The 2023-2024 academic school year at Hobart and William Smith Colleges has brought with it a plethora of new Admissions Office staff. The HWS Admissions staff takes a keen interest in the individuality of the students that they accept, however, being a part of the admissions team is not always easy, having to be selective can be a very taxing process. This is why HWS recruits reputable and reliable people to be a part of that team. Now, let me introduce the new staff in the Admissions Office.
New this past June, Michael J. Quinn was appointed Vice President for Admissions and Financial Aid. Mike Quinn holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership for Changing Populations from Notre Dame of Maryland University in Baltimore and is the Colleges’ lead for admissions and financial aid. Quinn works to create sustainable strategies for enrollment and net revenue growth, and we are truly excited to have such an asset here on campus.
Next on our admissions team is the Director of Admissions, Steven Simons. Simons also began working for the Colleges this past summer, but before that worked for nine years in Pennsylvania including as dean of enrollment at Juniata College. As Director of Admissions, Simons oversees the admissions process and is passionate about helping students find their academic calling in life.
A new, but returning member of the Admissions staff is Craig Meyers. Craig Meyers returned to HWS in 2023 after spending two years working for PowerSchool. As the Director of Operations, Meyers is responsible for the success of admissions communications, data management, business workflows and technology systems. We are elated to have Craig back on campus with us!
Many recent graduates have also returned to work for the Colleges. Assistant Director of Admissions, Zaheer Bowen, graduated this past May with a degree in Political Science and History. Bowen excels in many areas of academia besides Political Science and History including Education, Writing and Rhetoric, as well as Entrepreneurial Studies. He is currently acting as a regional counselor for over ten states.
Another 2023 graduate, Gaby Nieves has returned to the colleges as the Assistant Director of Admissions for Visitor Relations. Nieves graduated summa cum laude from HWS with a double major in Sociology and Theater and a minor in Psychology. Nieves works to run a smooth ship in the Admissions Office by helping plan open houses, training O’Laughlin Ambassadors, and working closely with students and families.
A Geneva native, Julia Sollenne has joined us as an Assistant Director of Admissions. Sollenne graduated from St. John Fisher University in 2019 where she majored in English and minored in Education and Psychology. She worked as a substitute teacher at Geneva High School before joining our staff this past summer. Similar to Bowen, Sollenne works as a regional counselor for eight states as well as the Virgin Islands!
Turning our attention back to recent graduates, Anna Gove also graduated this past May and is currently working as the Event and Special Visit Coordinator for the Admissions Office. Gove majored in Studio Art and minored in Art History, and she worked as a senior intern in the Office of Admissions while she was a student. Gove is the mastermind behind HWS open houses and admitted students’ days.
Last, but certainly not least, Kerstin Kelly is our last 2023 graduate who has joined the admissions team. Kelly graduated with a major in Architecture and a double minor in Studio Art and English. She is currently enrolled in the Masters in Higher Education Leadership program at HWS and is excited to expand her horizons in terms of pursuing a career in Higher Education.
As an O’Laughlin Ambassador, it has been a pleasure getting to know each and every one of these new staff members personally. They have already done so much for the betterment of HWS and I cannot wait to see what positive aspects they bring to the Colleges in the future.