Christopher W. Tremblay
Executive Director of Enrollment Management
University of Michigan Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning

 

What drew you to the world of college admission counseling?
Having served as an orientation student leader as an undergraduate student at my alma mater, Western Michigan University, set the tone for my career in higher education. (Thank you, Amy Schwentor and Stanley Henderson!) Because I loved telling the story of my WMU experience and how it transformed me as a first-generation college student, it felt like a natural fit.

Interestingly, I started college as an accountancy major!

I was also fortunate to land my first college admissions job before I even graduated with my bachelor’s degree! I got to fill in as an admissions counselor for an employee out on maternity leave. That fall semester, I carried 10 credit hours and drove 7,000 miles recruiting future Broncos! And then I was hooked. For nine years, I had a recruitment territory in mid-Central Michigan. I loved visiting high schools and attending college fairs. Still to this day, I am a college recruiter at heart. In fact, I still do high school visits and college fairs to keep a finger on the pulse of what’s going on out there.

What is your favorite part of the job?
No. 1: Helping students pursue their educational dreams and goals!

I also enjoy the variety of the work and welcoming a new cycle of students every year.

How has NACAC played a role in your career?
Over my 30+ year career, I have relied on NACAC for knowledge, professional development, expertise, and a network. I appreciate the resources produced for us as professionals and for families navigating the complex college admissions landscape.

I am also grateful to NACAC for giving me the gift of co-editing the sixth edition of the Fundamentals of College Admission Counseling graduate textbook with Dr. Beth Gilfillan.

NACAC also inspired my doctoral dissertation research on graduate certificates in college admission counseling. Mandy Savitz-Romer’s 2012 NACAC discussion paper contributed to my dissertation topic.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing our profession today?
There are too many, unfortunately. The biggest challenge is reminding families that college is worth it and that there are multiple pathways that allow for more affordable options. To this day, I still use the unemployment rates and weekly wages by level of degree to demonstrate the financial results and job security that bachelor’s degrees and higher degrees offer to students.

When you aren’t working, what do you like to do?
I have a lot of interests! I teach the only college course on the life of Walt Disney (at my alma mater, WMU). I love to cycle, play board games (my favorite is Carcassonne), and travel. Fun fact: I have stayed in 19 Frank Lloyd Wright houses and hotels overnight — with a few more on my list!

If you could be any fictional character, who would it be and why?
Hands down, it would be Mickey Mouse. Because I’m the ultimate Disney fan and it would be an honor to know I was drawn by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks. And Mickey Mouse represents fun and happiness. And I’m excited to celebrate his 100th birthday in 2028!

 

Published Oct. 5, 2026