Meet the Undergraduate Admission Staff

Our Admission Staff is a friendly team of people who are eager to help you find out if Belhaven College, now Belhaven University, is the right place for you. From your first campus visit to the day you enroll, we are here to serve you! Look below to find out which admission counselor is yours (based upon the first letter of your last name), and feel free to contact us with any questions—we love hearing from prospective students!

Office of Admission    I    1500 Peachtree St.  Box 153    I    Jackson, MS 39202
601-968-5940    I    Toll free: 1-800-960-5940    I     Fax: 601-968-8946    I   admission@belhaven.edu

Serves: Freshmen (S,P,T); Transfer (P) Joy Dear Admission Counselor joydear@belhaven.edu Hometown:  Brandon, MS Degree:  Bachelor of Arts in History, Dance Minor Hobbies: Exercising, spending time with family and friends, riding four wheelers, dancing and singing with my church and spending time with my Jesus. What do you do in the Admission office? I speak with interested students concerning coming to Belhaven.  I am their “go to” person from inquiring about Belhaven to being accepted to Belhaven! I serve them in making sure their college admission process flows smoothly. What is your perception of academic quality at Belhaven University? As a graduate of Belhaven and now an employee, I believe that I received a quality education through my academic coursework, especially the Worldview Curriculum. Our worldview curriculum is what sets us apart from other colleges and universities because we teach the general education courses of literature, history, art, music, and philosophy from a Christian perspective. And the most amazing part is that these courses of study are ALL taught on a chronological timeline. Come sit in on a class and interact with our professors, you'll then understand how events in history shaped who we are today and be able to learn how to articulate your own worldview. What do you like most about Belhaven? First, I will have to say the beauty and peace of our campus is like non-other. Second, the diversity of people, and lastly, the sincere genuine spirit of the faculty, staff, and students, guaranteeing EVERYONE will be not only welcome but loved. What is your favorite place on campus and Why? I have a couple of favorite places.  But my most favorite place would be the student center. I am a people person and you are guaranteed to see tons of people in the student center. You can chat, relax, meet new people or interact. What advice would you give to your incoming students? To make sure you get connected with a church home. Also remember that going to college is an important portion of life, but choosing to come to Belhaven for college will positively enhance the rest of your life. You are in the right place! GO BLAZERS!

Serves: Freshmen (H,I,J,K); Transfers (J) Jake Donald Associate Director of Admission jdonald@belhaven.edu Hometown:  Louisville, MS Degree:  Master of Science in Higher Education and Bachelor of Science in Psychology Hobbies:  Spending time with my wife, traveling, hunting, fishing, enjoy watching football games What do you do in the Office of Admission? I recruit students to Belhaven and also coordinate the Student Ambassador program. What is your perception of academic quality at Belhaven University? As a member of the Belhaven family, one of the aspects of Belhaven that I take pride in is its strong commitment to providing academic quality to our students. When students attend BU, they expect to receive an education and college experience that will prepare them for the future as they become beyond their best. One of the programs that is offered, the Omega College, is a great avenue to prepare a student for life after college if he or she is undecided on the specific course of study, but has in mind career goals. With the Omega College, a student is able to take beneficial elective courses so knowledge is gained in more areas than just their major. What do you like most about Belhaven? Belhaven has such a welcoming atmosphere that creates a feeling of being at home.  From the students to faculty, there is a unique bond–a bond that is linked with Christ. What is your favorite place on campus? Why? My favorite place on campus is definitely the Visual Arts and Dance Center.  It's so awesome to see how the Lord has gifted our dancers and artists and the way the students use their gifts and talents to glorify our Father.  Not to mention, it’s a beautiful building. What advice would you give to your incoming students? It's never too early to begin your college search!  Begin visiting schools so that you can really get a feel for each college that interests you. Visiting schools is one of the most important factors when making a decision about your future college home–after all it will be where you spend the next four years of your life.  Always ask questions–you won’t know if you don’t ask. Most importantly, let the Lord lead you in every decision that is made. You need to be where the Lord wants you to be.

