Rae-Anne Mena
Associate Director of Admissions
Creighton University (NE)
What drew you to the world of college admission counseling?
Like so many in the field, I was a tour guide and admissions intern at my alma mater (University of Miami). As a public relations major, I quickly realized that so much of admissions is PR and 25 years later I have so loved my role as a college admissions counselor that it doesn’t even feel like work most days!
What is your favorite part of the job?
Working with students during such an exciting and hope-filled time of their lives. I know the college admissions process comes with stress, but I love reminding students to take a deep breath because everyone is getting in somewhere and that the best is yet to come in terms of their growth opportunities in college.
How has NACAC played a role in your career?
I am so thankful to NACAC for providing opportunities across all the phases of my career. As someone who has spent 19 of her 25 years in college admissions as a regionally based admissions counselor, NACAC has given me some of the leadership and professional development opportunities that weren’t always available in the early days of regional representatives. I’ve had the chance to present at NACAC conferences and serve on the Local Advisory Committee (LAC) for the NACAC conference in Denver. Those interactions led to an opportunity to lead panel conversations to help inspire emerging leaders in the field. These days I enjoy serving NACAC and my fellow regionally based admissions professionals as one of the co-leads for the NACAC Special Interest Group (SIG) for Regional Admissions Counselors. As I have grown in experience in the field, so have the opportunities from NACAC!
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing our profession today?
It feels like the well-being of our high school and college students is one of the biggest challenges we face. I hear from colleagues in high schools and on college campuses about their need to support students where they are right now and often hear about the challenges from students directly in their essays and outreach.
When you aren’t working, what do you like to do?
I love hiking and am a huge fan of road trips. A scenic road trip to a good hike would be a perfect day!
If you could be any fictional character, who would it be and why?
I think I’m going to go with Nancy Drew! In my middle management years, one of my colleagues called me Nancy Drew for my ability to size up a situation, figure things out, and solve problems. I’d like to think that I am as smart, resourceful, and energetic as Nancy Drew is too!
Published June 19, 2023