How long have you been in the information/visitor services world?
I started working in the Admissions Office at Wichita State when I was a junior in college and have never left! Professionally, my first role was in 2007 as the Campus Visit Coordinator. My role has changed over the years, but I’m still in the Admissions Office at Wichita State and can’t imagine working in any other field.
When did you join CIVSA?
Wichita State joined CIVSA in 2013.
How many CIVSA conferences have you attended?
I’ve been to the Philadelphia conference in 2017 and Portland in 2019 – looking forward to Orlando in 2020!
What are your major job responsibilities?
I am the Associate Director of Admissions over recruitment events and marketing. My area of the office is fairly broad and covers everything from campus visits, group visits, recruitment events, Student Ambassador Society, and our digital presence including social media and videos.
What is a typical day like at your job?
One of the reasons I’ve stayed in this office and in this field for so long is that there isn’t a typical day. Right now, we’re busy with recruitment events and large campus visit days, but you never know what else the day will bring.
What is your best piece of advice for other CIVSA members?
I’ve learned that you can research best practices from other colleges, but ultimately, you have to know your institution and what works best for your campus. Try not to get caught in the game of “We’ve always done it that way.” Think outside the box and meet your prospective students where they are.
What is the most fun thing that your office does?
We work hard in our office, but we also have a lot of fun. Throughout the year we have different staff members volunteer to be on the “Holiday Fun Committee” and plan activities for the week before we close down in December and for Spring Break. A unique activity that is a Wichita State Admissions original (we think) is Trashketball – a riveting game of shooting a wadded up paper ball into various sizes of trash cans for points and bragging rights!
What is your favorite part of working in visitor/information services?
I love planning a large event and seeing the enjoyment on the prospective students’ faces while they’re on campus. There is nothing better than watching others love your university just like you do. Connecting with our current students who are Student Ambassadors and tour guides is another favorite – they keep me in-the-know with what’s “cool”! I’m also blessed to work with an amazing group of people who are not only my co-workers but friends.
How many items are on your current to-do list?
You don’t want to know. 😊
