Logan’s A-Team: On a Mission to Make a Difference
They are the face of Logan College of Chiropractic/University Programs and, as the institution’s strongest advocates, they have the privilege of making the first impression on a prospective student. A dynamic and driving force, they are the Logan Admissions Team.
While we often think of admission coordinators as those who assist prospective students with their enrollment decisions and preparations, Logan’s admissions office collectively takes on a much greater and more personal role.
They assist students with finding apartments.
They travel across the country to meet with alumni.
They help students navigate the various career paths that stem from obtaining a Logan degree; and, the team maintains finding a student connection is the most important tool of their trade.
Assembling the Team
Dr. Boyd A. Bradshaw, Logan’s vice president of enrollment management, oversees the admissions team. Dr. Bradshaw
said in his 18 years of working in higher education, he has never assembled a team quite like the one that exists at Logan. He said part of what makes this team so dynamic is their unique blend of backgrounds, educational experience and infectious personalities.
“Each team member complements each other, works well together and works hard,” Dr. Bradshaw said. “They are not only well-respected by the students they recruit, but also by our alumni and practicing Doctors of Chiropractic whom they communicate with on a regular basis. We truly have built a dynamic admissions team that is committed to the success of Logan.”
Known around campus as the high-energy office, the Logan admissions suite is often buzzing with chatter, laughter, and
occasional singing. It’s not that they aren’t working … it’s that they genuinely love their jobs, and having fun is what
keeps their excitement about Logan elevated for all whom they encounter.
“You must have enthusiasm to work here, and the enthusiasm that comes out of this team is fueled by each other, the students they meet and the positive atmosphere they have created,” Dr. Bradshaw. “They are proof Logan is not only a great place to get an education, but a great place to work.”
Meet Logan’s “A-Team”
From campus tours to college visits, here are the people who make sure the Logan campus is filled with promising students and positive energy.
Carol Guntorius
Admissions Coordinator
Recruitment Territories: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico,
South Carolina, Tennessee, Virgin Islands, Virginia and West Virginia
Education: M.Ed., Texas Christian University; B.A., Saint Louis University
Hometown: St. Charles, Mo.
It’s hard for Carol Guntorius to describe the exact feeling she gets when beginning her day at Logan. “It starts the moment I drive
up to campus,” she said. “Coming up the big hill past the pond, seeing deer in the distance … I’m excited to be here, and it’s a feeling I get over again and again.”
You might say Carol’s enthusiasm for her job originates from a lifelong love of helping students achieve their full potential. During her undergraduate years at Saint Louis University, Carol—whether she realized it or not—was slowly building the foundation for a
future career in admissions. She served as a campus tour guide, filled in at the admissions office and held leadership positions with both Club SLU and the SLU Ambassadors.
Armed with a degree in psychology, Carol went on to earn her master’s degree in school and guidance counseling at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth before being “drawn back to everything St. Louis has to offer.” After moving back home, Carol found her calling at Logan, guiding students through the education process.
In addition to her knowledge and passion for St. Louis, Carol complements her more business-oriented colleagues by sharing her background in health-related studies. “Having been a physical therapy major until my junior year of college, I understand what students are going through,” she said. “I took organic chemistry and anatomy classes; therefore, I can relate to their concerns or
apprehensions.”
Both on the road and at Logan, Carol loves connecting with the students on a personal level and makes an effort to find that “one thing” she has in common with them, whether it’s a sports team, a band or a favorite hobby. “Communication skills are everything in this job,” she said, adding that even on the phone or in an email, your personality has to shine through. “You have to be friendly, empathetic and, at the same time, be genuine. The students are the ones investing their time and money. I make sure the students see us as a resource and work to make the transition seamless for them.”
Lindsey Miller
Admissions Coordinator
Recruitment Territories: Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota and Vermont
Education: Pursing master’s in education at Missouri Baptist University; B.A., University of Missouri-St. Louis
Hometown: Seattle, Wash.
The fact that Lindsey Miller moved around frequently while growing up helps her connect with Logan’s diverse student populace. “I can relate to them,” she said. “I know what it’s like to move somewhere and not know anyone. Moving far from home is a big change, and my experience with that has helped me do my job better.”
Whether it’s taking pictures of an apartment for a prospective student from Minnesota, or helping make a connection between a prospect and alumnus in New Jersey, Lindsey goes above and beyond to make sure her students’ concerns and questions are met with information, guidance and compassion. Lindsey’s ability to embrace different backgrounds, cultures and personalities
has not only earned her one of the largest recruitment territories—which includes areas of the Midwest, South, North and
Northeast—but also the most diverse.
