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: L, M, N Olivia McCay Admission Counselor omccay@belhaven.edu Hometown: Lakeland, FL Degree: Bachelor of Arts in History Hobbies: Anything outdoors, spending time with my husband, eating, going on walks, spending time with friends, traveling, and reading. What do you do in the Office of Admission? My job is to work with students who are interested in attending Belhaven University. I make phone calls, answer questions, and make sure the student has a smooth application process. What is your perception of academic quality at Belhaven University? Belhaven offers an academic experience that is outstanding. Our classes are taught by teachers who care about their students. The smaller class sizes make the experience of learning more exciting through discussion and interaction with fellow students. What do you like most about Belhaven? One of the best things about Belhaven is relationships that are formed here. The community allows for a wonderful opportunity to be build friendships with fellow students and professors. Another thing I like about Belhaven is the genuine concern professors have for their students. Professors care about the student’s success in school and life in general. What is your favorite place on campus? Why? My favorite place on campus would have to be the Gillespie Commons. It is always such a beautiful place no matter what season. What advice would you give to your incoming students? My advice would be for the students to really form good relationships with their teachers. The teachers at Belhaven are here to help you through your college experience and want you to succeed in every aspect of life.

Serves: Athletic Recruits 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: R, T, W and all International Students Rachel Eason Admission Counselor reason@belhaven.edu Hometown: Huntsville, AL Degree: Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Hobbies: Drawing, Photography, Kayaking, Hiking, Reading, spending time with family and friends, playing the ukulele, and, let’s be honest, shopping. What do you do in the Office of Admission? I work with international students who are interested in coming to Belhaven. I answer their questions, and help them through the process of coming to school in the United States of America. What is your perception of academic quality at Belhaven University? There are so many universities that hang their hat on academic quality – it’s their selling point. Belhaven goes beyond that. Our faculty are experts in their field, and passionate about teaching, so students can rest assured that they will be competitive in the job-market. But that is the foundation we stand on. More than that, Belhaven fosters a community where students and teachers live and learn together – education here is never restrained to the class-period. Faculty are ready and willing to go above-and-beyond to ensure that their students understand the material, and are given every reason to succeed, so our academic quality surpasses other’s by enriching, and not merely educating, students. What do you like most about Belhaven? The community that Belhaven fosters is so wonderful. We have a diverse, supportive community that is fully engaged in the arts, athletics, academics, and everything our campus has to offer for fun and for service in the greater-Jackson area. What is your favorite place on campus? Why? Gillespie Commons is my favorite place on campus. It is beautiful, day and night, and I love relaxing on the benches to chat with friends, draw, or just rest. What advice would you give to your incoming students? Remember why you came, and build all of your dreams in God’s hands.

Serves: P, Q, S, U, V, X, Y, Z Michael Hawkins Admission Counselor 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.

Serves: G, H, I, K, O 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 do you do in the Office of Admission? My job is to get to know and communicate with prospective students who are interested in Belhaven. 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 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: A, B, J 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 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 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 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.

Josh Reid Assistant Director of Admission Admission Advocate 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: C, D, E, F 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.

Lauren Snyder Admission Advocate lnyder@belhaven.edu Hometown:  Winnebago, IL Degree:  Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration & Fitness Management Hobbies: Spending time with my husband Caleb, running, participating in triathlons, playing soccer, being on the lake, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. What do you do in the Office of Admission? As an Advocate, I work directly with students and their families in determining what options are available to them in order to make Belhaven their home for the next four years. I focus on getting to know the students, find different ways in which Belhaven can be affordable for them and stay in contact with the student during the years they are here at Belhaven. What is your perception of academic quality at Belhaven University? I believe that Belhaven goes above and beyond in helping students achieve their academic success not only in the classroom, but also prepares them for either graduate school or their career once they graduate. With the faculty to student ratio being 12:1, this really gives students an opportunity to engage with their professors and understand academic material in a smaller group setting. Belhaven has four main values that really hold true meaning of what this institution is about: valuing gifts, valuing a biblical worldview, valuing worship, and valuing family. All students at Belhaven get the opportunity to really understand the meaning of these four values and I believe these are what set Belhaven apart from any other institution. What do you like most about Belhaven? I love the feeling of family right when you step onto campus here at Belhaven with all its staff, faculty, and students. The community around Belhaven is beautiful and is fully engaged in all activities that the university has to offer. Another great thing about being a part of this institution is being around a group of believers who focus on the university’s motto: To Serve, Not to be Served. What is your favorite place on campus? Why? There are several great places on campus, but my favorite is where the rocking chairs are in front of the student center. This is a great area to study or chat with friends with soft music playing in the background. There’s nothing better than relaxing in a rocking chair with soothing music to listen to. What advice would you give to your incoming students? My advice for students is to think of areas that are most valuable to them when choosing a college and focus on those areas when visiting schools. Pray for God to lead you in your school search and remember to focus all your trust on him.

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. 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.

Kevin Russell Vice President for University Advancement 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.