Meet your introduction to BC
Admissions counselors are here to help you through the admissions process and answer any questions you may have about attending Bridgewater College. Click the name of each counselor to find out more information about them.
Nate Allen
Admissions Counselor
Office: 540-828-5367
nallen2@bridgewater.edu
Hometown: Copper Hill, Va.
B.A. in Business Administration (Bridgewater College), M.S. in Human Resource Management (Bridgewater College)
What brought you to Bridgewater College?
I received an excellent scholarship opportunity that piqued my interest in the school. After meeting with admissions at the time, I was able to schedule a shadow day where I got to attend class with a student, have lunch with professors in my department and was given a personalized tour before making a final decision. This place felt like home to me, which is why I ultimately decided to attend Bridgewater College.
What advice do you have about the college search process?
It is never too early to think about what you may like in a college or university. When thinking about these different aspects, make sure to ask yourself whether you feel like you would do better at a smaller or bigger school, where you see yourself after graduating college and making it a point to match the school with these goals. Once you have a good list of schools in mind, make sure to go on a tour of the schools that are at the utmost interest to you. Once a school clicks with you, you have found the place you are supposed to be!
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
I enjoy that I can help students in their college career journeys and being able to meet new people along the way. I thoroughly enjoy hearing the stories from prospective students and their families to help guide them in seeing if Bridgewater is a good fit.
Lindsay Cowett
Admissions Counselor
Office: 540-828-5351
lcowett@bridgewater.edu
Hometown: Winchester, Va.
B.A. in Philosophy and Religion (Bridgewater College), M. Div (Eastern Mennonite Seminary), S.T.M. (Chicago Theological Seminary)
What brought you to Bridgewater College?
A family member attended Bridgewater College and got me interested in checking out the campus. I immediately felt at home the first time I set foot here. The students, staff and faculty made me feel like a part of the community instantly. I could tell they would all take the time to get to know me as an individual instead of as another name on a roster or face in the crowd. Because of this, I made some of the most important relationships of my life on this campus and continue to cherish them to this day! I returned to Bridgewater College as an employee out of a deep desire to return to the Valley and, if possible, to work in some capacity for my beloved alma mater. I see my work here as my way of saying “thank you” to the BC community for all the love and support they extended to me and to ensure that future students can have a similar life-changing and community-informed experience.
What advice do you have about the college search process?
While it can be tempting to have family or friends “choose” your school for you, it’s important for you to understand what YOU want out of your college experience. It’s important to know what you want to study and gain academically and professionally from a school. And, it’s important that your choice meets your mental, emotional and social needs and fits overall with your individual personality. A school can have a great program in your chosen field of study but not meet your other personal needs or mesh with your traits, and this can put a huge damper on what should be a largely positive experience. During this very important process, be sure to understand what you as an individual need to thrive for the next four years and make decisions based on that understanding.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
I love meeting new and prospective students as they undergo such a formative experience. Making my college decision was exciting and stressful, and I want to help make the path toward making these decisions as smooth as possible for both students and parents so they can enjoy the moment. It’s also wonderful to both be part of an institution that has had such a positive impact on my life and see future generations benefit from it in real time.
Nathan Douglas
Admissions Counselor
Office: 540-828-5465
Ndouglas2@bridgewater.edu
Hometown: Annapolis, Md.
B.A. in Global Studies (Bridgewater College)
What brought you to Bridgewater College?
I really liked the atmosphere at the college during my orientation. The campus was beautiful and therapeutic. The students were really friendly and I felt really comfortable interacting with the faculty and staff. After orientation, I knew this is where I wanted to be.
What advice do you have about the college search process?
Have a list of what you are looking for in a college and go on as many college tours as you can. A college looking good digitally can be extremely different in person. As you go on tours, do not be afraid to ask questions. This is the best way to find out what daily life on a college campus is like, and whether or not you will feel comfortable there.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
I enjoy getting to meet new and diverse students every day and being able to help students with their college selection process is one of the most rewarding feelings that come with the position.
