Making Hillsdale an Even Better Place
Spotlight on Senior Director of Admissions Zach Miller, ’11
Written by Victoria Barry
After graduating from Hillsdale College with a double major in history and French in 2011, Zach Miller didn’t think his job in the Admissions Department would become a long-term career. Now, five years later, he is the senior director of admissions.
“I was interested in graduate school but wasn’t ready for that yet,” Zach said. Then he began to fall in love with his work with Hillsdale students and families and realized: “This job allows me to do everything I’m passionate about.”
As the senior director of admissions, Zach is in charge of overseeing office management, managing enrollment, and setting goals for the admissions team. He also works closely with the admissions counselors and interacts with Hillsdale students.
“We get to help the College be a great place. To leave Hillsdale a better place than you found it…it is a big responsibility, and it is neat to have a hand in that.”
Zach said the best day for admissions is orientation day, when they get to see the fruits of their labors—smiles from families. But everything is not just fun and games. It is a long road full of “small administration stuff” to get students to orientation day, and then, just like that, it’s on to the next group.
“You have to wipe your hands after orientation day and start next year’s class,” Zach said. This can be difficult. “It would be awesome to have a bigger role in students’ lives. It’s hard to watch from afar.”
Despite its challenges, Zach loves his job. Asked whether he was still considering graduate school or if he thought he would stay in admissions, he immediately responded with a smile, “I’m in for the long haul.”
Victoria Barry is a senior English major and classical education minor. She is an active member of Catholic Society, the president of the A.A. Milne Club, and a volunteer at Mary Randall preschool. In addition to reading and writing, Victoria enjoys baking, singing, and taking long outdoor walks. She plans on teaching elementary school after graduation this spring.