2023 Rising Star Award Winners
The Rising Star Award honors individuals and programs that exemplify excellence and dedication to serving the needs of students in the transition from high school to college.
This award encourages NACAC affiliates to look within their associations, identify and nurture those new members and programs that are deserving of this honor and also encourage the honorees to continue their professional development through membership in NACAC.
Congratulations to the 2023 Rising Star Award Winners!
Program Winners
The College Counseling Certificate series, created by a team from the Ohio Association for College Admission Counselingās Professional Development Committee, works to bridge gaps in counselor knowledge surrounding the post-secondary opportunity search. OACAC recognizes that many counselors wish they had additional training and support around guiding students through the college and post-secondary journey, and that professionals in other positions (with colleges and CBOs, for example) are also interested in developing those skills. This program was designed to provide an affordable and accessible training opportunity to meet this need, and we tapped into the expertise of our OACAC colleagues to offer each module. This year, the team is offering a āpart twoā to the series with new topics, and we plan to continue to offer the series each year with updated modules and timely topics.
Statement of Principles of Good Practice. Code of Ethics and Professional Practices. Guide to Ethical Practices. The guiding document for admission practices has gone through a number of changes over the last decade. What has not changed is our professionās commitment to a student-centered process. Over the course of four sessions, school counselors, college counselors, independent consultants, and admission counselors from across Pennsylvania came together to talk about the role that the Guide to Ethical Practices plays in our day-to-day work. Led by professionals from both sides of the desk, we explored what it means to be an ethical practitioner and how we can communicate with one another to make sure that students have the best possible experience as they go through the college admission process. Participants capped off their learning by creating a bank of new dilemmas to be used for future conference and professional development sessions. The first of these were debuted at this yearās PACAC annual conference.
Individual Winners
Heather is the Assistant Director of Enrollment Services at Minot State University in Minot, North Dakota. She is currently a member of DACACās professional development committee and helped plan the 2023 DACAC conference. She is deserving of this recognition because sheās action-orientated and always has an optimistic ācan doā attitude. She is analytical, thorough, and a solid team player. Sheās offered countless times to support other committee members with their assigned responsibilities and always provides great input to help the committee to ensure we provide a great conference experience. Simply put, Heather is incredibly reliable and positive, and is a huge asset to DACAC. Her contributions to our affiliate and profession are highly valued.
Staci is a fierce advocate for prospective students and her fellow admissions colleagues. Students and parents know that she cares, because she has an ability to make whomever she is talking to feel like the most important person in the room. She does not shy away from challenges and welcomes opportunities to learn more about the wide spectrum of enrollment management. Staci is a true relationship builder, mentor, and friend to many. Jumping head-first into GPACAC, she serves on several committees, has presented during conferences, and has been a lunch chat panelist numerous times. GPACAC has greatly benefited from her event planning interests, her service on the conference planning committee, and in her role as Co-Chair for the GPACAC Summer Institute this July.
Neal is the College & Career Counselor at Aiea High School, a public school in Aiea, HI, on the island of O`ahu. Neal has a distinguished career spanning over 25 years as a teacher, counselor and educator in elementary, middle and graduate level classrooms. Joining the high school world just three years ago at the onset of the pandemic, Neal has reimagined how to deliver college counseling to his students. His colleagues on both sides of the desk know him as a friendly and genial coworker who seems destined for an impactful role to his students and with Hawaii-ACAC. Neal also serves as Aiea High School’s assistant Athletic Director. In his free-time you can find Neal on the golf course or at the beach with his family and friends.
From his first NACAC conference in Seattle until now, Alejandro has shown that he belongs in the group of people identified as future leaders for IACAC and NACAC. His first leadership role came with Co-Chairing the Sharing the Dream conference where he helped plan and execute a conference to help professionals with undocumented students. His next leadership role came with the Exhibitors, Advertising, and Sponsorship committee within the IACAC Conference planning committee where he helped secure key funding sources as we came out of the pandemic. In his role as co-chair of the Government Relations Committee he helped plan the National Advocacy Day with several ACAC affiliates on March 12-14, 2023. Alejandro symbolizes the Rising Star Award and will be a force for IACAC and NACAC for years to come.
