Dorothy K. Jones
Dean of College Counseling
Francis Parker School (CA)

What drew you to the world of college admission counseling?
During college, my career ambition was to be a high school guidance counselor. However, upon graduation I pursued a career in corporate. After several unfulfilling years, I realized that enjoying work and making a positive contribution to others was a priority for me. Like so many young college alumni, I returned to my alma mater, St. Mary’s College of California, as an admissions officer. This role was attractive to me as I was also able to serve as coordinator of minority recruitment.

I attended a diverse, large public high school and the transition to a private, predominantly white institution (PWI) was a difficult one. However, I did benefit from the relationships I developed with my professors and from the small classes. For students like me, private colleges often weren’t presented as options or seen as affordable. This position provided the opportunity to improve the educational experience of all students who attended my alma mater by adding to the diversity of the student body. During my interview I, of course, was asked “Why are you interested in the position?” My response: “It doesn’t really matter to me if a student of color decides that Saint Mary’s College is not right for them. The chance to give them more alternatives for higher education is why I’d like the job.”

I thought I undoubtedly blew the opportunity by saying it didn’t matter to me if the student of color enrolled. But my honest, non-interview response aided me in landing the job and so it began. After 17 years in college admissions, I was able to transition to the high school side of the desk finally fulfilling my original career objective. This year will be my 17th year working in high schools.

What is your favorite part of the job?
THE STUDENTS! The best part of the job is witnessing students discover who they are and come to understand what they need to flourish beyond high school. I don’t take lightly that it is privilege and an honor to work with teenagers during this pivotal point in their lives. Being able to assist them in navigating a complex competitive process in a thoughtful way brings me joy, especially when they land at a school where there is a perfect match.

How has NACAC played a role in your career?
I was fortunate that my institution paid for my NACAC membership in my very first year of being an admissions officer. Over the years, NACAC has played a pivotal role in my development in the profession and growth as a leader. The opportunities to learn from my colleagues and network at the annual conference has been invaluable.

The most significant aspect of NACAC that impacted my professional path was attending the Counselors of Color (COC) Workshop — now known as Guiding the Way to Impact — early on in my admissions career. Attending the workshop and having mentorship from leaders who looked like me inspired me to continue in this field. Many of my colleagues from those conferences have become leaders in the profession and they are forever a part of my admissions family. After several years of being a COC attendee, returning as a faculty member was by far one of the greatest highlights of my career.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing our profession today?
There are many challenges in our profession. The challenge that has endured throughout my 30+ years is affordability and access. Despite some gains along the way, we are far from parity for BIPOC students and students from lower economic circumstances. The current political climate is an existential threat to our collective continued work toward access and equity, but we must persist.

When you aren’t working, what do you like to do?
I enjoy being a track and basketball mom, cheering from the stands. I also like walking and snuggling with my boxer dog, Roscoe; laughing with my husband; and doing hot yoga whenever I can.

What five words would you use to describe yourself?
Intentional. Humorous. Encouraging. Grounded. Minefield-navigator.

Published June 16, 2025