Skip to main content

Contact Undergraduate and Transfer Admissions

Contact Us

Phone: 828.227.7317
Toll Free: 877.928.4968
Fax: .828.227.7319
Email: admiss@wcu.edu
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST

Address

Western Carolina University
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
110 H.F. Robinson
1 University Drive
Cullowhee, NC 28723

Meet The Admissions Staff

Our dedicated admissions counselors are here to help you find all the answers to your questions about Western Carolina University and the college admission process. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office or contact an admissions counselor individually.

Our counselors are divided into two groups, trained to meet your personal admission needs: freshmen counselors or transfer counselors. Our talented admissions staff also handles International Student applications.

Not only do our transfer counselors work with students who have previously attended another college or university after graduating from high school but with students who do not have a recent high school profile.

Undergraduate Admissions Administrators

Mike Langford - Director of Undergraduate Admissions

 

Mike Langford

Director of Undergraduate Admissions

malangford@wcu.edu
828.227.7317

Chris Parrish

 

Chris Parrish

Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions Systems & Planning

parrish@wcu.edu
828.227.3159

Undergraduate Admissions Counselors (Located on Cullowhee Campus)

 

Keyona Presha

 

Keyona Presha

Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions Recruitment

kpresha@wcu.edu
828.227.2682

Hometown: Asheville, NC
Educational Background: Bachelor of Business Administration with a Concentration in Management, North Carolina Central University; Master of Science in Communication with a Specialization in Public Relations, Syracuse University
Professional background: I started my professional journey in banking in 2016 before transitioning over to admissions in 2019. I knew from my very first day in higher education that helping students in meeting their educational goals is my long term passion.
What I love about WCU: In addition to our location, the students, faculty and staff make you feel like you are a part of the WCU family the minute you step on campus.
Favorite Quote: “The higher purpose of my life is not the song and dance or the acclaim, but to rise up, to pull up others and leave the world and industry a better place.” – Viola Davis

Bobby Moore

 

Bobby Moore

Enrollment Counselor

rmoore@wcu.edu
828.227.2676
Serving students with a last name starting with M-P.

Hometown: Black Mountain, North Carolina
Educational Background: B.S. in Business Administration and Law, Western Carolina University
Professional Background: After I graduated from WCU in 2022, I applied for a different position within the university. To my surprise, I was invited to apply to the position of Enrollment Counselor in undergraduate admissions. What I really love about this position is not only do I get to work with people, but I get to work with incoming and future catamounts and help them achieve their goals of attending college! When you do something you love, it will never feel like work!
What I love about WCU:  I am a proud third generation Catamount who made lifelong friends and memories here at WCU! I couldn’t imagine a better place to call home, get a great education and to begin my professional career with. I love the mountains, the campus, the outdoors, and the opportunities that WCU opened for me! 
Favorite Quote: “Who speaks with frankness but always with sincerity and sympathy; whose deed follows his word; who thinks of the rights and feelings of others, rather than his own” – John Walter Wayland, 1899

Isaiah Lunsford

 

Isaiah Lunsford

Assistant Director of Admissions

ilunsford@wcu.edu
828.227.2913
Serving students with a last name starting with H-L.

Hometown: Clyde, NC
Educational Background: Associates of Art, Haywood Community College; Bachelors of Science in Psychology, Western Carolina University; Masters of Education in Student Affairs, Western Carolina University
Professional Background: I began my journey in higher education by becoming a student ambassador for Haywood Community College. This would propel me at the end of my undergraduate career in 2020 to continue into WCU’s student affairs master program. This has allowed me to become a professional that can assist others in finding their own place of belonging in higher education.
What I love about WCU: The community works to support its members, no matter their identities or backgrounds, in a manner that is both personal and profound.
Favorite Quote: “So it goes.” – Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut

Jubilee Padilla

 

Jubilee Padilla

Assistant Director of Admissions

jpadilla@wcu.edu 
828.227.3167
Serving students with a last name starting with A-C.

