As a new admissions counselor, I was incredibly lucky to come into an office of people who were knowledgeable and passionate about the work. Luckier still, I was able to come into an office where I felt that my new colleagues were people I dearly wanted to learn from.
Enter: Adam.
Adam Moore, Assistant Director of Admissions, is the best of the best. While we prepare for Adam’s departure from UMW, I got to chat with him about his time working with out-of-state and international students at UMW, becoming a dad and what’s next.
Emily: Can you give me a brief history of your journey to UMW?
Adam: I had been in admissions for over five years, and I was looking to make a change. My ultimate goal was to become a college counselor at a high school. Before Mary Washington, I worked at a small, private school. I thought Mary Washington offered that intimate option for students but was bigger than where I was. I got to see what the state school system is like—I was trying something new.
There were a bunch of reasons why Mary Washington was my choice… and it was definitely a good one.
You work exclusively with students who are either out of state or international. What do you think UMW has to offer students who are coming from far away?
It is an awesome opportunity for students who want to get a little further away. For me, another reason I wanted to come to Mary Washington was because it was a new experience. College is about broadening your experiences and meeting people from new walks of life. Our location is an awesome spot, but that different environment is a big factor.
What advice would you give to students who are considering going to school out of state?
Look at what the cost is. Apply if the school has a free application or application fee waiver. Apply and see what the ultimate package costs. I think we offer strong packages—look into the sticker price. You may be surprised.
Another piece of advice for students who are contemplating going away: always make the trip. You want to feel how long the trip is to the college. Think about Thanksgiving break if you’re coming from California or Washington. It might be a good fit—but visit the school and get a good feel to see if it’s a good environment for you.
Besides an exciting career move, more congratulations are in order—you became a dad last year!
Thank you! It’s been awesome. She just turned one.
I would love to hear how parenthood might have affected how you look at the students and parents that you work with while they’re making plans for the future.
I will say, with how fast her first year went, I can’t imagine starting the college process with her. I wonder in 15 or 16 years from now, how different will the college landscape be?
It brings me back to the fact that students aren’t exactly sure what they want to do, and being a support system is something that college admissions folks do more than people might think. It definitely opened my eyes.
Adam laughs.
Maybe once my daughter talks, I’ll have more insight.
I think about the parents’ side. At this age, parents are watching every move their kids make with anxiety about falling or being alone. The same can be said when they’re older. The parents don’t want them to fall. They want to make sure there’s a best situation. I have a better appreciation of parents wanting to put their kids in the best situation.
Can you tell me about what’s next for you?
I’m going to be the college counselor at Calvert Hall College High School. I’m really, really excited. I will be working with the students to help them figure out where the best fit is.
This is something I was excited for as a long-term goal, but I didn’t think the long-term goal would be so close. This was the next phase in my professional journey, but I loved my time at Mary Washington.
Alright, I’m a theatre major so I love the idea of a ‘moral of the story.’ So, up to you, UMW in one word:
One word….
(Adam–a friend by nature, welcoming, kind—in a word that perhaps could never encompass all the things about him that reflect the best of us at UMW—thinks.)
Friendly.
