Meet the Undergraduate Admission Staff
Our Admission Staff is a friendly team of people who are eager to help you find out if 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
 Serving freshmen and transfers in Art, Graphic Design, and Tradigital. Also serving freshmen with last names beginning with M, P, and R.Ashley Bryant Admission Counselor arbryant@belhaven.edu Hometown: Meridian, MS Degree: B.S. in Business Administration and minor in Theatre, concentration in Costume Design & Construction Hobbies: I mostly enjoy quality time with my husband, catching up with friends, and relaxing with family. I love meeting new people! In my free time I enjoy drives in the country, fashion illustrating, painting, crafting, singing, and going to the movies. What do you do in the Office of Admission? I get the opportunity to develop relationships with aspiring art students and guide them through the admission process. I also travel the country and tell people about how wonderful Belhaven is! What is your perception of academic quality at Belhaven University? Belhaven provided me with a well-rounded education and the necessary tools I needed to confidently enter into the workforce. The small class sizes and open door policies allowed me to create close relationships with my professors. They were able to personally assist my professional development. The professors pour their all into the students and are passionate about their success in class and after graduation. What do you like most about Belhaven? I love being in a Christ-centered community. Belhaven University was and is my haven for personal development and the best investment of my life. What is your favorite place on campus and Why? I enjoy the beautiful scenery and landscaping on campus. The water fountain, lake, flowers and trees gives the campus a calm and serene atmosphere. As you walk through campus, a soft jazz plays from our outdoor speakers. It’s easy to forget that you are in still in the city. What advice would you give to your incoming students? Give the next 4-5 years of your life your ALL! Don’t be afraid to ask questions in class. Develop relationships with your professors. They have a wealth of knowledge and experience that they are willing to give you. They may be able to open professional doors for you in the future- after all, it’s not just what you know, it’s also who you know. Stay focused on studies but also, plug in on campus! Don’t be afraid to meet new people, go to activities, attend games, see plays, music performances and dance recitals. Hang out in the student center, eat in the cafeteria, join organizations on campus, and GET INVOLVED! Allow yourself to be enriched by all Belhaven has to offer and make the most of your time here on campus. |
 Serving freshmen and transfers in Men's Basketball and Men's Cross Country and Track. Also serving freshmen with last names beginning with H, J, L, and T.Master Davis Admission Counselor mbdavis@belhaven.edu Hometown: Mobile, Alabama Degree: Bachelor in Sports Management and Public Relations Hobbies: I coach for the Ridgeland high school football program. I help inspire young students to expand their worldview knowledge. I love playing my game and hanging out with friends. What do you do in the Office of Admission? My job is to assist students and their families in the admission process so that they can feel stress-free as they set site on their new journey God has set for them. What is your perception of academic quality at Belhaven University? Impact! That is the very first word that would come to mind when discussing Belhaven academics. The professors are great and willing to serve each student in their class. They also teach students about building connections with people and organizations so that students can have a positive impact on their communities. What do you like most about Belhaven? I enjoy how passionate everyone is about the University. It is amazing to be part of the way everyone can unity and celebrate together. What is your favorite place on campus and Why? My favorite place at Belhaven would have to be the student center that creates a family type of environment. I love meeting new people every day. What advice would you give to your incoming students? Believe in God ‘s plan. You are someone when you step foot on the Belhaven campus. You are special and we want you to realize how special you are. You will not be alone on your journey as we are here to serve you! We will show you how to Believe, Be inspired, and BU! |
 Serving freshmen and transfers in Creative Writing and Dance. Also serving freshmen with last names beginning with A, B, D, and E.Judith Edele Admission Counselor jedele@belhaven.edu Hometown: Franklin, VT Degree: BS in Sports Medicine and Exercise Science Hobbies: Painting, drawing, hiking, gardening, treasure hunting in thrift shops. What do you do in the Office of Admission? I get to help students through the process of being admitted to Belhaven University. I meet with students and their families, help answer any questions that they may have as they go through the process, and I occasionally bring flowers to my fellow Admission Counselors. What is your perception of academic quality at Belhaven University? The professors here at Belhaven University are incredibly smart, qualified, and genuinely interested in you as a person. They want to see you grow spiritually, as well as academically and they are willing to help you in any way. During the spring of my Junior year, I met with my professor every week to review the difficult information that was taught in class. As the director of the department, he had a very full schedule, but he always made time to help me with my questions. The professors encourage you to strive for academic excellence and they are willing and able to help you reach just that. What do you like most about Belhaven? I love the location of Belhaven University. I was raised in New England, so coming to school and staying to work in Mississippi was an adjustment! I love the warm weather and the flowers that are planted all over campus. I feel like I am living in a beautiful greenhouse. What is your favorite place on campus and Why? I love the balcony in the cafeteria. It combines my love of food, with my love of community and being outdoors. I have many sweet memories of having a great conversation over a wonderful meal. What advice would you give to your incoming students? Get involved on campus! Make sure you go to different events that involve students that you may never have with you in class. There are many wonderful opportunities to make lasting connections with people from all different majors. |
