Kyle Munholland
Admissions Counselor
University of Wisconsin–Platteville

What drew you to the world of college admission counseling?
I graduated in 2022 with my degree in music history and culture. Coming fresh off the heels of a research team within the University of Iowa’s musicology program, I was excited at the prospect of working in music academia. However, life took me in a different direction post-graduation, and getting back in touch with education was a top priority.

I’ve always had a desire to help people and have always believed the best way to do so is to educate. Furthermore, I am a firm believer in the upward mobility and social development that a college experience has to offer for all students. I knew that I had always wanted to work in education but wasn’t sure of my fit until I saw the opportunity at UW–Platteville to be an admission counselor. The idea of helping to empower a student to explore their options, believe in their capabilities, and take the steps to shape themselves and their careers was an opportunity I couldn’t refuse.

What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job, hands down, is the face-to-face interactions with students. I think back to when I was in the student’s shoes and had so many questions, worries, anxieties, and on and on. Plus, as a first-generation student, my understanding of the college experience was something I had to discover by myself. I learned I could depend on my admission counselor and the college I attended to help me not only stay on track, but to also reassure me that I was doing everything right.

Now, in the counselor’s shoes, I hope to be someone of similar importance in a student’s journey. All the work of recruitment plans, hosting visits on our campus, and building relationships with schools is worth it when I get to meet with even one student who is passionate about learning and seeking what’s out there.

How has NACAC played a role in your career?
In my short time as a member of the association, NACAC has proved invaluable as a resource for making connections (especially with my WACAC peeps!), setting a foundation through programs like College Admission for Emerging Leaders, providing resources, and keeping me up-to-date on current affairs through Today in College Admission. I’m also very honored to be part of the Inclusion, Access & Success Committee for WACAC, and we are doing some fantastic things to give students the opportunity to pursue the education they desire.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing our profession today?
Our profession faces challenges that intersect with one another at so many crossroads and affect different groups in disproportionate ways. In my experience with students and their families, access to the college is always the No. 1 priority, but the access they seek depends on the individual. For some, access comes with financial barriers, as the cost of education continues to increase and the opportunities for support seem to decrease, especially as access to federal assistance is under question. For others, it’s about the access to resources that make the campus feel like home, especially cultural and social services that are, again, under excessive scrutiny.

The intersectionality of our profession’s challenges also extend to cultural topics including the devaluation of the four-year degree and the purpose of education. The commodification of education has caused a shift in the minds of many. Instead of viewing a degree as an investment of time, skill, and energy, for some the focus is instead on efficiency in completion of a program and preparation for assimilation into a highly demanding workforce. In addition, this shift has caused many to view degrees as either “useful” or “useless” in their ability to generate wealth or land a career in high demand fields. I aim to use my position to advocate for students to harness the knowledge they gain and the time, skill, and energy they have invested in their degree to serve their needs.

When you aren’t working, what do you like to do?
When I’m not working, I like to spend time with my wonderful girlfriend, Victoria, as well as hike, cook, collect records, and spend time with friends.

If you could be any fictional character, who would it be and why?
If I could be any fictional character, I would like to be Little Mac from the Punch-Out!! games on Super Nintendo. Something about his hero’s journey and dedication to his craft (not to mention the satisfaction you feel when you finally beat these difficult games) inspires me to want to be the same in all facets of my life.

 

Published April 14, 2025