Autumn Richards
Director of College and Career Services
Mariemont High School (OH)
What drew you to your current position?
My career in higher education has always been centered around supporting students in the “in between.” My first role was in undergraduate admissions at Mount St. Joseph University (OH), then I moved on to success coaching at Xavier University (OH), supporting students through their first year of college and analyzing enrollment and retention data to figure out what makes the most successful college students.
When I came across my position at Mariemont High School, it was the perfect opportunity to combine all of those experiences to guide students through the college admissions process while also equipping them with the tools they need to be successful once they arrive on campus — academically, personally, and emotionally. I also love that our school is small, giving me the opportunity to foster strong relationships with my students early in high school and help them develop college-ready skills, like managing their time or learning how to adult, over four years.
What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite parts of the job are two really specific moments in time. During the application process, I find so much joy in getting to know students through brainstorming and reading their college essays. Writing can be a deeply personal creative and academic outlet, and students often write about things that they wouldn’t necessarily share with me face-to-face. It feels special to be one of the first trusted adults to read what they’re pouring so much time and thought into, and I am always in awe of what they come up with. I also love the evening of graduation, helping students get ready and line up before the ceremony — they’re buzzing with pride putting on their graduation robes and there are stars in their eyes as the future they’ve dreamed of and worked toward becomes a little more real and tangible. It’s really cool to have a front-row seat to them taking the next steps in life and I feel so lucky to have been a little part of it.
How has NACAC played a role in your career?
NACAC has been a lifeline for me through every season of my career. From Day One as an admission counselor, paging through NACAC’s Guide to Ethical Practice in College Admission, to now listening to NACAC’s podcasts on my way to work (shout-out to my favorite podcast, Get Schooled by Reeves & Ford). I feel a strong connection to this field and to my colleagues, even though I’m the only one in my building doing this type of work. The opportunities to engage in professional development nationally, online, and locally through OACAC have kept me confident and ahead in the work I’m doing. Most importantly, our organization has reminded me in every season that we are all collectively changemakers in students’ lives and what an incredible calling that is.
What is one thing you wish more people knew about college access and success?
I wish people knew that there are so many ways to create communities, no matter which college they attend, and that those communities are often the key to persisting when things get hard. Find that adviser you click with, that career coach, try out that student organization — you don’t have to do college all alone and these folks will help your academic and personal growth and success!
When you aren’t working, what do you like to do?
I’m a proud Cincinnati girl, and I never get tired of exploring the Queen City! One of my favorite things to do is plan weekend adventures with my husband and kids, whether it’s visiting the Cincinnati Zoo, going to a local farmers market, or scouting out the newest coffee spot in town. I also find joy in working out and hiking with my dog, Moose!
If you could be any fictional character, who would it be and why?
This will surely be a dead giveaway that I am the parent of a toddler, but Bluey’s dad, Bandit! Bandit is goofy but wise, empathetic, a great listener, and always finds the fun in the mundane. Who knew a fictional Australian cartoon dog could be a great role model as both a parent and a professional?
Published Sept. 22, 2025