Serves: Freshmen (E,F,G,W); Transfers (F) Keri Jensen Admission Counselor kjensen@belhaven.edu Hometown: Speculator, NY Degree: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Hobbies: running, soccer, watching the New England Patriots, traveling, being social and hanging out with family and friends. What is your perception of academic quality at Belhaven University? From a personal perspective academic quality to me means a variety of things. I measure the academic quality based upon the knowledge a professor has in his/her discipline. I believe it is important for professors to have had experience in their field of study through internships or previous jobs to equip them and qualify them to teach in their program of study. I also think that academic quality roots from the professor on a personal level, it’s related to how much integrity, passion and drive they have for their subject. If I know that a professor loves what he/she is teaching, it motivates me to want to learn and grow in knowledge from that as well. Lastly, I believe, that your program of study should prepare you for life after graduation. Once students graduate and succeed in the “real world,” they are able to see the lasting value of their time at Belhaven, long after they leave. What do you do in the admission office? My job is to get to know and communicate with prospective students who are interested in Belhaven. What do you like most about Belhaven? I love the community that Belhaven has to offer.  Everyone is friendly and genuine. I also appreciate the fact that Belhaven is so diverse. What is your favorite place on campus? My favorite place on campus is the student center because it is a place to relax in between classes and hang out with friends. Advice for incoming freshman? My advice for incoming freshman is to have fun, find a good home church, get involved, and prioritize your time.

Serves: International Students Kook Kim (Kookie Kim) International Admission Counselor kkim@belhaven.edu Hometown: Wonju, South Korea Degree: Master of Public Administration and Bachelor of Arts School of Education, Psychology Hobbies: Working out, traveling, spending time with family, watching movies. What is your perception of academic quality at Belhaven University? As a Belhaven student and now an alumna, Belhaven University has helped me obtain a Christian Worldview. I think our curriculum would be beneficial for all Christian schools to have. Most students attend Christian schools in order to gain a Christian perspective and education. Belhaven education trains students to have a Christian perspective in all areas of their lives. What do you do in the Office of Admission? I assist International students with the admission process and help them to adjust to Belhaven’s classroom setting. I recruit students to Belhaven and travel abroad at least 3 times a year for 2-3 weeks each time to promote our University. I communicate with email, telephone, and face-to-face meetings. What do you like most about Belhaven? I love the people at Belhaven. People are genuine and all the professors truly care about each student. They make time for each student in and outside the classroom. There is no place like Belhaven! The most unique thing about Belhaven is having a host family for each International student. Belhaven wants to make sure that all the International students feel at home while they are far away from home. What is your favorite place on campus? My office is my favorite place on campus where I can work and have face-to-face meetings. Also, we have a great fitness center. What advice would you give to your incoming students? College life is about finding out who you are and what you would like to do in your life. Make friends and meet the people you want to keep in touch with forever.

Serves: Freshmen (L,M,N,V); Transfers (L) Sarah Lowman Admission Counselor slowman@belhaven.edu Hometown: Birmingham, AL Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication, M.Ed. in College Student Personnel Hobbies: rock climbing, soccer/futsol, 80's rock, buying random things off of Amazon.com What is your perception of academic quality at Belhaven University? Belhaven challenges students to be the best student they can be–which means classes are not easy! Each class prepares you not only to take a test, but also to exceed in the working world when you graduate. In addition, the Honors College allows students to dig deeper into topics they are studying in their Worldview and major classes; to meet weekly with like-minded peers to discuss anything from Plato’s Republic to World War I poets; to have special meetings with Chapel speakers; and to experience the cultural offerings of Jackson museums and events. What do you do in the Office of Admission? I help students in the college admission process! That includes emailing/facebooking, phone calls, campus visits, and traveling to college fairs. What do you like most about Belhaven? I love how it feels like a family. I don't feel like I'm at work at Belhaven - I feel like I’m home. What is your favorite place on campus? Why? 1) Anywhere there’s an intramural game - they’re fun to watch and to play. 2) The first floor of the Cube (the Student Leadership Offices) - it’s the hub of all the fun stuff happening on campus! What advice would you give to your incoming students? Don’t be afraid to get involved your freshman year! All the clubs/organizations love having fresh faces each year.

