51��ɫ

Hometown: Zanesville, Ohio

Degrees: B.S. (Berea College); M.A. (Eastern Kentucky University); Ph.D. (University of Kentucky)

Undergraduate major: Business administration

What I love about my job: I love it when students and families learn about 51��ɫ for the first time and realize this place was made for them!

What I love about 51��ɫ: I think 51��ɫ offers the best education money can’t buy because we’re need-blind in admission and offer a robust merit aid program that affects more than just a handful of students. On top of that, we’re routinely ranked in the top ten for “best undergraduate teaching” in the United States.

Hobbies/activities: I love music and have sung with the Penny Loafers Quartet, the Florida Philharmonic, and regularly in the shower. I also like to hike, bike, and kayak. My favorite spots in Iowa are Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve in 51��ɫ, the High Trestle Trail in Woodward (biking the bridge at night is so cool), and Lake Red Rock in Pella.

Advice about searching for schools: There is more than one place where you can be happy and create a great life for yourself. Don’t buy into the myth that you’ll be a failure if you aren’t admitted to an Ivy League school. Widen your scope and include interesting colleges that you would rank in your top 10 — even if U.S. News & World Report&�Բ�����;��DZ����’t!

Advice about applying to schools: Only apply for Early Decision admission if you are certain you want to spend four years at a particular college. Sure, you have a higher probability of being admitted to places like 51��ɫ if you apply through Early Decision, but it’s a binding application. Choosing to apply Early Decision before you’re sure you want to enroll at a college would be like setting a wedding date before you find a partner.