Melody Ferguson
Dean of Admission
Pacific Lutheran University (WA)
What drew you to the world of college admission counseling?
As a first-generation student myself, I was drawn to college admission because it sits at the intersection of education, storytelling, and access. I love helping students see what’s possible for them and connecting their hopes and strengths with the right community. Every student’s story is different, and being part of their journey toward college, especially that moment when it clicks, never gets old.
What is your favorite part of the job?
Overall, it is the people. I get to work with incredible colleagues who care deeply about students, and I get to meet young people who are figuring out who they are and what they want to contribute to the world. In terms of admission, I love the mix of strategy and heart — balancing the big-picture goals of an institution, the fun of working with data, and the individual human moments that make this work meaningful. And finally, my favorite part of working at Pacific Lutheran University is that our president, executive team, and the community overall values curiosity, creativity, innovation, and even failure as part of the process. I feel encouraged to experiment!
How has NACAC played a role in your career?
NACAC and PNACAC have been a community and a classroom for me. It’s where I’ve found mentors, shared ideas, commiserated with colleagues who understand, and learned from people who challenge me to think differently about equity and access. The conversations and professional development NACAC and PNACAC offer have shaped how I lead and how I advocate for students and counselors alike.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing our profession today?
Sustaining the people who do this work. The pace, pressure, and complexity of college admission have all increased, and it can take a toll on staff and counselors. We talk a lot about access for students, and we should, but we also need to focus on care and sustainability for those working within the system if we want to keep doing this well.
When you aren’t working, what do you like to do?
As the mom of two boys, one a first-year college student and the other a high school junior, I truly value family time and any opportunity they’ll still hang out with me. When I’m not with them, I love adventuring around Tacoma, Washington, to find a great Northwest beer or glass of wine with my husband, colleagues, or friends. I’m also a proud member of the 5:45 a.m. gym crew and try to carve out time to get lost in a good book.
If you could be any fictional character, who would it be and why?
I have a fondness for the shows my children had on in our home as they grew up. So, I am going to say Phineas and Ferb, because they’re endlessly curious, imaginative, and never afraid to try something new. Every day they wake up ready to build, explore, and create, and they always bring others along for the adventure. That sense of innovation, optimism, and teamwork is exactly what I try to bring to my work (minus the backyard roller coasters…most days).
Published Dec. 1, 2025