Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Media Contact: Hallie Hart | Communications Coordinator | 405-744-1050 | hallie.hart@okstate.edu

OSU’s Career Closet Initiative Fuels Student Empowerment

In a vibrant display of community support and student-led initiative, the Career Closet at Oklahoma State University (OSU) opened its doors on September 12, drawing a large crowd of students seeking professional attire.

Event Overview

Madeline Chaney, a junior studying accounting and management, expressed her astonishment at the overwhelming turnout, saying, “I genuinely was blown away.” The event, organized by the Women in Technology (WIT) club, showcased over 1,100 pieces of business clothing—ranging from blazers and dresses for women to suits and dress shirts for men.

The Need for Professional Attire

With the onset of OSU’s career fairs each September, students are urged to present themselves professionally. However, the costs associated with this attire can be daunting, sometimes requiring a significant portion of a student’s monthly budget. Limited size availability at retail stores adds another layer of frustration. In addressing these challenges, the Career Closet seeks to alleviate both financial and emotional stress for students preparing for their futures.

Conception and Collaboration

The Career Closet is the brainchild of Kim Strom, assistant professor of professional practice, who envisioned a resource that enhances student confidence in their professional appearance. Along with WIT co-advisor Tina Meier, Strom set about creating a solution to the clothing accessibility issue faced by students.

Building on Past Success

This year marked the second edition of the Career Closet, following its inaugural success in 2024. WIT members, including executive officers like Chaney, Ashlyn Caldwell, and Jess Zeleke, worked diligently to gather donations and set up the shop. The event received a remarkable 1,148 clothing donations, with attendance reaching 153 students who collectively chose 694 items.

Community Involvement

The initiative garnered strong community support, with Dr. Ann Caine of the OSU Alumni Association reaching out to alumni for contributions, while Alane Zannotti, president of the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, promoted the event through local media. Additionally, support from OSU fraternities was mobilized through Jake Broom, president of the MSIS Association of Information Technology Professionals.

Styles for Everyone

Recognizing the diverse needs of attendees, the Career Closet expanded its offerings to include both women’s and men’s clothing. This year, students benefited from personalized styling advice from local boutique owner, Hannah Thompson, who also collaborated with WIT for the Dress for Success event held prior to the Career Closet.

Sustainability and Future Plans

In an effort to promote sustainability, leftover items from the Career Closet will not go to waste; they will form the foundation for a permanent Cowboy Career Closet set to open soon in the Student Union basement. OSU alumni Claudia and Gary Humphreys have contributed as lead donors, ensuring that the initiative continues to have a lasting impact on student accessibility to professional attire.

Conclusion

The Career Closet initiative not only provides valuable resources but also fosters a sense of confidence among students. As Caldwell, a senior in Management Information Systems and Data Analytics, noted, “Being able to offer clothes in all different sizes that we know are going to help those students who might financially need this support was a huge impact.” With such an engaged community backing their efforts, the Career Closet is poised to become an enduring asset for OSU students.