The University of Vermont Career Center is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Career Champion Awards: Zyakkiriah Rhoden, Assistant Director for Student Life, and Dr. Jeremy Sibold, Professor of Rehabilitation and Movement Science. The annual award recognizes UVM faculty and staff who go above and beyond to support students in their career development journeys.
Zyakkiriah Rhoden: Staff Career Champion
“Being recognized as a UVM Career Champion is very meaningful and affirming,” said Rhoden. “As someone who was a first-generation college student, I understand firsthand how overwhelming and isolating it can feel to navigate college and future career paths without guidance or representation.”
Rhoden attended UVM as a Public Health Sciences major, as well as serving as an orientation leader, an AdvoCat tour guide, student government leader, as well as founding UVM Firsts, a student-led organization for first generation students.
“I always remind students that their lived experiences matter,” said Rhoden. “The challenges they’ve faced, the communities they come from, and the values that drive them, all of that should be embraced, not hidden.”
Dr. Jeremy Sibold: Faculty Career Champion
“The recognition is nice, I am honored,” said Sibold. “All I do, and have done, across my career has always been with my students as my first priority, always.”
Known for his engaging teaching style, mentorship and his research on exercise science and mental health, Sibold’s impact on students extends far beyond the classroom.
“Macro Patience, Micro Speed,” said Sibold, when asked about career advice to students, referencing author and entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk. “In other words, it's great to have long term goals – grad school, career etc. But don't lose sight of critical steps today, or this week, or this semester, that lead to those big aspirations. Get good at prioritizing and making decisive actions on a daily basis, focusing on making small improvements that accumulate over time that are aimed at your long-term destination.”
Please join us in celebrating the great work of our Career Champions and all of our nominees. To learn more about the Career Champion Award, please the Career Center’s website: https://www.uvm.edu/career/career-champion-award