Miya Walker
Director of Admission
Agnes Scott College (GA)

What drew you to the world of college admission counseling?
During my undergraduate experience, I was a student ambassador, tour guide, and student government vice president. I loved my college experience and felt like I really found my college fit. When the opportunity was offered to me to work for my alma mater, I was so excited to help other students find their potential college fit. My college experience changed my life for the better and I wanted to be a part of that story for future college students.

What is your favorite part of the job?
It is hard to narrow down this answer, but I would say, at this point in my career, my favorite part of this job is the networking and relationships that I have built over time. I have met some truly amazing people who have impacted my life both personally and professionally.

How has NACAC played a role in your career?  
I was introduced to NACAC through the Emerging Leaders Program in 2015. (Shout-out to my affiliate, SACAC, for sponsoring my attendance.) I believe that experience opened my eyes to the different avenues that NACAC offers our members at different points in our careers. My confidence as a professional has grown immensely through the professional development opportunities provided by NACAC and its affiliates. I am always encouraging newer admission and college counseling professionals to become involved or volunteer at events/programs because of the mentorship that I have gained throughout my membership and the impact that NACAC has had on my career.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing our profession today?
This is a challenging question considering all of the things we have experienced over the last few years: burnout, understaffing, the SCOTUS decision, and now FAFSA delays. I think all of these are a constant reminder to our industry, organizations, and to the public that we cannot take our wellness and health for granted. We best operate, as individuals and as a collective, when we are our most-well selves — so whatever that looks like, we should be prioritizing that for ourselves and for our work communities.

When you aren’t working, what do you like to do?
Two places you can always find me outside of work: Spending time with my family and friends and seeing live music shows!

What five words would you use to describe yourself?
Vivacious, bold, introspective, passionate, and dedicated.

 

Published Feb. 26, 2024