Donna Margolis: A model of service delivery

Donna Margolis, Director,
Business Placement Center

“I love that Donna is always willing to help out no matter what the problem is, and she always does it with such a huge smile on her face,” said Angela Bennett, a graduate student at SIU College of Business and an alumna of the School of Accountancy.

A popular resident of Rehn Hall, Donna Margolis is director of the SIU College of Business Career Services and Placement Center and adviser to the local chapter of National Association of Black Accountants, of which Bennett is a member.

In her role as director, Margolis speaks to classes, coaches students, develops relationships with firms and recruiters, manages the intern and extern programs and oversees two business courses. She also plans, organizes and coordinates Accounting Career Day for the School of Accountancy, which draws roughly 30 employers and 175 students each year.

Margolis is admired for her energy, enthusiasm and accessibility to students. In 2005, Southern Illinois University honored her with the prestigious Excellence Through Commitment Award and in 2003, she won the College of Business Outstanding Service Award.

Margolis is also a member of the College’s Student Experience Committee made of faculty and staff who have implemented initiatives to improve student services. “Excellent customer service is central to the College’s mission and that’s why I work hard to help students,” said Margolis. “Plus, I genuinely enjoy interacting with CoBA students because they are smart and driven.”

A chorus of student voices speaks to Margolis’s impact. “Donna has helped me over the years to develop into a leader. From proofreading proposals to helping find funding for conferences, she has always been there pushing me to challenge myself,” said Bennett. “Donna has helped to guide me through the career process. After receiving a job offer through the placement centers eRecruiting, Donna helped me to weigh the pros and cons of the offer, which eventually led to my decision to obtain my master's degree.”

Accounting student Ricky Barr who recently accepted a position with Continental Airlines said, “ I wouldn’t be where I am today without Donna’s guidance and support.”

Stephen Caulkins, a marketing student who interned with the New York Knicks, credits Margolis for giving him the confidence to apply for the dream job. "Donna Margolis helped me with my previous externship and offered any resources she could to help me out," Caulkins said.

Alejandro Figueroa, a senior majoring in marketing, praises Margolis for helping him prepare for a successful career. “Donna is outstanding. She and her staff helped me with my resume, signed me up on eRecruiting and advised me on all aspects of career building.”

Margolis is a dual degree graduate of SIU, earning a bachelor's in 1983 and a master's in 1984 from the business college. She has worked for the University since 2000.

Prior to joining SIU, Margolis worked in public accounting at Ernst & Young in San Francisco, Calif. and Price Waterhouse in St. Louis, Mo., among others.