By Coen North
BLUFFTON, Ohio – This past November, Chris Biltz was hired as the new director of the center for career and vocation.
Biltz was introduced to Bluffton University through his work as a part-time clinical educator for Bluffton’s nutrition and dietetics master’s program.
“That was my tie initially, I was helping Bethany Dario, [the Director of Nutrition and Dietetics] who’s a family friend,” said Biltz. “Having been here for a little bit, I realized that I really wanted to be here and be working with students again and transition into a campus job.”
Previous work experience
Biltz had worn many hats before securing his job as the director of career and vocation.
He has experience as a counselor, as a supervisor in the behavioral health field, as a hiring manager, and has worked with a workforce development grant as a project analyst. He also had previously done some work in the career and development space at the University of Toledo.
“This amalgamation of small jobs really prepared me well to come in and take on this director position of the center for career and vocation,” Biltz said.
“Coming from a counseling background, and having that toolbox to pull from, this job is an exciting application of those skills in a non-traditional way,” said Biltz. “I very much enjoy counseling, but I also have a very strong educational drive to teach as well, so this role for me is a really happy blending of those drives for myself.”
University work
Biltz has a passion for working with college students. “Being able to engage with students and share what I’m doing, have meaningful conversations, and work one on one with students to accomplish goals is absolutely my favorite [part of this job],” he said.
“Work is a big part of who you are and so when you’re figuring that out, that’s a big decision and being able to come alongside that is very impactful,” said Biltz. “It’s a critical moment to be able to help.”
Biltz is proud to say that his new center for career and vocation is the best spot on campus with all of the free snacks and drinks it offers, but he loves the reading room in the library too and also loves walking the sidewalks.
“I love getting out and hiking, so going building to building here and being in the trees and being in nature while being on campus, I love having moments in my day like that,” said Biltz.
Community on campus
While Biltz has been at Bluffton, he’s appreciated the noticeable community around the University.
“When you walk down the sidewalk to Marbeck, people say ‘Hi’ to you, which doesn’t happen everywhere, so that notion of it being very connected and communal as a campus was a huge draw for me,” said Biltz. “Even when I held the Nutrition and Dietetics clinical educator role, I picked up on that right way, that there is a very strong sense of community here.”
Biltz appreciated the campus community, but he has also cherished the sense of community among his coworkers as well.
“The nature of the work here is very collaborative, and the staff and faculty here are invested in the success of each other,” Biltz said. “I’ve never been more motivated to retire somewhere than I have been here because of how connected and supportive the faculty and staff are of each other. That’s a big deal to me as a new staff member.”
Biltz wants to welcome students to his Center for Career and Vocation who are interested in internship, graduate, or career opportunities.
“I am really passionate about helping students make connections and helping them take steps. I want them to know they don’t have to figure it out alone,” said Biltz. “I hope they use me and this space to help them be successful.”
