Jamal Hagood
Manager of College Success
EMERGE (TX)
What drew you to the world of college admission counseling?
My own college journey! Looking back on the missteps of my journey (in part due to a lack of advising) is what drives me to support the next generation in having the tools they deserve to make the most informed decisions possible.
What is your favorite part of the job?
Working for EMERGE has easily been one of the best highlights of my professional career. The relationships we get to build with students is second to none and that remains the best part of the job for me. In particular I think of two key components in our scholars’ college admission journey — our summer trip experience (where we take a group of students to explore colleges in a U.S. region/city) and our summer bridge day (where we invite all of our recent high school grads to a one-day learning experience meant to mimic college transition programs occurring at universities across the country). In both instances, I love seeing the joy on students’ faces as they get a real taste of what it’s like to be on campus or start building the bonds and networking skills that will be with them for the rest of their lives.
How has NACAC played a role in your career?
Primarily, I had a unique opportunity to join colleagues in delivering session content at the NACAC 2025 conference. However, after attending my first NACAC conference I am so excited about the opportunity to continue to network with such an amazing collection of talented folks. Seeing the passion and mission-oriented discussions that took place all over the conference let me know this is a space I want to continue to grow in.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing our profession today?
This is difficult to answer, but I’d have to say the assault on college achievement and accessibility for a growing number of identities in the U.S. Our current administration has been deliberate in creating increased dysfunction within many, if not all, levels of education. Historically this has led to a disproportionately disadvantageous effect on the most vulnerable identities and populations.
So much of my daily work is helping those most at risk to obtain equitable resources to reach their desired heights in education. That work has not stopped, but the steps of the administration to stifle current innovations in the field has certainly been a barrier to success.
When you aren’t working, what do you like to do?
It’s difficult to pick just one thing! Right now, catching up on my Michigan Wolverines and Detroit Lions on Saturday and Sundays is a big piece of my weekends. If I’m not watching football or trying a new cooking recipe, I am most definitely participating in the newest game my two- and four-year-old have thought up for that evening.
If you could be any fictional character, who would it be and why?
I have always loved all the Marvel characters since I was a kid, so I am going to have to go with Spiderman for this one. He’s my favorite superhero because he has all the talent in the world but also is still just trying to figure things out. 😊
Published November 24, 2025