-time paid work experiences.
She says she’s energized by the start of a new semester.
“It’s great to see the campus come alive again—I’m here for it,” she says.
“I don’t think I’m alone in longing for that tangible reminder to all faculty and staff of why we do this work. Our efforts truly have a meaningful impact.”