Bristol, Tennessee, September 25, 2025
News Summary
King University in Bristol, Tennessee has inaugurated a new ‘career closet’ in Nicewonder Hall to provide students with access to professional clothing for interviews and networking events. Led by Amanda Pollard, the initiative aims to alleviate financial burdens on students by offering the option to borrow or keep various professional attire. Former Deputy District Attorney General Gene Perrin contributed by donating suits to kickstart the project. The closet will also host LinkedIn photo events, enhancing students’ professional image as they prepare for future careers.
Bristol, Tennessee – King University has launched a new “career closet” located in Nicewonder Hall designed to assist students in acquiring professional clothing specifically for interviews and networking events. This initiative is a response to the need for accessible professional attire among students, many of whom may lack the knowledge regarding how to dress appropriately for career opportunities.
The project was spearheaded by Amanda Pollard, Director of Career Services at King University, working collaboratively with former Sullivan County Deputy District Attorney General Gene Perrin. To help kickstart the career closet, Perrin donated several courtroom suits and other professional attire, aiming to share his resources and blessings with the student body.
The career closet showcases mannequins dressed in various professional outfits, which include suits, ties, dress shirts, skirts, and dresses. Students are provided with the option to either borrow or keep clothing items that fit for their upcoming interviews and professional events. This flexible model is designed to alleviate the financial burden on students while promoting a polished appearance.
Pollard highlighted previous experiences where she took students to a secondhand store, emphasizing their struggles to find suitable business wear. This experience underlined the necessity for a designated space like the career closet, aimed at enhancing students’ readiness for the job market.
In addition to providing clothing, the career closet will support LinkedIn photo events, where students can have professional headshots taken. Clothing will be available on-site to help improve their presentation during these valuable networking opportunities. Perrin noted that wearing professional attire is essential as it conveys a message of respect not only for oneself but also for those encountered in professional settings.
Pollard is actively seeking further donations of both men’s and women’s professional clothing. Items needed include belts, ties, and scarves. However, donations of shoes are not currently being accepted. She recognizes the importance of the career closet as a starting point, with an overarching goal of boosting student confidence as they step into interviews—an aspect that can have a profound impact on their success.
The launch of the career closet amplifies a broader commitment toward mentoring the next generation and bridging the gap between academic life and professional readiness. It is a step towards ensuring that students not only gain knowledge during their education but are also equipped with the necessary tools to present themselves confidently to future employers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the career closet at King University?
King University has introduced a “career closet” in Nicewonder Hall to assist students in acquiring professional clothing for interviews.
Who initiated the career closet project?
The initiative was spearheaded by Amanda Pollard, Director of Career Services at King University, and former Sullivan County Deputy District Attorney General Gene Perrin.
What items are available in the career closet?
The career closet features mannequins dressed in suits and a variety of professional attire including suits, ties, dress shirts, skirts, and dresses.
Can students keep the clothing from the career closet?
Students can either borrow or keep clothing items that fit for their interviews or networking events.
What additional services does the career closet provide?
The closet will also support LinkedIn photo events, allowing students to have professional headshots taken, with clothing available on-site to enhance their appearance.
How can individuals contribute to the career closet?
Pollard is actively seeking additional donations of men’s and women’s professional clothing, including belts, ties, and scarves, but is not accepting shoes.
What is the ultimate goal of the career closet?
The career closet is just the beginning, aiming to help students enter interviews with confidence, which can significantly impact their success.
Key Features of the Career Closet
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Nicewonder Hall, King University |
| Items Available | Suits, ties, dress shirts, skirts, dresses |
| Usage | Students can borrow or keep clothing for interviews/networking |
| Additional Services | LinkedIn photo events with professional headshots |
| Donation Needs | Men’s and women’s professional clothing, including belts, ties, and scarves (no shoes) |
| Goal | Help students enter interviews with confidence |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
King University Launches Career Closet Initiative
Additional Resources
- Herald Courier Video
- Study in Canada: Summer Jobs and Student Life
- Newark Advocate: Donors Commit to Denison Data Sciences Center
- Google Search: Career Services
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Career Development
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.