Stefanie GraysonAssistant Director of Campus Visits, Events, and Student Ambassadors sgrayson@belhaven.edu Hometown: West Palm Beach, FL Degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance, Sociology Minor Hobbies: Baking, sewing, traveling, and dancing in my free time! What do you do in the Office of Admission? My job is to work with students who are interested in attending Belhaven and to answer any questions they may have about Belhaven or the admission process. What is your perception of academic quality at Belhaven University? Belhaven University is a place where students will be challenged academically as well as spiritually. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to investing in students’ lives inside and outside of the classroom. The University is concerned with educating the spirit as well as the mind and their love for Christ is evident in their love and care for others. If someone is looking for a place that will prepare them in all ways to make a difference in the community, Belhaven is the place to choose. What do you like most about Belhaven? What I like most about Belhaven is that you aren’t just a number, but a part of the family. You have students and faculty who genuinely care about you and want to invest in you daily. What is your favorite place on campus? Why? My favorite place on campus would have to be under the trees next to Caldwell Hall overlooking the soccer bowl. This is a great place to watch all the activities on campus, study for a big test, hang out with friends, or just enjoy the weather! What advice would you give to your incoming students? Get connected! Belhaven offers so many awesome organizations and activities for students to connect and build friendships. Use these opportunities to make memories that will last you a lifetime! And always remember to...BU (be you)!! |
Michael HawkinsDirector of Traditional Enrollment mhawkins@belhaven.edu 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 Office of Admission? 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. |
 Lori Kimes Manager of Admission Operations lkimes@belhaven.edu Hometown: Manchester, CT Degree: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from University of NH and Master of Arts in Teaching from Missouri Baptist University Hobbies: I love reading, exploring new towns, going for walks and spending time with family and friends. What do you do in the Office of Admission? I work on the operation side of our admission department. Gathering the official documents for each applicant and verifying that the criteria is met so that an applicant can become a Blazer. I work alongside the admission team from the stage of the application to the last stage of final acceptance. What is your perception of academic quality at Belhaven University? Having been an educator, I know the value of a low teacher to student ratio. Belhaven is able to provide an environment that allows for a personal and meaningful learning experience. I love walking along the Legacy of Learning, it shows the years of commitment to quality academics at Belhaven. What do you like most about Belhaven? It’s small town community ‘feel’ but yet, it is right in the middle of our capital. The staff and faculty are welcoming and genuine which also makes it feel like a small town. What is your favorite place on campus? Why? The tree outside the student center that canopies over Belhaven’s outside bistro tables. It is a great place to meet with friends or eat lunch alone, while at the same time enjoying the beauty of campus. What advice would you give to your incoming students? Get involved. Ask for help early on. Make the most of your college years! |
 Serving freshmen and transfer in Baseball, Football, Women's Basketball, Golf, Tennis, Volleyball, Mens’s Soccer, and Women's Cross Country and Track.Gina McCorkle Assistant Director of Admission for Athletic Recruitment gmccorkle@belhaven.edu Hometown: Emmaus, PA Degrees: M.S. in Education , Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre Hobbies: Running, weight-training, field hockey. Enjoy any creative project or active recreation. Love baking and cleaning. Genuine connection over coffee is a favorite use of leisure time. What do you do in the Office of Admission? My job is to develop relationships with aspiring student athletes who are motivated to win in the classroom and on the playing field. What is your perception of academic quality at Belhaven University? I believe a rich academic experience is offered to all majors and diverse student interests. The commitment to sustained academic excellence is experienced upon first encounter with Belhaven faculty/staff and remains authentic to the graduation hand shake from President Dr. Parrott. What do you like most about Belhaven? I think being immersed in a campus setting that has Christ as the foundation in every aspect of the student experience is life changing and counter-cultural. Students at Belhaven experience grace, truth, and impactful mentoring. Truly they are equipped to use their unique gifting to be agents of change and success in a broken world. What is your favorite place on campus? Why? I love the American flag that stands tall over the stadium alongside the Belhaven motto “To serve not to be served”. At night there is a gentle breeze and peace that you feel when you stand on the hill under the rippling flag. It’s a profound reminder of our amazing freedom in Christ and our charge to impact the world by our humility. What advice would you give to your incoming students? Pursue. Take initiative. The college experience is about relationship. Professors, coaches, and staff members are all here to draw out the very best in you. There are lifetime friends and moments around the corner. The degree you are willing to invest in that will determine your satisfaction and commitment here. |
Serving freshmen and transfers in Film and Theatre. Also serving freshmen with last names beginning with C, F, G, I, K, and O.