A born and raised Hoosier, Ty is a two-time graduate from Ball State University. Ty is currently a Marketing Content Specialist in the Office of Admissions at his alma mater and serves as the Communications Chair for the Indiana ACAC. With degrees in both journalism graphics (BS) and student affairs administration in higher education (MA), Tyās work combines his professional passions by using engaging design and content creation to enhance the college admissions experience for students and their families. The James Bond 007 fanatic enjoys playing music and video games, cooking, traveling, and sharing life with his wonderful wife, Haylie, and their pets, Emmy and Quinny, in his free time.
James Akaba is an inspirational figure who dedicates his time to mentoring students and professionals alike, helping them achieve their dreams and become community change agents. He is a father to the voiceless, the strength to the weak, and a dream initiator and realizer. As a counselor for Open Dreams, a community-based organization in his native, Cameroon, he has helped hundreds of students receive full scholarships to universities worldwide including the Fulbright, Mandela Washington, YoungEd Africa, MasterCard Foundation Scholarship, Commonwealth Scholarships and others. He was also an International ACAC Scholar and introduced our affiliate programs to numerous high impact and underserved counselors in his country. James tirelessly works to reduce obstacles preventing students from reaching their potential, arming them with skills, strategies, and the support they need for a successful and productive life. His dedication to mentoring students through college admissions and inspiring courage during times of crisis has left an immeasurable impact on the world.
Emily has been a part of Iowa ACAC and the professional development committee for much of her career in admission, but it was this past year that Emily shined. When the Professional Development and Practices chair left admission, and someone needed to step up and plan the Admission Counselor University (ACU) in a short amount of time, Emily took the role and ran with it. Within weeks of the start of ACU, she began organizing the committee that she had yet to become chair of, and planned a successful event for new counselors. Emily then took over the role of committee chair and also planned a virtual ACU. Emilyās Leadership and care for the organization is shown in her dedication to our mission of assisting our members in professional development and the ethical recruitment of students.
Terry has worked for Saginaw Valley State University for just over a year and he plays a special role in the Office of Admissions by reviewing student applications for those who fall below regular admission requirements. He spends an inordinate amount of time reading files, conducting personal interviews and counseling each student individually about their path. Both students and parents alike have commented that heās the reason they find hope for the future. Terry is a true servant leader who is committed to building community, creating access, and fostering inclusion in every action he takes. Terry recently began a pilot program with the Boys and Girls Club in Genesee County to provide weekly in-person college advising hours and hosting evening events and programming. Although Terry is passionate about SVSU, his goal is to help students find their personal path and mission, wherever that may take them. Overall, Terry Blake is just an all-around amazing individual. His enthusiasm is absolutely infectious, and his smile brightens up a room as soon as he enters. His genuine, sincere, and caring attitude is evident to all as soon as you meet him.
Jordan has a wonderful personality, a true desire to make change, and has an excellent ability to listen and be inclusive of everyone. Despite his many professional committments, he seems to have an abundance of energy and positivity that emanates in all he does. He excudes enthusiasm and the desire to bring others to the table, so they can learn from shared experiences and to truly accomplish important work for students. He is the epitome of a Rising Star!
Phil was nominated as a result of his dedicated efforts on behalf of students in rural communities in Missouri. In his role as Assistant Director for Rural Recruitment (itās only his first year), he demonstrated a true commitment to his role, his institution, and to the students he serves in Missouri. Because of his efforts in identifying inaccuracies in his institutionās rural school classification system, and then his exemplary efforts to research and correct every incorrect piece of data for more than 500+ rural schools, the students at those rural schools can now be served in a more efficient and effective manner. Phil continued his dedication to his institutionās rural college access initiative throughout the Fall 2022 travel season, as he ensured every rural school in his territory received information with a personal touch. Throughout the application review process, he continued to advocate for his students, speaking on their behalf eloquently and professionally, while supporting institutional priorities. Philās dedication to serving students in rural Missouri is commendable and MOACAC is lucky to have him as part of our affiliate.
In just a few short years in the profession, Danielle has become a household name in the profession. Sheās been a key member of several committees within NEACAC and sheās taken on leadership roles to add to her volunteerism. With our IDEA Committee (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access) she took on the role of Co-Chair for the inaugural Anti-Racist Collaborative (ARC) program that began last summer. This summer she’ll serve on our Summer Institute Faculty which helps introduce inexperienced folks to the profession and provides mentoring to new hires. Additionally she has been a member of our Annual Meeting and Conference committee (AMC). And while being on committees is always impressive, the work that Danielle has done in each of these areas has been outstanding. She doesn’t shy away from challenges, she gives of her time freely and āyesā is her answer whenever she is asked to take on a new project or task. She embodies all of the best qualities we hope to see in our volunteers and her tireless efforts are greatly appreciated by the association. Danielle’s commitment to the profession is so evident in all of her work.
