Anna Wise
Associate Dean of Admission, Director of International Recruitment, Coordinator of Transfer Admission
Hamilton College (NY)
What drew you to the world of college admission counseling?
I joined the field for the same reason a lot of us do—I wanted to make a difference and be a part of one of the first major decisions a young person makes in planning their future.
What is your favorite part of the job?
Getting to greet our new students when they arrive for orientation—putting faces to stories, getting hugs, and sharing in their excitement is so wonderful.
How has NACAC played a role in your career?
NACAC has always served as a grounding and centralizing resource. If I have questions, or need to connect with someone, NACAC is always there with resources and assistance.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing our profession today?
Our field is experiencing a turbulent time, to be sure. We are currently navigating a changing landscape under increasing scrutiny and honestly a lot of pressure from different sources. I think the challenge we are facing is working to stay true to our values and what is important while making sure that we are still offering the best support and education we can to our students, our families, and our colleagues.
When you aren’t working, what do you like to do?
I am an avid gardener, a hobby I started in the pandemic. In addition, I love exploring local trails, restaurants, and the communities that make Upstate New York such a great place to live. My favorite activities for a Saturday might be brunch with some friends before catching a game of the Syracuse Mets!
If you could be any fictional character, who would it be and why?
Leslie Knope. I love a lady who is confident, talented, passionate, makes a difference, and is able to have fun. I also love a good waffle. As she says, “’We need to remember what’s important in life: friends, waffles, work. Or waffles, friends, work. Doesn’t matter, but work is third.”
Published Oct. 16, 2023