UNLV's executive director of undergraduate admissions, Kristine Shay, said college admissions is a particularly competitive field these days — especially at a time when the pool of potential students is shrinking. 

Why UNLV?

I chose UNLV because I wanted my next experience in admissions to be at a large, public, comprehensive research university. I felt this would round out the background I have at various types of institutions. I was a finalist at four such universities across the nation, and when I interviewed at UNLV it felt like the perfect fit for me in every way.

It's an incredible institution with a tremendous scope of academic offerings; I felt a warmth and camaraderie within the campus community that I did not feel elsewhere; and I saw that we are well positioned to move forward and achieve the president's goal of Top Tier status. I knew I would be proud to be a part of this campus community, to promote this terrific product, and be part of UNLV's journey. I am thrilled to be here!

Where did you work previously?

I spent my last 14 years at SUNY Geneseo, 12 of them as director of admissions. Prior to that I worked at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and prior to that, Alfred State College. 

What inspired you to get into your field?

My undergraduate work was in psychology because I wanted to "help people." Like most 17 year olds, I did not know exactly how I wanted to do that. It was in my graduate degree program in Buffalo that I did an internship in admissions. I knew immediately that I had found my calling. I have worked in college admissions for 26 years now and continue to enjoy everything about it!

What’s the biggest challenge in your field?

The biggest challenge right now is increased competition for a nationally decreasing pool of students, while at the same time funding is being dramatically cut at state institutions. Basically, all colleges need to be far more strategic in our recruitment efforts to attract a smaller customer base and meet enrollment targets with less funding. These are very challenging times in admissions. 

Does UNLV have any special challenges or opportunities in the recruitment area?

UNLV has such an interesting history. We are a young institution and we grew as the Vegas population grew. Therefore, we did not have to be as strategic in recruiting students as most other colleges in the nation. The recession was a difficult time for the university. Now, we are moving forward and are coming together as an institution/community to attract higher achieving students from both in-state and out-of-state markets as well as internationally. Our location, scope of academic offerings, and name brand recognition give us a tremendous edge in achieving our goal of Top Tier status.

What’s the biggest misconception about your field?

(It) can best be described by a scene in the movie Legally Blonde that always makes me chuckle. People tend to think we just sit around a conference table, read essays, and stamp folders "Admit" or "Deny." Admissions is actually an extremely challenging field, as it requires talents in many different areas. We are salespeople as well as counselors. We need to be savvy in marketing, know how to use data to make informed decisions, and collaborate with all relevant stakeholders from our own in-house team to the campus community, the high school community, and relevant off-campus constituents. We also need to always be aware of our competition and keep abreast of current strategies and technology in recruitment.

It is an ever-changing field and you must change with it or be left behind. 

What is the proudest moment of your life?

I am most proud of my accomplishments at SUNY Geneseo. I feel I made a difference there.

One tip for success

My tip for success is really very simple: work hard, work smart, and no matter what, just keep moving forward. 

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Dansville, New York. It is a small town south of Rochester, New York.

Who was your favorite professor/teacher and why?

My favorite teacher was in sixth grade at St. Mary's, Sister Mary Paschal, because she believed in me when I did not believe in myself. And she thought I was a talented singer (which I was not but she did inspire me to sing despite that!).

Who is your hero?

I have to cheat and say that I have two — my mom and dad — for so many reasons I could not possibly articulate here. I will say that they are not just amazing parents, but amazing human beings in general. They are both my heroes.

What are your pastimes or hobbies?

My favorite pastime is working out. I also love to shop and spend time with friends. I enjoy the simplest things the most.