What is your role at your institution, and how long have you been there?
In my fourth year at High Point University, I am the Associate Director of Admissions and work with both campus visits and recruitment. I oversee our 110-member University Ambassador program and recruit prospective students from Pennsylvania and Delaware. I will also be creating and leading a new freshman volunteer program beginning in August.

How did you get involved in admissions and/or visitor services?
I worked as a campus tour guide during my years as an undergraduate student, and was offered a position as an admissions counselor when I graduated. After a few years at my alma mater, I moved to High Point and started working with our campus visit programs.

What do you like most about your role and/or institution?
The best part of my role at HPU is working with our students and seeing our ambassadors develop as young professionals.

When did you join CIVSA? And what has been your involvement?
I joined CIVSA in 2014 and attended my first conference that summer. Since then, I’ve attended  conferences and SDI's, served on the Region 2 Leadership team in 2014-2015, and currently work with our Communications Committee.

What membership benefits have you gained the most from?
Conferences are my favorite part of being a CIVSA member! Attending a conference is a great way to meet colleagues from across the country who become incredible resources and good friends. Plus, there are so many opportunities for professional development and new opportunities for leadership within the organization.

What is one piece of advice that you would give to a new CIVSA member?
Get involved! When I first joined, I was hesitant about getting involved because I was “new,” but I am so glad that I asked. CIVSA is an organization that you get out as much as you put in- volunteer, join a committee, lead a conference session, or try all of them!

What was your favorite 2016 conference memory/memories?
The best part of the 2016 conference was leading a small group (CMA) with Allyson Bretch from University of West Georgia. Those group meetings are so beneficial and allow every member to get questions answered and talk in-depth about their university-specific challenges.

What is something that you took away from conference and started to implement?
While I’ve learned so much from CIVSA conferences, I think the best thing that I’ve been able to take away from the conference is the connections that I’ve made with people from all across the country, who do the same things I do. It’s great to have colleagues who I can reach out to when I’m feeling stuck or challenged with situations at my university and get advice or suggestions to improve our program.

What are you most looking forward to at the 2017 conference in Philadelphia?
I cannot wait for the CIVSA conference in my hometown this year! This is the first time that I’ll be presenting by myself, and I’ll be leading two sessions so I’m really excited to take this next step in my professional career and share helpful information with my CIVSA colleagues.

What do you like to do for fun, outside of work?
Outside of work, I love spending time with my dogs and trying all of the great restaurants in the Piedmont Triad. I’m also obsessed with HGTV and spend a lot of time working on home renovations and in our garden.