Kyla Karleskint
Associate Director of Career Development
Kyla Karleskint is the Associate Director of Career Development. She is dedicated to creating and delivering innovative programs to prepare students for the ever-changing job market. Prior to joining Abilene Christian University, Kyla worked in financial services as a Human Resources Director. She brings a holistic approach of mentoring and coaching students through the job analysis, recruitment and training process.
Specialties and Interests
Abilene CampusLauren Boyles
Career Development Advisor
Lauren Boyles serves as a career advisor for residential students. With 13+ years of experience in education, counseling, and the non-profit sectors, Lauren is currently a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Texas and a Certified Professional Résumé Writer. Lauren is also certified in the Strong Interest Inventory and is passionate about career development and fostering personal growth in higher education.
Specialties and Interests
Abilene CampusLaShae Grottis
Student Engagement Manager, ACU Dallas
With over 15 years experience in higher education, Dr. LaShae Grottis is the Student Engagement Manager at ACU-Dallas. She is dedicated to partnering with students to build a thriving online learning community through intentional connection, peer relationship building, and career development. As the Student Engagement Manager, one of her roles is to help online students in their career exploration and development. ACU Online students can make an appointment with her if they need assistance with resume reviews, interview skills, career assessments, and resources on where students can look for jobs and internships.
Specialties and Interests
Dallas online programsAnne Hocking
Director of Internships and Vocational Formation
Anne Hocking is the Director of Internships and Vocational Formation. She is passionate about experiential learning and connecting all experiences and careers to God’s purpose and mission. Before her current role, she worked in Academic Advising and with ACU Missions. She brings a love for the next generation, practical experiences, and intentionality in finding purpose and meaning into the workplace.
Chase Adair
Career Development Graduate Student
Chase Adair is a graduate student getting his M.A in English at ACU, with plans to get his PhD in World Literature. He hopes to one day teach World Literature at a university. Chase is passionate about stories from around the world and wants to share them with others as well as help students to write their own. Prior to joining Abilene Christian University, Chase worked as a nationally certified EMT (NREMT). Chase assists the career development office with résumé review, events, and employer relations.
Lauren Bridgeman Cox
Career Support Specialist
Lauren Bridgeman Cox works as the Career Support Specialist. After earning her Bachelors of Arts in English and Secondary Education from Ouachita Baptist University in 2023, she went on to earn her Masters of Arts in English from Abilene Christian University in 2025. In addition to two years of teaching experience, she has also worked as a writing tutor for four years, recently serving as ACU’s Writing Center Director from 2024-25. You may also find her in the Language and Literature Department, where she teaches CORE English courses as an Adjunct Instructor. When she’s not helping students with their career readiness or writing skills, she is reading and writing herself. She believes that writing is an essential skill, and that anyone can learn it no matter the major or career. Lauren has a passion for teaching others writing and editing skills, and sharing her love for writing.