Brenda Averesch
Assistant Director of Admissions
Ohio Northern University
What drew you to the world of college admission counseling?
Having grown up on a small family farm in northwest Ohio, I never intended to go to college. My hard-working family was made up of blue-collar farm and factory workers and that is what I thought I would do as well. But in February of my senior year of high school, my English teacher highly encouraged me to start applying to some local institutions. As a first-generation college student, my father and sister did the best they could to help me through my college application process.
Through this experience — as well as time spent as a graduate assistant in the office of admissions while pursuing my MBA — I fell in love with service to students and their families. I remain grateful to my admissions counselor and contacts at my alma mater who helped me overcome anxiety, fear, and ambiguity about even going to college. I would not be where I am today, almost 15 years later, without their knowledge and belief in me and my potential. This is the passion and drive that fuels me each day to believe in, support, and serve every student I have the pleasure of meeting.
What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of my job is the relationships I build with students. It truly never feels like work because I have the privilege of supporting students throughout the admissions process and beyond. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a student stay connected, share their campus experiences and successes, seek guidance during difficult moments, and ultimately celebrate graduation. The joy and fulfillment I feel when students achieve their goals and dreams is hard to put into words. That impact is what motivates me every day to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and in the world.
How has NACAC played a role in your career?
NACAC has allowed me the opportunity to grow professionally within my career and connect with colleagues from my affiliate and across the country. I have a passion for service to students and believe very strongly in the importance of a college education. NACAC, along with my state affiliate, has allowed me to expand my experience and knowledge to continue to grow in these areas. As the upcoming president-elect for OACAC, I am excited and honored to learn more and become more connected with NACAC throughout the next few years.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing our profession today?
There is a lack of understanding and value for higher education at all levels in our world today. Unfortunately, families are not always provided with the most accurate representation of what a college degree can do for their students. Rather than given a chance to see college as an investment in their student and their goals, families are often influenced and persuaded to think of only the cost commitment associated with a college education. While college is not for everyone, I believe that it is and can be for many more students by increasing our advocacy, education, and support — both inside secondary schools and through outreach and assistance to individual students and families. This is a driving force for me daily to not only recruit for my institution, but to recruit and promote the benefit of higher education overall.
When you aren’t working, what do you like to do?
When I am not working, I enjoy reading, listening to podcasts, working out, and spending time with family and friends.
What five words would you use to describe yourself?
Passionate. Hard-working. Optimistic. Resilient. Compassionate.
Published June 8, 2026