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
Hometown: Modesto, CA Degree: Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, Biblical Studies Minor Hobbies: Reading, Running, Crafts, spending time with family and friends, relaxing in a hammock.
What is your perception of academic quality at Belhaven University?
Belhaven is of great academic quality due to the knowledge of the professors in their subject and due to the worldview curriculum. The professors don't just know their curriculum well but have mastered it through previous work experience, internships, and their own education. The faculty doesn't just teach their students but they invest in each one of them as individuals and are available for tutoring and counseling. The worldview curriculum distinguishes Belhaven from other private Christian Universities by teaching history, english, art and philosophy through a Christian Perspective all on the same timeline.
What do you do in the Office of Admission?
My job is to speak with students that are interested in attending Belhaven. I am there to help them through the admission process and to answer any questions they or their parents may have.
What do you like most about Belhaven?
By far the best thing about Belhaven is the community of students, faculty and staff. Having such a wide variety of personalities and backgrounds of students on campus helps to create a close knit community. It is quite impossible to walk around campus and someone not say “Hello!” or smile at you. Everyone is welcoming, including the staff and faculty. It’s indescribable, come experience it for yourself!
What is your favorite place on campus? Why?
There a many places on campus you can study, spend time with friends and places that you can just relax. One of my favorite places is to sit out on, or near the Pavillion. It is a great place to see the student body come and go from classes, to study, catch a tennis match or to simply enjoy some sun and music.
What advice would you give to your incoming students?
My advice for students would be to get involved, not just on campus but the Jackson community. Find a great home church that you can be a part of, go to the different events on campus, and join clubs. Get connected. Belhaven and Jackson will be your home for your next four years, so explore what your new home is like.
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.
Hometown: All over the U.S. but now currently Jackson, MS Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, Biblical Studies Minor Hobbies: I most enjoy hanging out with my wife, friends and family. I also enjoy the outdoors, whether that be back-packing camping or taking a walk down the street. Another favorite hobby is playing any kind of sport, but I especially like basketball and soccer.
What do you do in the Admission office?
I talk to students and parents and help them with the process of admission to Belhaven. I am here to help with any questions or concerns they may have and to relieve as much stress as possible through the important decision of choosing a college.
What is your perception of academic quality at Belhaven University?
I attended Belhaven all four years of my college career and it has been the best place I could have been. Belhaven does such a great job teaching students relevant information. Since many of the professors have experience in the field for their subject, as a student, you get a practical way of understanding the material. You get to see the big picture and you end up actually retaining the information long term, opposed to just for the test.
What do you like most about Belhaven?
I love the community and the life-long friends you make with students, faculty and staff.
What is your favorite place on campus and Why?
The soccer bowl. I have so many memories of playing Ultimate Frisbee, soccer, snow ball fights and sledding, when it snows. It’s the best place to hang out with friends and have a good relaxing time as well.
What advice would you give to your incoming students?
As a former Belhaven student my best advice is to get involved in campus life. You will be living here for the next four years and making friends that will last a lifetime, so take advantage of this awesome time where you get to live and learn together. Be a part of organizations and the events that happen every week.
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.
Hometown: Johns Creek, Georgia Degree: Journalism and Mass Communication, Communication Studies Minor Hobbies: Spending time and exercising with my husband Nathan, creating custom invitation designs for special events, quality time with friends and family, as well as sipping on a nice glass of iced tea while enjoying the beautiful outdoors.
What is your perception of academic quality at Belhaven University?
Small class sizes and intentionality by the professors provide an ideal learning environment for the students. With the professors and administration having the student’s best interest in mind the academic quality is consistently strong at Belhaven. The Christian Worldview Curriculum along with the Omega and Honors Colleges are three things that truly set Belhaven apart.
What do you do in the Office of Admission?
I assist international students through the entire admission process. From their very first step onto Belhaven’s campus I want to help enable the international students to thrive and acclimate quickly to their new environment.
What do you like most about Belhaven?
From the moment I have interacted with people at Belhaven they have been nothing short of wonderful. There is a genuine loving nature about everyone on campus-students, faculty, and administration. I feel truly blessed to be a member of the Belhaven family.
What is your favorite place on campus?
From the first time I have stepped on campus I have loved the little circle of rocking chairs right in front of the student center. Pair classical music in your ears while rocking in the Mississippi sun, you are sure to enjoy that little spot on campus.
What advice would you give to your incoming students?
The admission process and figuring out where to spend the next four years of your life can be tough, but just rest in God’s sovereignty and His perfect plan for YOU. Look forward to every aspect of college and once you get there, just soak it all up because time really does fly!
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.
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.
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.
Suzanne Sullivan
Assistant Vice President for Traditional and Online 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.
Dana Gilliam
Suzanne Sullivan
