The Journey to Western
For many students, the journey to Western Colorado University begins when they meet with members of the recruitment team. This human connection is a crucial component in the college search experience.
Recruitment is a year-long effort, including travel seasons, phone calls, emails and direct texts to prospective students. Recruiters visit classrooms, attend college fairs, help with financial aid application nights and other venues that help students connect with the university.
Connecting with Students
At these events, recruiters hear what is most important to students in their next chapter.
“Prospective students want to know how to access the most affordable degree that will produce the best outcomes for them after they graduate,” said Lindsay Leggett, one of Western’s Regional Directors of Recruitment.
There’s more to selecting a school than just academics.
“Students want to know what support they are going to get from their future college or university,” said Regional Director of STEM Recruitment and Promotions Flynn Guerrieri. “From mental health services to academic support, I think students want to know who is going to help them through the next four years. College can be intimidating, so knowing who your support team is makes it significantly easier.”
Sharing Stories
Each day is different for the Regional Directors of Recruitment. It typically consists of talking with potential students, giving presentations in high schools and spreading the word about Western. But these recruitment directors can’t do it alone. They want to share fresh stories from the classroom from faculty and students—especially how students collaborate with professors and stories from graduates of the programs in which they are interested.
“Western has some of the most ambitious and hardworking students who always have something going on,” said Guerrieri. “Being able to share the stories of students and professors is always the best way to express to future students how unique this place is.”
Let’s Meet the Team
Flynn Guerrieri, Regional Director of STEM Recruitment and Promotions
Alumna, Class of ‘18
Major: Elementary Education
Location: Lakewood, Colo.
Contact: fguerrieri@western.edu
What do you love most about Western?
The professors! My Western career would not be nearly as impactful if it was not for the professors. They are the backbone of the community we all know and love when it comes to Western. Along with that, the location. Who knew there was a university where I could swim AND ski, mountain bike, hike and climb! The valley is amazing.
Alissa Bevan, Admissions Counselor
Alumna, Class of ‘18
Major: Wildlife & Conservation Biology
Location: Gunnison, Colo.
Contact: abevan@western.edu
What do you love most about Western?
Western offers so many academic areas of study and clubs that I was able to find the exact thing I wanted to study. The abundant opportunities to build a future career path while getting to participate in clubs outside of classes is what I love the most about Western. Not to mention the beautiful location that provides endless recreation areas to get outside!
Breanna Clark, Regional Director of Recruitment
School: Dakota Wesleyan University, Class of ‘14
Major: Business Administration and Leadership & Public Service
Location: Fort Collins
Contact: bclark@western.edu
What do you love most about Western?
I love the diverse opportunities that Western is able to provide our students, simply based on our small size and the dedication of our faculty. A Western student does not have to choose between their passions but can instead take the time to explore all of the options that are available to them.
Jacqueline Rush, Campus Visit Coordinator
School: Arkansas Tech University, Class of ‘92
Major: Business Administration
Location: Gunnison, Colo
Contact: jrush@western.edu
What do you love most about Western?
I love the small size and that students can get more personalized attention throughout their educational experience. It is also nice that we are in such a beautiful and unique location.
Angel Martinez, Admissions Counselor
Alumnus, Class of ‘21
Major: Business Administration & Psychology
Location: Gunnison, Colo.
Contact: amartinez@western.edu
What do you love most about Western?
The level of generosity and authenticity at this University is unmatched.
Meagan Tracey, Assistant Director of Admissions and Recruitment
School: University of Colorado Boulder
Major: B.A. in Integrative Physiology, M.A. Childhood Education
Location: Denver
Contact: mtracey@western.edu
What do you love most about Western?
I love the tight-knit community and unmatched, personal and experiential education Western offers students in the most beautiful and immersive mountain location. The passion of every person at Western shines.
Alejandro Alejandre, Regional Director of Recruitment
Alumnus, Class of ‘18
Major: Psychology
Location: Denver
Contact: aalejandre@western.edu
What do you love most about Western?
Excellent, passionate, supportive professors who will customize the student’s education. The professors and staff will go out of their way to ensure students have everything they need to succeed! I love the tight-knit community and environment—whether it is snowboarding, fishing, paddle boarding or hiking, Western is one of the most spectacular spots on the planet.
Lindsay Leggett, Regional Director of Recruitment
Alumnus, Class of ‘16
Major: Communication Arts
Location: Colorado Springs
Contact: lleggett@western.edu
What do you love most about Western?
I love the opportunities Western provides students to advocate and create opportunities for themselves. There is so much support from faculty and staff (and the Gunnison community as a whole) when students take initiative. Western is really excellent at providing students with opportunities to express their agency.
Ashley Horvat, Director of Admissions and Recruitment
Metropolitan State University, class of ‘15
Major: Hospitality Management
Location: Gunnison
Contact: ahorvat@western.edu
What do you love most about Western?
The quality I love most about Western is how welcoming and open-minded everyone is. You can be from any walk of life and as long as you’re friendly, you’ll be welcomed anywhere on campus with open arms.
Discover Western
Interested in learning more about Western Colorado University? See our Admissions & Aid, Academic Programs, and Student Life resources to discover what it’s like to be a Mountaineer.
To schedule a session with a member of the recruitment team, set up a Virtual Counselor Meeting today.
Author Credit: Chris Rourke
Photo Credit: Katie Lyons, Chad Reich
