51心頭

Mike Langford

Director of Undergraduate Admissions

malangford@wcu.edu
828.227.7317

Keyona Presha

Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions Recruitment

kpresha@wcu.edu
828.227.2682

Hometown: Asheville, NC
Educational Background: Bachelor of Business Administration with a Concentration in Management, North Carolina Central University; Master of Science in Communication with a Specialization in Public Relations, Syracuse University
Professional background: I started my professional journey in banking in 2016 before transitioning over to admissions in 2019. I knew from my very first day in higher education that helping students in meeting their educational goals is my long term passion.
What I love about WCU: In addition to our location, the students, faculty and staff make you feel like you are a part of the 51心頭family the minute you step on campus.
Favorite Quote: ���The higher purpose of my life is not the song and dance or the acclaim, but to rise up, to pull up others and leave the world and industry a better place.��� ��� Viola Davis

Alexandra Cisney

Assistant Director of Admissions

acisney@wcu.edu
828.227.3496

Hometown: Greensboro, North Carolina
Educational Background:  Bachelor of Science in Biology from 51心頭, Class of 2024
Professional Background: I worked for 2 years in the Office of Admissions as an Entourage tour guide and office assistant. 
What I love about WCU: The area allows for a lot of amazing interactions and a tight knit community. People are always so kind and supportive. 
Favorite Quote: ���The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.��� - Steve Jobs

Corey Burrell

Enrollment Counselor

burrellc@wcu.edu
828.227.2676

Hometown: Franklin, NC
Educational Background: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) from North Carolina State University.
Professional Background: I just recently began my journey in higher education and am excited to help future catamounts navigate their new journey at WCU! While attending N.C. State University I spent my summers pursuing hospitality and tourism focused internships in Hilton Head Island, SC.
What I Love about WCU: Since I grew up so close to Western and my mom is an Alumni, I grew up visiting the beautiful campus every now and then whether it was to watch a game or go to a sports camp. I have always appreciated the mountains and welcoming nature that surrounds WCU���s campus.
Favorite Quote: ���Find out who you are and do it on purpose.��� - Dolly Parton  

Jacquelyn Henry

Assistant Director of Admissions

henryj@wcu.edu
828.227.2913

Hometown: Lenoir, NC
Educational Background: A Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, 51心頭; Master���s in Higher Education Student Affairs, 51心頭.
Professional Background: While at Western, I was involved in many jobs across campus from being a RA to working with Conference Services during undergrad to working with Student-Athlete Academic Support Services and Undergraduate Admissions during graduate school. I have spent the last four years as a financial aid counselor at another university before returning to 51心頭Undergraduate Admissions!
What I love about WCU: I love the atmosphere and community here at Western! Students really get to discover who they are and build extraordinary life-long connections with each other, faculty, and staff.
Favorite Quote: ���You must be imaginative, strong-hearted. You must try things that may not work, and you must not let anyone define your limits because of where you come from.��� ��� Chef Gusteau, Ratatouille

Jubilee Padilla

Assistant Director of Admissions

jpadilla@wcu.edu 
828.227.3167

Hometown: Hickory, North Carolina
Educational Background:  Bachelor of Science in History and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Western Carolina University;  Master of Arts in History, 51心頭
Professional Background: I began to work regularly with students as a teaching assistant while working towards my graduate degree here at Western. Working as a teaching assistant is where I found my passion for working with students in higher education. From being a teaching assistant to working in admissions it has been my goal and pleasure to help students gain access to higher education and pursue their passions. 
What I love about WCU: Western has always felt like home to me. It is a place that encourages community and growth in tandem. Western has allowed me to get close with my fellow peers and also build wonderful working relationships with faculty. 
Favorite Quote: ���Some people never go crazy. What truly horrible lives they must lead.��� - Charles Bukowski