Casandra, a regional college representative from West Virginia University, is relatively new to NJACAC, but sheās been a rock star ever since becoming involved. She was elected as the NJACAC secretary in 2022 and in addition to doing a wonderful job in that role, she continuously brings great ideas and initiatives to the table that help better the affiliate. She always asks insightful questions in an effort to learn more about how NJACAC operates and is always eager and willing to do the work to help better NJACAC. She has been a great addition to the NJACAC Executive Board, and weāre excited to see whatās in store for her future.
Tyler Anderson has had a huge impact in his short school counseling career. His willingness to listen, to learn and to take initiative is impressive. He uses his technology expertise to improve the student and staff experience in many ways involving instructional videos, website functionality, and office processes. Most notably, Tyler has helped to create a multicultural website that not only showcases students of BIPOC students but also the LGBTQIA+ community. As a colleague, Tyler is the definition of a true team player. He is admired, by faculty, staff and administrators for problem solving and community building efforts. Tyler takes the time to listen and cultivate ideas to streamline information to support positive initiatives to all students and our community . This coupled with his terrific knowledge and wisdom makes for a special combination of talents! His commitment to his students is unmatched and is most deserving of the Rising Star Award.
Jahnee represents everything a rising star should be! She currently serves as the Associate Director of Admission, Diversity, and Access and the University of Toledo as well as the chair of the OACAC Inclusion, Access and Success Committee (IAS). IAS has many important roles, but the one that is extremely special is the selection and awarding of the Charles L. Warren Memorial Heritage Scholarship for students from underrepresented populations. Her work and passion to provide equity, equality and inclusion is admirable and she is a true role model and inspiration to her colleagues across the state. Jahneeās talents and dedication donāt stop there. She worked tirelessly assisting with the Guiding the Way to Inclusion and Annual Conference committee, collaborated with the Professional Development Committee to launch a brand-new certificate, Championing Inclusion, Access, and Success in College Admission Counseling Certificate, that allows members to attend four webinars to learn best practices which leads to a certificate of completion. Jahnee has an outstanding work ethic and is simply a joy to be around. We canāt wait to see all that she continues to accomplish in this profession. We are truly blessed to have her as a member and leader in OACAC.
Jasper Adams was recently hired as the new College & Career Center Specialist at Juanita High School. Among his many ideas for engagement, the best has been a monthly tea party during our asynchronous learning period. Through this program students now feel more comfortable talking with us about post-secondary plans and several students who had no plans to attend college have now enrolled and completed financial aid applications. Jasper has especially connected with neuro-diverse students who often struggle with peer connections and fitting in. Jasper participates in the Gay Student Alliance Club, is the advisor for the new Podcast Club, sits on the Community Advisory Board comprised of community members to work with parents and students to reduce truancy, and had materials translated into multiple languages – beyond Spanish – to meet needs of our very diverse student population. He’s a pleasure to work with and it’s wonderful to witness the positivity and energy he brings which results in increased student engagement and serves as a great inspiration to students.
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PACAC is excited to nominate Jade Johnson as our 2023 Rising Star award recipient. Jade quickly and fully immersed herself in the PACAC and college counseling communities. Her colleagues at The Hill note that “generosity and care for students anchor Jadeās every action; her students feel supported, encouraged and well-guided in their college processes, but most importantly, they trust her. In Jade, students know they have an advocate, someone who will actively listen to them, but she is no push-over. She holds students accountable, thereby allowing them to grow in meaningful ways.” Jade has also been an active volunteer in our Association, perhaps most significantly with our Summer Institute where she currently serves as a faculty mentor. The communities that Jade is a part of, including our profession, are stronger for her contributions and we’re excited to recognize Jade as a NACAC Rising Star!
Chris is currently the Senior Assistant Director for Transfer Admissions at his alma mater, James Madison University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science; with an Honors Interdisciplinary Studies Minor. A few words that describe Chris are diligent, hardworking, optimistic, and kind. As the Chair of the PCACAC College Fair/College Night committee, Chris not only does a tremendous job as a leader in this committee, but he is also a dedicated team member. When the opportunity arose to nominate someone for this prestigious award, we all knew that Chris was the guy. We are privileged to have him as a member of PCACAC, and we look forward to watching him grow in the profession. There is no doubt that Chris Gothard is one to watch–his future is bright.
