Hillary Everts
Senior Assistant Director of Admissions
Trinity University (TX)

What drew you to the world of college admission counseling?
I don’t think anyone goes into college thinking, “Wow — one day I’ll work in admissions!” It’s not something you can major in and for many of us, we think that you can only be one of a handful of things in this life: a teacher, a doctor, a businessperson, an engineer, a lawyer, or an “other.” That “other” is terrifying to think about when you’re 17 (at least it was for me).

I felt so fulfilled volunteering all throughout high school and college and loved to yap, so naturally I was more than happy to get involved at my alma mater’s admissions office as an eager volunteer. Senior year rolled around, and I had no idea what was next when one day, during a major visit program, two separate staff members came up to me and mentioned that there would be a position open in the office that summer and I should look into it. It felt like kismet — I graduated that May, worked as a summer camp counselor because I wanted to stay “a kid” for as long as possible, and applied for and landed the job as an entry level admissions counselor back at my alma mater. It was like a dream — getting to come back to a place I loved that had so drastically shaped me as a young person. And now I’ve been here for over 10 years!

What is your favorite part of the job?
If you’re familiar with the Clifton Strengths Assessment (highly recommend all people take it!), four out of my top five talent themes lie in the relationship-building domain (my No. 1 strength is “learner” in the strategic domain, which also isn’t surprising seeing as I’ve landed in education). I really love building relationships with colleagues and the students they support through this process, helping them navigate the convoluted system and terms/phrases that are so new to many of them. I’m also very fortunate that my role at Trinity encompasses working with our current students who serve as tour guides, ambassador volunteers, and interns. Getting to help them grow and develop into strong public speakers and confident young people who are happy to articulate the value of their liberal arts experience is incredibly rewarding.

How has NACAC played a role in your career?
I’ve been fortunate to have been a member of NACAC for the duration of my career! While I didn’t start attending the annual conferences until a few years ago, the continued educational opportunities through a vast array of mediums and types (newsletters, webinars, etc.) has been incredibly beneficial. It’s also a wonderful space to continue to broaden my horizons and networks outside of just my office and campus community.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing our profession today?
There is so much uncertainty in front of all of us today — colleges and universities wondering what will happen with legislation and the funding tied to it; students and families concerned about opportunities, how they’ll pay for college, and the value of a college education. I think one of the biggest challenges we face is relaying to families and students that investing in your education and yourself is one of the smartest ways to spend your time/money/energy/etc. Material things depreciate over time. Investing in your brain; opening up your worldview, opinions, and perspectives; and developing your ability to communicate across differences will have such a monumental impact on the rest of your life.

When you aren’t working, what do you like to do?
I find joy in creative pursuits so when I’m not working the long and odd hours we all face, I am typically picking up a new craft or hobby. My latest challenge has been learning how to embroider along with trying my hand at ceramics!

What five words would you use to describe yourself?
Joyful. Creative. Compassionate. Patient. Supportive.

 

Published April 7, 2025