Whitney Bruce, CEP
IEC
WB College Consulting
 

What drew you to the world of college admission counseling?
My well-developed college skill of walking backward? I started in admissions as a 22-year-old with a strong belief in the transformative power of education. I’ve stayed because helping a young person figure out who they are is the best work there is.

What is your favorite part of the job?
The moment a student stops trying to give “the right answer” and starts being honest. Guiding students through the reflection and personal growth that leads to a positive college experience never gets old.

Bruce was one of 13 members of NACAC Cycling SIG to participate the 2026 Tour d’ Admission. The tour included stops at North Carolina State University, Duke University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Elon University, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Wake Forest University, and Davidson College.

How has NACAC played a role in your career?
Leading the Cycling SIG and riding Tour d’Admission connects me with a community of colleagues who are also genuinely good humans, the kind of colleagues I’d ride a bike up a very steep hill for. But NACAC’s advocacy work and professional development validate my membership in the organization. Higher education is better and we can serve students better when we show up together.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing our profession today?
There are significant challenges in higher education and the admissions field, but since I center my work around students, I think the biggest challenge remains helping students and families cut through the noise and anxiety to develop a postsecondary plan that is academically engaging, aligned with their goals, promotes personal growth, and is affordable.

When you aren’t working, what do you like to do?
You’ll find me riding my bike, co-hosting a podcast, or traveling. I try to be outside as much as possible.

If you could be any fictional character, who would it be and why?
Helen Parr/Elastigirl from The Incredibles. She adapts to anything, holds the whole operation together, and has a quick-change wardrobe I’ve coveted for years.

 

Published Aug. 31, 2026