Caleb Henry Admission Counselor chenry@belhaven.edu Hometown: Nacogdoches, TX Degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting Hobbies: Getting coffee with friends, movie nights with friends, reading, working on or performing a new monologue or play, going on walks or drives through the Belhaven neighborhood. What do you do in the Office of Admission? My job is to come along side and assist prospective students and their families in their admission process so that a potentially difficult process can be stress free and clear. What is your perception of academic quality at Belhaven University? Belhaven University offers a fantastic education! The professors here work tirelessly to make sure students grasp concepts and are more than willing to meet one-on-one with students to answer any questions. They strive to teach you information that will allow you to exceed not only during your time here at Belhaven but also in your life after graduation. Professors, especially in the student’s particular major, are interested in the growth of their students both academically and as people. What do you like most about Belhaven? At Belhaven, I am surrounded by people who constantly strive to embody Christ in their lives which therefore allows me to constantly learn and grow in my faith. What is your favorite place on campus? Why? My favorite place in Belhaven is the first floor student center. It provides a wonderful atmosphere where you can talk and hangout with your friends as well as study or chill while sipping on a coffee from the Shoebird Cafe. What advice would you give to your incoming students? I think the incoming students will have a better college life if they are willing to reach out. Always reach out to professors, RA, and friends if you ever need help. |
Serving transfer students.
Bailey Ketteringham Assistant Director of Admission bketteringham@belhaven.edu Hometown: Jackson, MS Degree: Master of Arts in Teaching. B.S. in Mathematics, minor in Biblical Studies and Classical Education. Hobbies: I love spending time at home with my family, reading, and being outdoors! What do you do in the Office of Admission? I get to guide transfer students and their families through the admission process! I also travel to community colleges across the state to meet students and share about what makes Belhaven academically and spiritually fulfilling. What is your perception of academic quality at Belhaven University? The education I received at Belhaven not only challenged me in my field but gave me the tools I needed to connect all I was learning through a Christian worldview. The faculty were personal and genuinely cared about my success. They encouraged me to do things outside of my comfort zone and prepared me to take initiative and have confidence in my career. A Belhaven University education is unique because not only will you experience high quality academics, but you will also learn to own and defend your Christian faith and live it out in every area of life. What do you like most about Belhaven? I love that your time here is not just about getting a degree. It is a time to explore God's calling on your life. What is your favorite place on campus? Why? I love the fountain at night! It is so peaceful and beautifully lit. I also love Fitzhugh, our math and science building, because I have so many memories there as a student. What advice would you give to your incoming students? Introduce yourself to your professors! They will help you! They recognize that God has placed you here for a reason. They want to see you succeed. Find at least one way to get plugged in, whether that is a campus ministry, club, or campus activity. Find a friend and do something that scares you! I was once roped into being on an intermural volleyball team and it was good for me! Belhaven literally means beautiful home. This is your home! You are wanted here! |
Serving freshmen and transfers in Music. Also serving freshmen with last names beginning with N, Q, S, U, V, W, X, Y, and Z.