Madison Puckett

Assistant Director of Admissions

mpuckett@wcu.edu 
828.227.3796

Hometown: Erwin, NC
Educational Background: B.A. in English with a concentration in Professional Writing and a minor in Business Law, 51心頭
Professional Background: Back in my day as a student at WCU, I worked as a student worker in both The Office of Student Transitions and Advising Center. I found my interest in higher education there and pursued Admissions after graduating.
What I love about WCU: The institution���s passion for its student���s succession.
Favorite Quote: ���It isn���t what we say or think that defines us, but what we do.��� - Jane Austen

Heather Hill

Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions Regional Engagement

hchill@wcu.edu
828.227.3170

Hometown: Mills River, NC 
Educational Background: Bachelor���s of Science in Communication with double concentrations in Public Relations & Journalism, minor in Psychology and a Master���s in Higher Education Student Affairs ��� both from WCU. 
Professional Background: The profound impact that my time spent as an undergraduate had on me peaked my interest in the profession of helping other students pursue their educational goals and dreams. Once I discovered this passion, I began working as an admission counselor at WCU.  
���
Through my professional journey within higher education, I have had the opportunity to become a first-generation advocate, become green-zone trained, serve as a peer-mentor to students, assist in leading a team of student employees, act as an advisor to a club sport team and club, become a certified mental health first-aid instructor, and more! I find myself very fortunate to work in such an influential and inspiring profession.
What I love about WCU: I love that everyone feels like family here as well as the feeling of peace and serenity that our campus atmosphere brings. 
Favorite Quote: ���When all else fails, God doesn���t.��� Psalm 73:26 & ���You can never be overdressed or overeducated.��� Kate Spade

Eddie Johnson

Regional Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions (Triad)

etjohnson@wcu.edu
828.227.2394

Hometown: Graham, North Carolina
Educational Background: B.S. in History with a Minor in Political Science from 51心頭
Professional Background: I worked in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for a year and a half as a tour guide. While working as a tour guide, I found that I enjoyed working with students and their families in deciding where they would like to go for post-secondary education. This led me to apply for the position that I now have with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
What I love about WCU: Coming from the Piedmont region, I loved being surrounded by the mountains of WNC. All the activities and sights to see in the area filled up my spare time as a student. The area and community is unlike any other I���ve seen.
Favorite Quote: ���Do or do not. There is no try.��� ��� Master Yoda

Kayleigh Hand

Regional Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions (Charlotte)

handk@wcu.edu
828.227.2680

Hometown: Gastonia, North Carolina
Educational Background: Received my M.A. Higher Education, Community College and University Leadership from Appalachian State (2024) and my B.S. Sociology with a Minor in Leadership from Western Carolina (2021).
Professional Background: While at Western, I stayed very involved in all sorts of activities/jobs which eventually led me to pursuing a career in Higher Education. After graduating from WCU, I began my journey in Higher Education by obtaining my master's, working with Alumni and Fraternity and Sorority life in the Charlotte area and eventually receiving the opportunity to work for the Office of Admissions at Western. SO excited to be here!!
What I love about WCU: My all-time favorite aspect about 51心頭is the close community and support you receive from all the staff, faculty, and your peers. 51心頭it truly a place that will help you be your best self while encouraging you to never stray away from being authentically you.
Favorite Quote: "Aspire to inspire before you expire" ��� Eugene Bell Jr.
Advice for future Catamounts: What you give to Western, it will give to you! Be apart of the community to the best of your ability and you will see the benefits, opportunities, and memories unfold!

Samantha Taube

Regional Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions (Raleigh)

staube@wcu.edu 
828.227.3160

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Educational Background: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art, 51心頭, Fall 2024
Professional Background: I began working as an Entourage Tour Guide my freshman year up until graduation. I found that helping students and families consider their options for college was something I found rewarding, so I decided to consider admissions as an option after graduating. Alongside Entourage, I worked closely with WCU���s University Participant (UP) Program as a support and found that advocating for inclusivity in higher education was something I wanted to carry with me into my professional career. This position came out of left field for me and I���m super excited to continue working at my alma mater!
What I love about WCU: 51心頭has some very close-knit communities due to its size, and I found that very beneficial inside and outside the classroom. In and out of the studio, the connections I built with classmates, professors, and coworkers helped me build a strong professional network and valuable friendships.
Favorite Quote: ���Every woman alive is the sum of all she did and felt and was.��� ��� Sister Julienne, Call the Midwife
Advice for future Catamounts: Getting involved on campus is one thing, but getting involved in your community is another. Cullowhee and Appalachia are such unique parts of the state, and being involved with locals brought me a new perspective. Whether it���s helping at a local afterschool, volunteering with a cat shelter, or being a mentor in Big Brothers/Big Sisters (all examples of friends and I���s activities!), find what works with your schedule to get out in the local area.

