Bristol, Tennessee, September 25, 2025
News Summary
King University has introduced a ‘career closet’ initiative at Nicewonder Hall to assist students in obtaining professional attire for job interviews. This resource, created in collaboration with former Sullivan County Deputy District Attorney General Gene Perrin, offers a variety of clothing options such as suits, ties, shirts, and dresses. The initiative aims to enhance students’ confidence and improve their job prospects by providing suitable attire for interviews and networking events.
BRISTOL, TENNESSEE — King University has launched a new initiative known as the “career closet,” located at Nicewonder Hall, designed to aid students in acquiring professional attire for job interviews. The initiative aims to provide students with suitable clothing options to enhance their confidence and improve their chances of securing employment.
The career closet was initiated through a partnership with former Sullivan County Deputy District Attorney General Gene Perrin. Perrin donated several suits for the project, sharing his aspiration to support students as they prepare for career opportunities. Amanda Pollard, the Director of Career Services at King University, conceptualized the project months prior, feeling it gained momentum when Perrin stepped forward with his contributions.
The closet is stocked with an assortment of professional clothing items, including suits, ties, dress shirts, skirts, and dresses, all suitable for interviews and networking events. This provides a valuable resource for students, many of whom have limited experience in shopping for formal attire or understanding the standards of professional dress.
Students can visit the closet to try on clothing items that fit their needs, with the option to either borrow or keep the attire. Pollard emphasized that this initiative allows for necessary discussions about professional clothing expectations within various industries. Additionally, the career closet will support events, such as LinkedIn photo days, enabling students to approach their headshots suitably dressed.
Perrin aims to mentor the next generation of professionals and underscores the significance of professional attire as a symbol of respect. He intends for this initiative to empower students in their job search endeavors and contribute to their professional development.
Pollard is hopeful for more donations to the closet, specifically seeking both men’s and women’s professional clothing, along with accessories like ties and belts. However, the closet is not currently accepting shoe donations. The director believes that the right attire can markedly boost a student’s confidence when entering interviews, leading to better chances of success.
This new career closet initiative is indicative of a broader recognition of the importance of professional presentation in obtaining job opportunities. By equipping students with the necessary tools to present themselves well, King University is actively supporting their transition from education to employment.
Key Features of the Career Closet
- Location: Nicewonder Hall, King University
- Partnership: Gene Perrin, former Sullivan County Deputy District Attorney General
- Clothing available: Suits, ties, dress shirts, skirts, dresses
- Purpose: Assist students with professional attire for interviews and networking
- Donation appeal: Seeking men’s and women’s professional clothing, ties, and belts (no shoes)
- Events supported: LinkedIn photo days for professional headshots
FAQ Section
What is the purpose of the King University career closet?
The purpose of the career closet is to assist students in obtaining professional attire for job interviews.
Who partnered with King University to create the career closet?
Former Sullivan County Deputy District Attorney General Gene Perrin partnered with King University to create the career closet and donated several suits for the project.
What types of clothing are available in the career closet?
The closet features a variety of professional clothing items including suits, ties, dress shirts, skirts, and dresses suitable for job interviews or networking events.
How can students acquire clothing from the career closet?
Students can visit the closet to try on clothing items that fit and to either borrow or keep the clothing that they select.
What is Amanda Pollard’s hope for the future of the career closet?
Amanda Pollard hopes for more donations to the closet, specifically seeking both men’s and women’s professional clothing, accessories like ties and belts, but is not accepting shoe donations.
Chart: Key Features of the Career Closet
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Nicewonder Hall, King University |
| Partner | Gene Perrin, former Sullivan County Deputy District Attorney General |
| Clothing Offered | Suits, ties, dress shirts, skirts, dresses |
| Eligibility | Available to King University students |
| Collection Appeal | Seeking donations of men’s and women’s professional clothing, ties, and belts (no shoes) |
| Support for Events | LinkedIn photo days for headshots |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Herald Courier: Local Education Initiative
- Wikipedia: Career Services
- Wilmington Biz: Alumni and Career Services
- Google Search: Career Development
- Grammy: Conference on Career Opportunities
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Career
- Study in Canada: Summer Jobs and Student Life
- Google News: Student Employment Resources
- Newark Advocate: Denison Data Sciences Center Funding
- Google Scholar: Career Services Initiatives
- The Front: Career and Internship Fair 2024
- Google Search: Internship Opportunities
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