Serves: Freshmen (A,B,O,Q,U,X,Y,Z); Transfers (T) Karlos Lyons Admission Counselor klyons@belhaven.edu Hometown: Jackson, TN Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Marketing Minor Hobbies: Praise and Worship Leader/Music, Health and Fitness, fashion, Hip Hop Choreography, hanging with the brothers, reading, watching movies back to back, traveling. What is your perception of academic quality at Belhaven University? I think Belhaven University has a top of the line Christian worldview education. Ranging from classical studies to business administration, the Christian worldview is implemented in such a way that it is insightful for non-Christians, yet refreshing for Christians, and you walk away from your college experience knowing how to engage the secular culture around you. A big plus is the ability for students to have personal help from their professors. You're not just a number at Belhaven, you’re a person. What do you do in the Office of Admission? I help students get acclimated to Belhaven University and work through the admission process. I make contact through calls, emails, and social media to keep in touch with my students. What do you like most about Belhaven? I love the people of Belhaven most of all. There are just great Christians here. We have one of the most diverse and talented campuses in America. What is your favorite place on campus? Why? I would say one of my favorite places on campus is the student center, because that’s where all the food resides, and I like to eat. Other than that, the fitness center is really awesome. What advice would you give to your incoming students? As a former student, I know firsthand that college is a fun experience, but you must remain focused on your studies so that you can get the most out of your education here at Belhaven. Get plugged into some student organizations and build solid relationships that will last long after college is over.

Serves: Transfers (A,C,D,E,H,I,K,M,N,O,Q,S,U,V,W,X,Y,Z) Josh Reid Transfer Admission Counselor jreid@belhaven.edu Hometown:  Petal, MS Degree:  Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Hobbies:  Spiritual growth, spending time with my wife Molly, friends and family, and when there's time-fishing What do you do in the Office of Admission?  I do whatever it takes to help students in the admission process.  I setup private visits in high schools and travel to college fairs across the country.  Students can contact me via phone call, e-mail or facebook. What is your perception of academic quality at Belhaven University? Students apply to Belhaven knowing that they will be provided a blend of rigorous academics and strong Christian principles. Our professors present challenging material and arguments in the classroom, and relate these topics to the Christian worldview. People have come to expect this from Belhaven, and know that it is something they will not find elsewhere. “Our standard is Christ” is not just a meaningless statement for brochures; it is a guiding philosophy used University-wide. What do you like most about Belhaven?  The friendly and welcoming atmosphere at Belhaven is second to none. I have felt part of the Belhaven family since the first time I stepped on campus. What is your favorite place on campus? Why?  My favorite place on campus is the Student Center because it provides a place for students, faculty and staff to interact on a personal level. What advice would you give to your incoming students?  I tell my students to always make a list of their top two or three colleges.  Make plans to visit those and learn everything about them.  Pray hard and God will show you the college that is right for you.