Hometown: Hickory, North Carolina
Educational Background:  Bachelor of Science in History and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Western Carolina University;  Master of Arts in History, Western Carolina University
Professional Background: I began to work regularly with students as a teaching assistant while working towards my graduate degree here at Western. Working as a teaching assistant is where I found my passion for working with students in higher education. From being a teaching assistant to working in admissions it has been my goal and pleasure to help students gain access to higher education and pursue their passions. 
What I love about WCU: Western has always felt like home to me. It is a place that encourages community and growth in tandem. Western has allowed me to get close with my fellow peers and also build wonderful working relationships with faculty. 
Favorite Quote: “Some people never go crazy. What truly horrible lives they must lead.” - Charles Bukowski

Julia Mouer

 

Julia Mouer

Assistant Director of Admissions

jmouer@wcu.edu 
828.227.7317
Serving students with a last name starting with D-G.

Hometown: Mechanicsville, Virginia
Educational Background: I graduated from Western Carolina University with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in math.
Professional Background: I worked as a tour guide for 3 years during undergrad.
What I love about WCU: I love the community we have here and all the different organizations on campus.  Western has something for everybody, I was able to get involved in many things as a student at WCU: CAT Camp, Greek Life, Honor Societies, intramural sports, and more!  The people I’ve met through these different organizations made my experience even more worthwhile.
Favorite Quote: “Live Life to the Fullest”

Kylie Cox

 

Kylie Cox

Assistant Director of Admissions

kcox@wcu.edu
828.227.3478
Serving students with a last name starting with Q-S.

Hometown: Cullowhee, NC
Educational Background: BSBA in Sport Management and Business Administration & Law from Western Carolina University, Class of 2023
Professional background: 5 years in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions as a tour guide and office assistant
What I love about WCU: I love the campus community! The people at WCU care about each other and are always willing to help you out.
Favorite Quote: "Well-behaved women seldom make history." - Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

Madison Puckett

 

Madison Puckett

Enrollment Counselor

mpuckett@wcu.edu 
828.227.3796
Serving students with a last name starting with T-Z.

Hometown: Erwin, NC
Educational Background: B.A. in English with a concentration in Professional Writing and a minor in Business Law, Western Carolina University
Professional Background: Back in my day as a student at WCU, I worked as a student worker in both The Office of Student Transitions and Advising Center. I found my interest in higher education there and pursued Admissions after graduating.
What I love about WCU: The institution’s passion for its student’s succession.
Favorite Quote: “It isn’t what we say or think that defines us, but what we do.” - Jane Austen

 

Undergraduate Admissions Counselors (Regionally Located)

Heather Hill

 

Heather Hill

Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions Regional Engagement

hchill@wcu.edu
828.227.3170

Hometown: Mills River, NC 
Educational Background: Bachelor’s of Science in Communication with double concentrations in Public Relations & Journalism, minor in Psychology and a Master’s in Higher Education Student Affairs – both from WCU. 
Professional Background: I always knew that I wanted to use my degree to help promote something I truly believed in and what better than my university! My college years were some of the best of my life and my education has afforded me many opportunities that I never would have had without it. I love helping people pursue their dreams and going to college is a big part of that for many. That’s why I love working in Higher Education. 
What I love about WCU: I love that everyone feels like family here as well as the feeling of peace and serenity that our campus atmosphere brings. 
Favorite Quote: “When all else fails, God doesn’t.” Psalm 73:26 & “You can never be overdressed or overeducated.” Kate Spade

Beth Owenby

 

Beth Owenby

Regional Assistant Director of Admissions at A-B Tech

meowenby@wcu.edu
828.227.3750 & 828.398.7182

Hometown: Asheville, NC
Educational Background: M.B.A., Montreat College; B.S.B.A. Management, Theatre Minor, Appalachian State University
Professional Background: College was such a meaningful time for me, and I want to help people be able to learn. Higher Education felt like a calling and I have been involved in it in one way or another since 2005.
What I love about WCU: WCU works hard to make higher education available to students from various background, especially those in rural areas.
Favorite Quote: “And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make” – The Beatles
Advice for future Catamounts: Be open to new ideas and you will learn so much more than you would have thought was possible.