In order to manage such a large geographic region, Lindsey takes a proactive approach to relationshipbuilding by reaching out to her prospective students every two to three weeks. “I never want a student having to track me down to get information,” she said. In her outreach, she reinforces Logan’s efforts to operate as a family by bringing students together who have a common focus—patient health—and supporting them with a robust network of Logan staff and faculty.
“I love working for a place that I don’t have to sell … Logan speaks for itself between the quality education and the reputation,” she said. “Instead, there’s something about working for an institution that is never complacent and never out of date. We are always
improving to stay ahead of the competition.”
Josh Myers
Admissions Coordinator
Recruitment Territories: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming
Education: MBA, Missouri Baptist University; B.A, Maryville University
Hometown: St. Louis, Mo.
Self-described as a “lifelong learner” with a penchant for technology, it’s not hard to see why Josh Myers is a valuable asset in Logan’s admissions office. Josh emphasizes marketing the institution’s technological innovations.
“Logan’s technology is by far the best, and we are the only chiropractic institution that teaches ultrasound,” he said. “With our digital X-rays and imaging, we are on the cutting edge of chiropractic.”
Whether Josh is giving a campus tour or visiting the recruiting “hot spots” in his territory, he incorporates aspects of the Logan education that remain unmatched by other colleges, such as working in the radiology lab or using Logan’s new DXA machine.
“I enjoy looking into the new standards for chiropractic and pulling data trends in the chiropractic profession,” he said. “It keeps us current and, more importantly, it keeps our prospective students educated and informed.” With backgrounds in strategic communications, marketing and business, you might say Josh embodies a trifecta of essential qualities for a career in
admissions. He possesses the talent to engage students, the skills to promote the chiropractic degree programs and can
back up a quality Logan education with staggering statistics.
“You have to love what you do and be devoted to helping people,” Josh said, adding that he looks forward to helping Logan grow. “To me, being in admissions is the most exciting job. I like interacting with this demographic and connecting students with their dreams.”
Michelle Powell
Administrative Assistant
Responsibilities: Enters data for all student inquiries and assists members of the admissions, financial aid and career development offices.
Education: B.S., Christian Brothers University
Hometown: Union City, Tenn.
It may be her Southern hospitality, but Michelle Powell’s poise, charm and friendly attitude is well-suited for her admissions role. “I consider our office the heart of the school because we are the first point of contact when prospective students arrive on campus,” said the Tennessee native. “We need to be high-spirited.”
As an administrative assistant for one of Logan’s busiest offices, Michelle brings organization and clarity to the team. “You have to be able to multitask and have the ability to remain calm in any situation because things can get hectic.”
Michelle keeps the admissions office running like a well-oiled machine. She ensures documents are orderly, shuffles the right tasks to the right people and is responsible for data entry for all student inquiries and applications.
“It’s possible to get between 15 and 30 inquiries a day from various sources such as the Logan website, the Natural Healers website, our new mobile site, phone calls or walk-ins,” she said. “Inputting their contact information into our computers helps ensure we remain connected to our student prospects and ensure they receive our mailings and information.”
As both a gatekeeper of the office and greeter to the admission suites, Michelle said she enjoys seeing the look on students’ faces when they enter the new Educational Wing, which opened this past spring. “So many people come through here, whether they are prospective students or current students,” she said. “When we moved into the building, I said it was like moving from a small house into a larger house; it’s gorgeous.”
It is within that house Michelle finds people who act as a second family to her—another reason she brings enthusiasm to her job.
Mary Nagle
Assistant Director of Admissions
Recruitment Territory: Missouri, chiropractic college transfer students and non-Canadian international students
Education: MBA, Webster University; B.S., Southeast Missouri State University
Hometown: St. Louis, Mo.
Mary Nagle always knew she would find a job helping people, whether it was as a counselor or a public relations practitioner. Today at Logan, she finds herself in the unique position that combines both of her original career aspirations. “I enjoy helping people achieve their goals, whether it’s helping them discover the right academic program or simply assisting them with their career choices,” she said. “I find it gratifying and rewarding.”
As assistant director of admissions, Mary has the responsibility of managing her recruitment territories; building and maintaining relationships with her assigned academic institutions; conducting tours; and facilitating student interviews. She serves as the curriculum director for Logan’s 3+3 articulation agreements, which allow students to complete three years of required undergraduate studies at a partner school, enroll in Logan’s doctoral program, and receive their baccalaureate degree from the originating school. Mary manages agreements with more than 40 colleges and universities in 23 states, and she said she’s working to expand those partnerships for the benefit of future Logan students.
For someone who wears a variety of hats in her job, Mary said she’s learned to be quick on her feet and is always ready to
switch gears.“The job is ever-changing, and you have to be ready in a second’s notice,” she said. As one of the few people on the
admissions team that has children, Mary brings a unique and important perspective to non-traditional students and students with families. As an unofficial travel coordinator and tour guide for St. Louis, Mary enjoys being able to direct students with families to
family-friendly attractions, quality school districts and neighborhoods.