Matthew Ridden Admission Counselor mridden@belhaven.edu Hometown: Gladstone, Australia Degree: B.A. in Public Relations Hobbies: I love to play tennis and watch tennis. I also enjoy spending quality time with my girlfriend, friends, and family. In my free time I play video games, watch YouTube, and read. What do you do in the Office of Admission? This will usually change depending on the time of year. In the Fall a big focus is on traveling in and around the state of MS going to college fairs and high schools to give potential students information about Belhaven University. Otherwise, I will probably be in the office calling students and helping them submit all their required documentation and information needed for admission and enrollment. I also value being able available to serve students by answering any questions or concerns incoming students have about college. What is your perception of academic quality at Belhaven University? For me, the academic quality at Belhaven lies in the intention of the professors. I can confidently say I never had a bad experience with a professor. In all the classes I had the opportunity to partake in, I felt welcomed and cared about by the professor. The small class sizes allow professors to become acquainted with each student individually, by name. It gave me confidence to do the work and if I needed and help or had any questions, they were more than happy to help. The professors I had were experts on the material, and through their teachings, I felt they strived to give the students the best learning environment possible. What do you like most about Belhaven? The part of Belhaven I like most has been the opportunity for growth for me, which I am very thankful for. My peers and friends around me have been able to push me to accomplish things I never thought I would be able to do alone. Thankfully, I was never alone. My friends were always willing to support me and work with me to make my experience memorable. I would not have been able to thrive without them. What is your favorite place on campus? Why? I think my favorite place on campus would have to be the rocking chairs outside Preston/Fitzhugh Hall, or in the lawn area between Pinehurst street and Preston. Both these areas are usually vacant so if you want some quiet time to study or read outside of the dorm room or other crowded areas like the Student Center, these work as valuable areas to relax. Also, on the second floor of the student center is a bunch of couches which I found helpful in just being able to separate myself from people and focus on schoolwork. What advice would you give to your incoming students? I think the advice I would share for new students would be to get connected. Belhaven is very diverse and there are opportunities to meet a wide variety of people just by stepping out of your comfort zone a little bit. By attending events, you will be able to meet wonderful people who genuinely care for you. I believe that you will find your place in the campus community, as I did. Also, by networking with the community and faculty, you may find that you can call on them one day for help. Knowing and having a good relationship with people is such a valuable resource, both during college and after. |
 Associate Vice President for EnrollmentSuzanne Sullivan Associate Vice President for Enrollment ssullivan@belhaven.edu Hometown: Clarksdale, MS Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Communication at Mississippi State University, Master of Business Administration at Belhaven University Hobbies: Spending time with my family and friends, shopping, traveling, attending athletic events, and reading when I have a good book and time! What do you do in the Office of Admission? I work with the team to enroll students at Belhaven. We have a lot of fun planning campus events and Discover Days. It’s our pleasure to host students on campus and share with them why Belhaven is so special to us. What do you like most about Belhaven? The personal attention that every student receives. Our professors engage with students not only in the classroom, but also in their offices and homes. The Belhaven community is family! What is your favorite place on campus? Why? I love the hustle and bustle in the student center. Whether it’s friends having lunch or study groups preparing for class, there are always students coming and going and interacting with each other. It’s the hub of campus and the center of activity. What advice would you give to your incoming students? Seek wise counsel as you make your college choice. It’s a big decision and will impact you for life. |
 Dr. Kevin RussellVice President for Enrollment Management and University Marketing krussell@belhaven.edu Hometown: Memphis, TN Degree: BBA in Finance from Millsaps College; MBA from The University of Texas Hobbies: Reading, Golf, Jogging...a little, pouring myself into my family, church fellowship What do you do in the Office of Admission? ? I oversee all aspects of the traditional and online enrollment, retention, career services, and communications functions. What do you like most about Belhaven? Belhaven is a perfect blend between my faith, family and work All work seamlessly together and for His glory. What is your favorite place on campus? Why? Relaxing on one of the benches on The Commons between Fitzhugh and Preston! What advice would you give to your incoming students? Realize that your college education is one of the most important decisions and investments you will ever make. Indeed, your education will become one of the biggest assets that you will use for the rest of your life. The people who you spend your next four years with should be examined closely. We always encourage prospective students to consider the faculty, staff, and students at the colleges they are considering and ask themselves, "are these people I'd want to be like?" The best way to learn the answer to this question is an individual visit that is NOT on one of the group visit days. While group visit days can give you a great overview, a personal visit to your top schools will best help you make your final decision! At Belhaven, we look forward to helping you make the best decision for your future. |