Santana Audet
Associate Director of Admissions and Coordinator of Diversity, Access, and Inclusion Initiatives
Middlebury College (VT)

What drew you to the world of college admission counseling?
Access to education has always been a value of mine. I know firsthand how life-changing it can be! College admission counseling seemed like it would fit my skill set and give me the opportunity to connect with inspiring students from all over the world. I loved the idea of sharing information with students about the opportunities Middlebury (and schools like it) could provide — particularly students who might not otherwise know. The different seasons of the work were also appealing. I appreciated that different parts of the year would require different skills.

What is your favorite part of the job?
Learning about prospective students! I have so much admiration and respect for this next generation of leaders.

How has NACAC played a role in your career?
NACAC has shown me the power of community and advocacy. There are so many of us in this field with such passion and a wealth of knowledge. Sharing best practices, reminding one another how important our work is, and encouraging one another to ask hard questions and to lead ethically and bravely in challenging times are all part of what makes NACAC so valuable. NACAC has also given me the opportunity to share knowledge and insight that I have gained over the course of my career.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing our profession today?
Navigating the ever-changing policies, legislation, and affordability concerns that impact our work. Addressing the evolving attitudes about the value of a liberal arts education.

When you aren’t working, what do you like to do?
Spending time with my family and friends and enjoying the outdoors of Vermont. My husband is a third-generation dairy farmer so you can often find our family at local and regional Ayrshire cow shows. If you buy Cabot cheese products you support our family and many small, family-operated dairies in New England!

What five words would you use to describe yourself?
Genuine, grounded, open-minded, kind, and empathetic.

 

Published Feb. 23, 2026