“You have to be able to make recommendations based on the stages in life or the avenues they come from,” she said. “By knowing a little bit about them, I can anticipate their questions and have a good idea of the information that a particular student needs that will help them in their decision to pursue an education at Logan.”
Steve Held
Director of Admissions
Education: B.S., Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
Hometown: Caseyville, Ill.
If Steve Held could summarize the activities of the admissions office in two words, it would be “making connections.” You won’t find this listed in any of their job descriptions, and you definitely won’t see it reflected in their job titles, but each member of the
admissions team has adopted “making connections” as their number one priority at Logan.
“Our staff consists of people who understand how to connect with others and have an innate ability to provide superior, high-touch customer service,” he said. “That’s how Logan distinguishes itself from the rest.” Having spent many years in higher education, Steve describes admissions as the ultimate juggling act.
“You have to be able to recruit students but have your eye on those who are coming in at the start of the next semester,” he said. “You have to remember facts and requirements and recall personal stories and faces. One day might include managing several student appointments, bringing college academic advisors up to speed on new degree programs, and then finishing the day
having dinner with an alumnus. It’s a great testament to our staff they can meet the distinct needs of so many people who come to us with a shared interest in Logan.”
In addition to giving campus tours and making college visits, the admissions staff is always ready for unexpected visits or
walk-ins. Steve said that’s when the level of service really kicks in. “We make it happen for our visitors,” he said. “We have a can-do, will-do attitude all the time.”
Positive attitudes and team spirit is not optional in the admissions suite—it is required. In fact, Steve said the enthusiasm his staff has is absolutely infectious. “These guys are on the front lines every day. Although they get rejected sometimes, they always maintain a sense of humor.”
Even when they are making each other laugh or getting through a stressful day, Steve said the team never takes their eyes off the prize. He knows not a single prospective student will be forgotten; he trusts the team will always remain empathetic to a student’s needs; and he takes pride in the team’s sole commitment to the student.
As Steve continues to lead the admissions team, he has his eye on future initiatives, such as a distance outreach program that will take a smaller version of the Slice of Logan program on the road to students who are unable to visit campus. Steve said the program is already planned for five states in 2012, and the admissions team is working to engage Logan alumni in those key areas to participate in the program. Another effort in the works will leverage current Logan students who can best demonstrate to future students what life at Logan is all about. Steve said after receiving training, students will add a personal touch to the admissions process through phone calls to prospective candidates.
“Our team goal will always center on maintaining our momentum and commitment to the students,” Steve said. “For us, our job does not end after the student is admitted to Logan; it’s a lifelong process that starts before they are here and stays with them after they leave.”
Dr. Boyd Bradshaw
Vice President of Enrollment Management
Responsibilities: Oversees the Division of Enrollment Management, which includes the offices of admissions, financial aid,
student services, career services, interactive media, integrated marketing and communications, and registrar.
Education: Ed.D., Saint Louis University; M.S. and B.S., Eastern Illinois University
Hometown: Peoria, Ill.
It’s not often you implement a vision and begin to see results immediately, but for Logan’s Vice President of Enrollment Management, Dr. Boyd A. Bradshaw, that is exactly what has happened. Supported by a talented and driven admissions team, Dr. Bradshaw’s strategic approach to further promote Logan’s growth and maintain a strong student base is already bearing fruit.
“Our pool of inquiries hit a record number over last year, enrollment has been steady and we are prepared to grow,” he said. It hasn’t hurt that Dr. Bradshaw is an enrollment management veteran who offers robust experience in admissions, recruiting and retention.
He was recently nominated as presidentelect candidate of the National Association of College Admissions Counseling board of directors and serves on numerous national admissions associations and boards. Logan has benefitted from Dr. Bradshaw’s
philosophy and strategies on student enrollment, which has included the coordination among student services staff; enhanced use of technology in marketing and communication; and, most importantly, the engagement and support of those outside of the office of admissions.
“My goal is to increase the knowledge and understanding of enrollment management across campus,” he said. “If we can get everyone working toward the same goal, we will become a much stronger force in successfully recruiting and retaining students.”
Dr. Bradshaw has relied on the admissions team for helping to implement and bring his strategic plan to life. He said the reason it is working is a result of assembling a team that truly understands his vision and has a vested interest in Logan’s success.
“We not only look for individuals who are well-educated, dynamic and enthusiastic, but have the ability to effectively communicate the right information to our prospective students and families, alumni and the academic community,” he said. “In addition to all of their other responsibilities, our team members bring their own personal energy to the organization each day.”