It’s National Career Development Month, and we’re going global! To launch our International Career Development Series, we’re exploring student success abroad with Dr. Ainsley Carry, whose more than 30 years in higher education include serving as Vice President for Student Affairs at Auburn University, the University of Southern California (USC), and, most recently, the University of British Columbia. Born in New York to immigrant parents and raised in Miami, Dr. Carry shares how his experience as a University of Florida football player sparked a love of learning. From the playing field to university leadership, he reflects on the transferable skills that shaped his path and the shared responsibility students and institutions have in preparing for life after college. Find out why he believes connecting students with career opportunities early while also supporting their mental health and well-being must be central to university life. For students and higher education professionals, this conversation explores how intentional preparation and connected support help students thrive across campuses and across borders. Dr. Carry is a three-time graduate of the University of Florida, where he earned his bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in Educational Leadership. He also earned graduate degrees in Business and Law from Auburn University and the University of Southern California, respectively. Dr. Carry brings decades of experience in college administration and in designing educational experiences beyond the classroom. He has led several institutional initiatives, including efforts to combat sexual misconduct, prevent hazing, and respond to campus protests. Yet he is most proud of his work to enhance student success. He has several notable publications to his name, including Washington Next? Disputed Monuments, Honorees and Symbols on Campus and the much-anticipated Trailblazers: The People, Places, and Cases that Desegregated American Higher Education. In 2026, Dr. Carry launched Carry Forward Consulting. The practice helps aspiring vice presidents for student affairs navigate the executive search process. To learn more about Dr. Carry and his work, visit his website at CarryForwardConsulting.com and connect with him on LinkedIn.