Sebastian Brown
Regional Admission Counselor
University of Oregon

What drew you to the world of college admission counseling?
I started in higher education supporting student services and community service, but after recognizing the inequities of higher ed, I went back for my M.Ed. and MBA to better understand higher ed. I’ve loved my time working with students and our professional peers and look forward to continuing to serve WACAC and NACAC!

What is your favorite part of the job?
I really enjoy the professional growth and camaraderie that come from attending conferences and other professional development opportunities. It’s such a unique aspect of our profession that I deeply enjoy!

How has NACAC played a role in your career?
I have a lot of gratitude for WACAC and all the amazing connections I’ve made (as well as RACC!). To be able to present at WACAC and NACAC, as well as co-found the NACAC AI SIG (shout-out!), has been a great pride in my professional development.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing our profession today?
Navigating political challenges and attacks on the value of higher education. There is also a massive need for higher education institutions to adapt to the needs of AI, in both their expectations for prospective students using it and how offices will leverage it.

When you aren’t working, what do you like to do?
I love to golf, play/coach/watch soccer, and travel! When I rarely have downtime, I am hanging out with my cat, Tito!

If you could be any fictional character, who would it be and why?
I feel like I would be Batman — I am more of a tactician with a magnetic personality —someone who thrives in high-pressure environments, leads with emotional intelligence, and always has a plan (and a backup plan). I’m driven by a deep desire to understand the world, protect what matters, and leave a meaningful impact on our industry and the students we serve.

Published Aug. 11, 2025