Hartford-Area College Names New Head Of Career Center

HARTFORD, CT — Trinity College has named Sarah Bollinger its new executive director of the Career Center, bringing 15 years of experience in career development and student success initiatives to the Hartford institution.

The college announced the appointment Sept. 28, saying Bollinger will lead efforts to strengthen career readiness, expand professional opportunities and help students connect their academic experiences with life after graduation.

"We are thrilled to welcome Sarah Bollinger to Trinity College," said Sonia Cardenas, the college's provost and dean of faculty.

"A Trinity education prepares students to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage thoughtfully with the world. Sarah understands the importance of helping students connect those enduring strengths to opportunities beyond graduation, and we look forward to her leadership as we continue to expand pathways that support student success, career readiness, and lifelong learning."

Bollinger previously served as senior director of the Career Development Center at Fairfield University's Dolan School of Business.

During her time at Fairfield, she also worked as an adjunct professor of management and director of internships and professional development.

Her career has focused on connecting experiential learning, faculty mentoring, employer relationships, and alumni engagement to help students prepare for professional opportunities.

Bollinger holds a doctorate in education from Northeastern University, with expertise in higher education and workplace readiness. She also earned a bachelor's degree in media communication studies from Ursinus College.

In her new role, Bollinger said she hopes to make career development a central part of the undergraduate experience, beginning early in students' academic careers.

"One of the great strengths of a liberal arts education is that it develops durable skills: critical thinking, communication, creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, and the ability to learn and adapt," Bollinger said.

"I'm excited to help students recognize the value of what they are learning, build confidence in their abilities, and connect their academic experiences to opportunities beyond Trinity."

Bollinger said she plans to strengthen relationships between the Career Center and the college's academic departments, faculty, alumni, and employers.

"My vision is for the Career Center to be an integrated partner in the Trinity experience—I want career development to begin early and be woven throughout the student experience, with strong connections to faculty, academic programs, alumni, and employers," she said.

Founded in 1823, Trinity College is a private liberal arts institution in Hartford with approximately 2,100 students. The college has an alumni network of more than 30,000 graduates.