Devon Hyman
Admissions Counselor
Office: 540-828-8032
dhyman2@bridgewater.edu
Hometown: Newport News, Va.
B.S. in Psychology (Bridgewater College)
What brought you to Bridgewater College?
What brought me to Bridgewater was the prestigious football program and long history of great athletes. After visiting with my family and seeing all of the programs and opportunities that came with attending Bridgewater College, I decided to attend.Â
What advice do you have about the college search process?
When visiting colleges make a physical or mental list of the things you what to get out of attending that school. Also, when you are on the tour pay attention to what the college is like during the day. Is it busy between classes? Do the students look like they enjoy the environment or are they mainly in their dorms not interacting with one another?
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding thing about my job is being able to give students the opportunity to go to college and meeting amazing new people and families every day.
Mark Griffin
Senior Associate Director of Admissions
Office: 540-828-5361
mgriffin@bridgewater.edu
Hometown: Hot Springs, Va.
Degree: B.A. in Sociology (Bridgewater College), M.S. in Kinesiology & Administration (James Madison University)
What brought you to Bridgewater College?
I was attracted to the College as a student because it was small, very personable and had a beautiful campus. The campus has a very caring and supportive environment and is committed to helping each student become the best that they can be. As a staff member I enjoy working in an environment where everyone is working for a common goal. I feel that we have one of the nicest campuses of a school our size and combining that with our dedicated faculty and staff it makes for an exciting place to be and to see students grow to their fullest potential.
What advice do you have about the college search process?
When you are searching for a college make sure that you examine lots of information and options, such as location, size, majors, scholarships, etc. Make sure that you visit the campus when students are there to get the full feeling of campus life. Be sure to talk to some students and professors, sit in on a class, have a meal in the dining hall, etc. You may have to visit the campus more than once to get a feel if it is right for you. The more information you have will allow you to make the right decision. You want to choose the college where you feel comfortable and happy and that makes for a great opportunity to be successful.
What is one of the most rewarding parts of your job?
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is getting the chance to meet new students and their families each day. I also get to travel to some neat parts of the country and have a chance to see the students in their high schools and home communities. It is an exciting time in the lives of students as they are choosing a college and I get excited to be a part of that process each and every day.
Tammy McCray
Senior Associate Director of Admissions & Transfer Recruiter
Office: 540-828-5362
tmccray@bridgewater.edu
Hometown: Staunton, Va.
Degree: B.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences (Bridgewater College)
What brought you to Bridgewater College?
I came to Bridgewater College for a football game when I was 12. I fell in love with the campus instantly. When it was time to start considering colleges, there was no question. I was going to BC.
After graduating from college, I worked for a recreation department, teaching nursery school and running an after-school program for elementary school students. But something was missing. Four years after graduation I returned and have been introducing new students to Bridgewater for over 20 years.
What advice do you have about the college search process?
Your friends and family can be a good source of information about colleges/universities and their programs. But you should NOT stop your search with their point of view. Discover and explore colleges and universities that are of particular interest to you. Visit a variety of college campuses. While there, meet with an admissions counselor to receive current information about the college and the academic programs. Be sure to talk with students and faculty, and explore the campus on a tour. Throughout the college search process, keep asking yourself – “Will this college/university challenge me academically, provide me an opportunity to further develop the skills needed for me to lead a successful life and allow me to grow personally.”
What is one of the most rewarding parts of your job?
Meeting and working with students and their families. I enjoy meeting students during visits at their high schools and at the college fairs. I learn about their school, what they want to do in college, sports, majors and other interests. I try really hard to get to know them and help them with the college search process. When they come to campus for an open house or a personal campus visit I can better assist them because I have spent the time getting to know them. It is important for prospective students to experience a campus visit, not just walk around and see the buildings. So, by adding a personal touch the students are able to feel at home with the people that make up our College community.
Questions? Reach out!
Admissions Office
Phone: 540-828-8000
admissions@bridgewater.edu​