Staci D. Pennington
Senior Admission Counselor
The University of Tulsa (OK)
What drew you to the world of college admission counseling?
I was a pre-K teacher for 10 years and was ready for a change. I decided to go back to my hospitality roots (my undergraduate degree is in hospitality management), and I applied for the campus event coordinator position at TU. After several interviews, I was told the dreaded news that I wasnāt chosen for the position; however, they thought I would be perfect for the admission counselor position that was available. I interviewed once again and got the job. Now, five recruitment cycles and almost a masterās degree later (I graduate in just a few weeks), Iām still working, learning, and thriving in the world of college admission.
What is your favorite part of the job?
I have three favorite parts of the job. First, I absolutely LOVE supporting students and their families though the college admission process. I work hard to remain student-centric in all my efforts. My heart belongs to my students, and I value what is truly best for them and their futures.
Second, I am privileged to work alongside so many talented high school counselors as they serve, support, and advocate for their students daily. One of my favorite parts of this job is the ongoing collaboration with high school counselors to create events, workshops, and presentations that will help serve the college admission needs of all students.
Last, the TU Office of Admission team is the BEST! I work with the most amazing humans on the planet! I am so grateful for my colleagues/friends. I know that the bond that our team has is special and extremely rare. We actually call ourselves unicorns.
How has NACAC played a role in your career?
At TU, everyone in admission is encouraged to be a part of NACAC and our regional affiliates. I am grateful to work for an institution that supports our professional organizations and development. Over the last few years, I have increased my participation with GPACAC (Great Plains Association for College Admission Counseling), which not only has attributed to me learning more about this organization and best practices for āboth sidesā of college admission counseling, but also has led me to meeting and collaborating with some of the best in our profession. Through NACAC, I hope to continue learning how to better serve all students; continue networking with experienced admission professionals; and continue sharing my time, efforts, and talents to support the vision and mission of our organization.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing our profession today?
I think there are a few challenges facing admission counseling in higher education today. One challenge is that there is growing public doubt regarding the value of a college degree. Decreases in public funding, increases in institutional costs, post-pandemic trends, and growing student debt concerns all contribute to this doubt causing an overall decline in students attending college, particularly those students from the most underserved populations.
When you arenāt working, what do you like to do?
Like most in this profession, I work A LOT, but when I am not working, I love to go to concerts; brunch with friends; travel; and take in any art show, musical performance, and āfestā of any kind. I am also a full-time soccer-, baseball-, basketball-, and football-mom and get to spend a lot of my weekends watching my kiddos do what they love.
If you could be any fictional character, who would it be and why?
I love Jo March from Little Women because sheās strong, independent, and a fighter, but I canāt help but say I would want to be Jessica Day from New Girl. First, if you havenāt watched New Girl, do it! Jess works in education, is optimistic, funny, quirky, kind, honest, loving, a huge nerd, a loyal friend, sings her words instead of talking when sheās nervous or to make a point, and isnāt afraid to be herself. She also has really great hair!
Published May 22, 2023