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“Our Rising Star is a highly committed College Advisor for the Denver Scholarship Foundation. She joined the RMACAC Government Relations Committee at the start of the 2022-23 Academic Year and has been an enthusiastic member who is always willing to volunteer and participate in any initiative that we undertake. She takes time to learn as much as she can about how she can be an advocate for her students (and all students). She recently participated in the NACAC Advocacy Day in Washington, DC visiting the offices of Colorado members of Congress to advocate for the NACAC legislative priorities which include doubling the Pell Grant and decreasing the counselor to student ratio in public high schools.
During the event, she spoke to legislative aids with passion and enthusiasm about how important it is to open opportunities for our students. She is also a SuperConference presenter promoting the work of Government Relations on why advocacy is important and how to get involved.
In addition to being an enthusiastic member of the RMACAC Government Relations Committee, Angelica Lopez-Rodriguez “Angie” is a kind person with a loving heart and a refreshing person with whom to spend time.
Loudine is a first-generation Haitian-American and a first-generation college student who became an admission counselor immediately after graduating from Maryville College. In undergrad, she spent three years supporting freshmen through their transition to college as the Academic Support Center Assistant, an orientation peer mentor, an admissions ambassador, and a resident assistant. In her seven years as an admission professional, she has used her first-hand knowledge on the challenges that many students face throughout the college admission process to tirelessly support, counsel, and create community among her students. Whether it is preparing for a SACAC or NARAC session presentation or serving on the board of the Greater Atlanta Regional Network (GARN), she seeks input from others and shares knowledge to elevate those around her. She especially shines in her relationships with her students as she works with them from day one until they step foot on campus and in every aspect of the college admission process. As the Senior Assistant Director of Regional Enrollment at Miami University and Secretary for the Greater Atlanta Regional Network, she serves those around her with energy and enthusiasm.
Bertita is an exemplary example of why we have a TACAC Rising Star Award. Bertita started working in college admissions with the University of Central Arkansas and is now working for Butler University. In 2022 she was a Conference Fellow and not only was she selected as a Fellow but she also submitted a session proposal and was selected as presenter AT HER FIRST CONFERENCE during the FIRST session block of our FIRST in-person conference post-COVID! Bertita has an impeccable work ethic, sincere kindness and unwavering servant heart. She currently serves as DARN’s Outreach Chair and TACAC’s Fellows Chair. Bertita is also a part of the mentorship program and I am proud to be her mentor. With emerging leaders like Bertita there is great hope for the future of college admission. Thank you for reading my nomination and considering Bertita.
In her relatively brief time in higher education, Schaller DeSart has proven to be an incredibly dynamic, energetic, and involved admissions professional. While only a couple of years into her higher education career, she’s rocketed into Regional Admissions Counselors of California (RACC) and Western ACAC (WACAC) leadership, serving on RACC’s executive board and sitting on the WACAC conference planning committee. She currently works for her alma mater, the University of Nevada, Reno, as a Senior Regional Admissions Coordinator and holds both her B.A. and an M.S. in Equity and Diversity in Education from Nevada ā Go Wolf Pack! She leads with grace and excitement that higher education can be accessible for all students and looks forward to diving deeper into the wonderful world of college admissions.
Megan is the type of young staff member any dean or VP of enrollment would love to have on their staff. She is charismatic, optimistic, and student-centered. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and arrived at the University of St. Thomas, MN following two years as an AmeriCorps member with College Possible MN. Although she now lives in the Twin Cities, Megan has an affinity for the Badger State as she grew up about an hour west of Madison in the small community of Spring Green, and now primarily supports WI students in their journey to St. Thomas. As one of her professional affiliations, Megan joined the Wisconsin Association of College Admission Counseling and over time they were so impressed with her that she was urged to join the leadership team (and board) as co-chair of the National College Fair Committee and, newly, Treasurer-elect. Megan is currently balancing responsibilities in addition to her full-time admission position, as she is pursuing her masterās degree in Leadership in Student Affairs at the University of St. Thomas. She is excited to continue building a career centered in making higher education a better place for all students.
