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.
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.
Eli Quay
Admissions Counselor
Office: 540-828-5385
equay2@bridgewater.edu
Hometown: Bridgewater, VA
B.S. in Communication, Technology & Culture (Bridgewater College), M.A. in Communication (University of Connecticut)
What brought you to Bridgewater College?
I grew up in the town of Bridgewater, so Bridgewater College had been a part of my life for quite a while. Still, what truly sold me on attending Bridgewater College was its small size, sense of community and the amount of financial aid the College was able to provide. During my time as a student, I thoroughly enjoyed building connections with my fellow students across campus—not just those in my major—and being able to work so closely with faculty members. Everyone I have met here has been kind and welcoming, which is why I am now thrilled to be back at Bridgewater College as a staff member!
What advice do you have about the college search process?
Try to collect and review as much information as you can about the colleges and universities you are interested in, including details about majors, financial aid, extracurricular activities, and nearby towns or cities. Then, when you are ready, pick a few campuses you would like to visit. You might even need to visit these campuses more than once to get a complete idea of what life would be like at each college. And, while you are there, make sure to ask questions about anything that might be particularly important to you!
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
For me, it is the opportunity to meet and speak with prospective students as they make the major life decision of choosing a college. This decision can be challenging, and I enjoy helping students navigate the process however I can. And as a Bridgewater College graduate myself, I also get to support a college with an environment I know well and a mission I believe in.
Logan Tyler
Admissions Counselor
Office: 540-828-5366
ltyler@bridgewater.edu
Hometown: Alexandria, VA
B.A. in Communication Studies with a minor in English (Roanoke College)
What brought you to Bridgewater College?
Although I did not attend college at Bridgewater, I immediately felt right at home when I stepped onto campus. The community is very close-knit and welcoming and everyone wants to see you succeed. The backdrop of the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains is the icing on the cake to make Bridgewater a perfect home away from home.
What advice do you have about the college search process?
When visiting prospective campuses, take note of how the students interact with one another. Are people smiling? Are groups congregated outside? Is everyone rushing to class with their head down? A college is only made by its students, so observing current students’ interactions and outward appearances can be a good indicator of whether or not the school might be a good fit for you. If possible, talk to current students about their experiences to really get a full sense of the school.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Helping students find the school where they will spend the next four years learning, growing and preparing for the next stage in their life. Through this process, I also have the privilege of getting to know prospective students on a more personal level. I always enjoy learning about students’ passions and interests.
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.
Victoria Hudson
Assistant Director of Admissions for Graduate Recruitment
Office: 540-828-5375
vhudson2@bridgewater.edu
Hometown: Springfield, VA
B.S. in Environmental Science with an emphasis in Wildlife Biology (Bridgewater College)
What brought you to Bridgewater College?
I knew Bridgewater was home when I came for an overnight visit with the Women’s Lacrosse Team. In one night, I learned that this is the family I want to spend the next four years around. I also enjoyed the location, I was close enough to home with still getting the independence I desired.
What advice do you have about the college search process?
I would suggest to visit everything from small schools to large schools. Narrow down the list to 3-5 colleges and visit the campuses again, this will allow you to get the best feeling for the college as a whole. Take your time in the process, it is important to be confident in your choice as this is where you will spend at least 4 years of your life.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
I love that I have the ability to share the passion I have for the college to prospective students. Meeting with new students and parents allows me to ease some of the stress going to college and I enjoy knowing I helped make the process smoother.
Tammy McCray
Senior Associate Director of Admissions
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.
Emily Helms
Assistant Director of Admissions – Transfer Counselor
Office: 540-828-5367
ehelms@bridgewater.edu
Hometown: Boone, NC
Degree: B.S. in Business Administration with a minor in Communication Studies (Bridgewater College)
What brought you to Bridgewater College?
Bridgewater is one of those places that just feels like home. I knew from the moment that I stepped on campus as a senior in high school that I wanted to come here and spend the next four years of college here. Everyone at BC is so supportive and caring, which made my transition from student to staff much easier. I love the friendships and the overall outstanding community that Bridgewater has created. It is one that most don’t see on other college campuses. The lasting relationships that I have created while on campus will last me a lifetime, and that is something that I want to share with other individuals.
What advice do you have about the college search process?
Make pros/cons lists! There are things that you are going to like and dislike about each place that you visit during your college search. One of the most difficult decisions is the one where you decide which college to attend. After you visit a college, write down a few things that you did like, and some that you didn’t, just to refresh your memory when you are making the final decision. In the end, your college should be a great fit for you; a welcoming a comforting environment that will lead to you becoming a more successful individual.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Interacting with prospective students is a wonderful aspect of this job. Being able to meet and talk with future students about Bridgewater College and the things that it provides for them is really exciting. I think that being one of the first interactions with a student on campus really shows them the warm and welcoming environment that Bridgewater has and it allows them to know that it is more than just other students that produce the fun community, but faculty and staff as well!