Serves: Freshmen (C,D,R); Transfers (G) Daniel Shaw Assistant Director of Admission dshaw@belhaven.edu Hometown:  Currently Jackson, MS. However, I grew up in Bartlesville, OK Degree:  Bachelor of Arts in English Hobbies:  I like to read and write. I also like playing the drums, running, lifting weights, building fires, ultimate frisbee, baseball and other manly things. I sometimes like cooking. I do not like pears. Someday I would like to go off to sea and/or outer space. What do you do in the Office of Admission? Primarily, I communicate with students and parents to make sure my applicants complete the admission process, the culmination of which involves moving them into the residence halls at the start of the fall semester. My job also entails being an apologist and advocate for Christian higher education. What is your perception of academic quality at Belhaven University? The learning process functions best when students are most engaged. Both formal and informal discussion form the backbone of a healthy, quality education. The small, manageable class sizes at Belhaven enable students to interact with professors in an uncommon amount and depth of discussion. But because the professors understand the importance of meaningful personal interaction in teaching, the discussion is never confined to the classroom; rather, it takes place all across campus, over lunch, even in professors’ homes. Without this relationship, the ordinary strain of a demanding course load might seem overwhelming or pointless elsewhere. However, given the involvement and availability of the faculty, it produces an eagerness to excel along with the support to meet the challenge. In describing my own experience at Belhaven, it would be difficult to overstate the value I found in learning in such an environment. What do you like most about Belhaven?  I have always loved the professors most of all and the way they embody the best attributes of the college. What is your favorite place on campus? Why?  The 3rd floor of Preston Hall. Imagine an extraordinary buffet but with Ph.D.'s instead of edibles. What advice would you give to your incoming students?  Make a point of interacting with your professors on a regular basis; many college students don't have the opportunity.

Dana Gilliam Manager of Traditional Admission Operations and PowerCampus Coordinator of Admission dgilliam@belhaven.edu Hometown:  Pelahatchie, MS Degree:  Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Hobbies:  Reading, cooking, and being a taxi driver to my teenage daughter What do you do in the Office of Admission?  Oversee all data entry of applications and students who inquire for more information, process all incoming and outgoing mail, work with anyone needing to complete the admission process, and train staff how to use the admission section of the campus computer system. What do you like most about Belhaven? Working with the students. What is your favorite place on campus? Why? The Student Center - where I can interact the most with the students. What advice would you give to your incoming students? Call home! As much as you want to forget about home, don't.  Your Mom and Dad are valuable assets to your college career.  Include them in what's going on in your life.

Jen McMahon Associate Director of Admission and Scholarship jmcmahon@belhaven.edu Hometown: Greenville, IL Degree: Bachelor of Science in Recreation Leadership, Coaching Minor Hobbies: Playing soccer, volleyball, board games and spending time with family and friends. What do you do in the Admission office? I have the opportunity to work with prospective students and families with their financial aid. We here at Belhaven know that financial aid is a daunting process and I am the person who gets to walk families though every step of the financial process. What is your perception of academic quality at Belhaven University? With a student teacher ratio of 12 to 1 Belhaven University and its faculty pride themselves on cultivating mentoring relationships with their students. Students here at Belhaven are challenged not only in the classroom but spiritually as well. This creates such a loving and supporting atmosphere between the faculty and students. What do you like most about Belhaven? I love Belhaven the most at night. The white lights throughout campus, background music, and the Belhaven fountain lit up creates a vibrant and relaxing atmosphere anyone would enjoy. What is your favorite place on campus and Why? The student center is my favorite place on campus. It is the hub of campus. Not only does it house the Dining Commons, coffee shop, and book store it is where the students gather. This is where I am able to interact with students that visit campus as part of the Admission process. What advice would you give to your incoming students? Get your financial situation in order before moving in to the residence halls. Worrying about how to pay your bill when you are trying to meet new people and friends is just a stress that you will not want to have. Another piece of advice is to visit, once being here on campus you will have all the information needed to make your decision to attend Belhaven University. GO BLAZERS!

Suzanne Sullivan Director of Admission ssullivan@belhaven.edu Hometown:  Clarksdale, MS Degree:  Bachelor of Arts in Communication Hobbies:  Reading, shopping, entertaining, cooking, traveling with my husband What do you do in the Office of Admission? As Director of Admission, I work with the entire team to help students through the process of admission.  I also work closely with international students. What do you like most about Belhaven? The students.  I also like the team in admission that I have the privilege of working with daily. What is your favorite place on campus? Why? My office – because I am able to see all the visitors who walk in the front door and the beautiful fountain outside Fitzhugh Hall. What advice would you give to your incoming students? Be patient in getting adjusted. You can't expect to know everything the first week of class. It takes time to make friends, adjust to your class schedule, and get to know your professors. But once you adjust, you'll love it! And you'll be ready to help the next freshman class adapt.