Introducing Our Newest Admissions Counselors!
Well—it’s the start of another wonderful recruitment cycle! Do you know what that means for admissions counselors? Flights, applications, food, college fairs, hotels, and did I say amazing food?!
As counselors, we enjoy forging new relationships and advocating for the admission of numerous, talented scholars! With an office of 32 admissions counselors, we practice a concept called “territory management” which means each counselor is responsible for understanding students within their assigned region. Fortunately, this year, we are pleased to announce several new professionals that will enhance our recruitment efforts, and aid in creating an inclusive Vanderbilt community. I must say, we are thankful for these new additions. They each bring novel perspectives along with jovial personalities.
Allow me to introduce them to you! You never know—they might be your designated advocate!
Drum Roll—please!
Douglas Alford hails from Monroe, Louisiana, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Mississippi. While at the University of Mississippi, he was a member of various on-campus organizations such as The Daily Mississippian, Ole Miss Student Tours and Recruitment, and the University of Mississippi Allies program. Prior to joining the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at Vanderbilt, Douglas worked in the Office of Admissions at the University of Mississippi. At OUA, Douglas will work with Anchor Days, PreVU, and Vandy Fan for a Day. In his spare time, he enjoys living an active lifestyle, traveling, and working towards a master’s degree in higher education. Douglas will serve families from the Florida (Jacksonville and Panhandle), Georgia (Northeast, Northwest, and South), and North Carolina areas.
Lena Warren Andrews went to high school in Lawrence, KS and attended the University of Kansas, where she earned a bachelor of science in journalism: strategic communication with a minor in history. After completing her undergraduate studies, she earned a master of education in higher education administration from Vanderbilt’s Peabody College of education and human development. While at Peabody, Lena was a graduate assistant with the Office of the Dean of The Ingram Commons and a practicum student right here in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. She works with students from Northern Ohio, Upstate New York and Long Island, and Southern and Central Virginia. Lena contributes to the PreVU, MOSAIC and Anchor Days teams. In her free time, Lena loves being outside, either hiking, walking, or hanging out at Old Hickory Lake.
Anna Flagg grew up in Sugar Land, Texas and graduated from Baylor University with a double major in journalism and human resource management. After working in Human Capital Consulting in Dallas for three years, she made the move to Nashville to complete her master of education in higher education from Vanderbilt’s Peabody College of education and human development. During her master’s program, Anna was a graduate assistant in the Office of Greek Life, worked in the Provost’s Office of Faculty and Academic Affairs, and did her practicum work with us at OUA. She will be working with students and families in Texas, specifically the Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, and San Antonio areas. She is a member of several in-office teams including AmbassaDores, Vandy Fan for a Day, and Counselor Conference. In her spare time, Anna enjoys reading, trying new restaurants, working out, attempting to play golf, and watching FRIENDS re-runs.
Kishia Hill was born in Willingboro, NJ and relocated to Franklin, TN as a teenager with her mom and sister. She attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville where she earned her bachelor’s degree in African American studies with a minor in dance. She completed her master of education in higher education administration at Middle Tennessee State University soon thereafter. She previously worked in graduate school admissions at Meharry Medical College and most recently, Belmont University College of Law. Kishia will be working with students from the District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Arkansas as well as being involved with the PreVU and Black and Gold Days teams. Kishia is passionate about mentoring inner-city high school girls, and she enjoys traveling, finding a great bargain, watching copious amounts of captivating TV shows, and spending time with family and friends.
Molly Jewell grew up just south of Boston, Massachusetts and graduated from Vanderbilt’s Blair School of Music with a bachelor’s degree in music composition. After graduating, Molly stayed in Nashville to continue writing, performing, and collaborating with several musicians in the area, and loves calling this creative city “home!” Rather than representing a geographic territory, Molly works primarily with students interested in pursuing music at Blair, while also serving as a member of the wonderful OUA team. Most of her free time is spent doing music, but nevertheless, no day is complete without family time, a quiet walk outside, a good cup of ginger tea, and of course, something chocolate!
John Robert Linscomb grew up in Washington D.C. and graduated from Baylor University with a bachelor of arts in political science and a minor in business marketing. John Robert comes to OUA from the Office of Admissions at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where he worked with students from the Baton Rouge and New Orleans areas. As a member of Vanderbilt’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions, John Robert will be working with students from Louisiana, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania (except Philadelphia), Texas (central & west), and China. He will also be involved with PreVU, Tour Guides, and MOSAIC. In his spare time, John Robert enjoys eating BBQ, playing adult Ice Hockey, and watching sports—particularly college football, the NHL, and the NFL.
Brandon Nyswaner is a native of Pittsburgh, PA. He graduated from Rollins College, in Winter Park, FL, with a bachelor of arts and science in international business along with a minor in both Spanish and music. While at Rollins, he was a varsity cross country runner, avid scuba diver, and outdoor enthusiast. Prior to joining the Office of Undergraduate Admissions here at Vanderbilt, Brandon worked in the Office of Admissions at Rollins. At Vanderbilt, he will be working on programs this year including Black and Gold Days and Anchor Days. In his spare time, he loves to hike with his dog, read, travel, and spend time with his family back in Pittsburgh. Brandon will be working with students from Northern California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Idaho, and Alaska.
See—I told you we had amazing colleagues! If you have lingering questions, or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are coming to a city near YOU!
October 14th, 2017
I am applying ED to Vanderbilt this fall.
My counselor told me that ED and EA applications do not see our quarter grades (progress report).
My concern is that two of my teachers have posted quarter grades which are inaccurate because of projects which are not completed: one because my partner is out sick and the other because we did not have enough class time to get to my presentation.
I am concerned because the grade reporting software gives me a zero those important assignments and now my grades are B+’s in classes I should and did have an A in.
Should I pursue this further when the teachers and counselor say it doesn’t matter?
October 16th, 2017
Thanks for your question, and I’m glad to hear you’ve decided to apply! My best advice is for you to contact your Vanderbilt admissions counselor. Reaching out to your admissions counselor is never a bad idea, and they are in the best position to handle the specifics of your personal grade situation. You can find your admissions counselor at https://admissions.vanderbilt.edu/your-counselor/