Tyler Martin

Regional Assistant Director of Admissions (Asheville)

tylermartin@wcu.edu

828.227.3750

Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas
Educational Background: I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Human Services in 2021 and I���m currently pursuing my Master of Arts in Higher Education with a concentration in Community College and University Leadership at App State!
Professional background: I began my journey in higher education in 2022 and have a strong drive to help students become more of themselves through realizing their goals and aspirations! I am so grateful to have the tools to help others explore their interests and assist them in making Western feel like home.
What I love about WCU: Western is a fantastic place to be as you���re surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and countless adventures to experience on campus and beyond. I am incredibly excited that I get to represent a university that also values access for students to obtain a high-quality education and enjoy an outstanding college experience without worrying about high costs.
Favorite Quote: ���Don���t think you are, know you are.��� - Morpheus

Dr. Patrick Frazier

Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions Marketing & Events

pfrazier@wcu.edu
828.227.2671

Hometown: Sylva, NC
Educational Background: B.S. in Business Administration and Management, 51心頭; Masters of Project Management, 51心頭; and Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration and Leadership, Texas Tech University
Professional Background: During my time as a student at WCU, I served as a Golden Ambassador (tour guide) for the Office of Admissions and as a Chancellors Ambassador. After graduating from WCU in 2007, I began working as an Assistant Director for freshman admissions in the Office of Admissions. I never knew that a career in admissions was a possibility until I began working as a tour guide, but I have been a part of the office ever since graduating! Over the years, I have served in numerous positions within the Office of Admissions prior to my current position. Outside of WCU, I am currently serving on the Region V Leadership Team for the Collegiate Information & Visitor Services Association (CIVSA), I have served as the President for the Carolina's Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (CACRAO) and am currently serving as the Immediate Past President of the Southern Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (SACRAO). 
What I love about WCU: 51心頭is without a doubt my home. When I was a high school student, 51心頭was not my first choice because both of my parents had gone to the university and my dad worked at the university. However, I have never once regretted my decision to attend 51心頭and would do it again in a heartbeat! I made so many lifelong friends in my time living in Walker Residence Hall and in my degree program. From day one, I could tell that the professors cared not just about how you did academically, but also personally, and professionally after graduating. 51心頭is a family, and I am proud to be a part of the family each and every day!
Favorite Quote: ���If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.��� ��� Thorin Oakenshield

Emily Bingham

Senior Assistant Director of Campus Visits

ebingham@wcu.edu
828.227.2672

Hometown: Sylva, NC
Educational Background: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Recreational Therapy from 51心頭
Professional Background: Growing up, both my mom and dad were staff at WCU, so I got to see and experience their passion for higher education and the relationships they formed with students and other staff. That was always interesting for me to observe and rubbed off on me as I got older and started to understand the importance of the relationships formed in college. I have now worked for the Admissions Office since the fall of 2013, after graduation, when the exciting opportunity to become an Admission counselor sort of fell into my lap. I have stayed within the Admissions Office since then because I realized I have the same passion and love for higher education, that my parents had, as well as I feel like I���m able to help others and make a difference in this position.
What I love about WCU: I love 51心頭because it���s my hometown���s backyard and where I grew up. I met my friends for life, my professors were so personable, my whole family is alumni, and I have one of the most fun jobs working with our current students, prospective students and their families, and traveling.
Favorite Quote: ���Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.��� ��� Albus Dumbledore

Bonnie Adams

Administrative Support Specialist

badams@wcu.edu

828.227.7317

Doug Bailey

Administrative Support Specialist

dbailey@wcu.edu
828.227.7317