Jenny Milo

 

Jennifer Milo

Regional Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions (Raleigh)

jmilo@wcu.edu
828.227.3160

Hometown: Kernersville, North Carolina
Educational Background: B.S.Ed. Elementary Education, Western Carolina University with a minor in Psychology
Professional Background: I began my teaching career after I graduated from Western Carolina in 2015. I taught first, second and third grade for five years in Lee County, NC. I have always had a passion for education, and my love for higher education began while I was attending WCU working in the admissions office as a TeleRecruiter. I am excited to now be able to help students as they begin their college journey!
What I love About WCU: WCU feels like home. The community is supportive and the friends you make here feel like family. I also love that WCU is surrounded by mountains and there is always something new to discover. 
Favorite Quote: "Education is one thing no one can take away from you." -Elin Nordegren "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." Dr. Seuss

Paws

 

Eddie Johnson

Regional Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions (Charlotte)

etjohnson@wcu.edu
828.227.2394

Undergraduate Admissions Marketing & Visit Staff

Patrick Frazier

 

Dr. Patrick Frazier

Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions Marketing & Events

pfrazier@wcu.edu
828.227.2671

Hometown: Sylva, NC
Educational Background: B.S. in Business Administration and Management, Western Carolina University; Masters of Project Management, Western Carolina University; and Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration and Leadership, Texas Tech University
Professional Background: During my time as a student at WCU, I served as a Golden Ambassador (tour guide) for the Office of Admissions and as a Chancellors Ambassador. After graduating from WCU in 2007, I began working as an Assistant Director for freshman admissions in the Office of Admissions. I never knew that a career in admissions was a possibility until I began working as a tour guide, but I have been a part of the office ever since graduating! Over the years, I have served in numerous positions within the Office of Admissions prior to my current position. Outside of WCU, I am currently serving on the Region V Leadership Team for the Collegiate Information & Visitor Services Association (CIVSA), I have served as the President for the Carolina's Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (CACRAO) and am currently serving as the President of the Southern Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (SACRAO). 
What I love about WCU: WCU is without a doubt my home. When I was a high school student, WCU was not my first choice because both of my parents had gone to the university and my dad worked at the university. However, I have never once regretted my decision to attend WCU and would do it again in a heartbeat! I made so many lifelong friends in my time living in Walker Residence Hall and in my degree program. From day one, I could tell that the professors cared not just about how you did academically, but also personally, and professionally after graduating. WCU is a family, and I am proud to be a part of the family each and every day!
Favorite Quote: “If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” – Thorin Oakenshield

Emily Bingham

 

Emily Bingham

Senior Assistant Director of Campus Visits

ebingham@wcu.edu
828.227.2672

Hometown: Sylva, NC
Educational Background: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Recreational Therapy from Western Carolina University
Professional Background: Growing up, both my mom and dad were staff at WCU, so I got to see and experience their passion for higher education and the relationships they formed with students and other staff. That was always interesting for me to observe and rubbed off on me as I got older and started to understand the importance of the relationships formed in college. I have now worked for the Admissions Office since the fall of 2013, after graduation, when the exciting opportunity to become an Admission counselor sort of fell into my lap. I have stayed within the Admissions Office since then because I realized I have the same passion and love for higher education, that my parents had, as well as I feel like I’m able to help others and make a difference in this position.
What I love about WCU: I love WCU because it’s my hometown’s backyard and where I grew up. I met my friends for life, my professors were so personable, my whole family is alumni, and I have one of the most fun jobs working with our current students, prospective students and their families, and traveling.
Favorite Quote: “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” – Albus Dumbledore

Elsie Dru Miles

 

Elsie Dru Miles

Assistant Director of Admissions - Marketing

emiles@wcu.edu 
828.227.2687

Hometown: Macon, GA
Education Background: BFA in Fine Art from Valdosta State University, 2011
Professional Background: While in college in 2006, I found myself working part-time in the Housing and Residence Life Office. During those five years, I knew I wanted to work on a college campus as my career but wasn’t exactly sure in what capacity. Once I was in my last semester in 2011, I accepted a position as a full-time employee in the Office of Admissions, and within just a couple months, I knew I was on the right path! I worked full-time for my alma mater for a year and half but needed to relocate back to Macon, GA to be closer to family in 2013. Once I was back, I began working for Mercer University where I worked in the Enrollment Management Division for right at ten years. I fell in love with admissions work even more and felt so at home working alongside students and their families as they made one of the biggest decisions of their lives. As of July 2023, I started a new chapter here at WCU and could not be more excited! I get to continue my dream career in higher education, as well as begin living a new dream in the North Carolina mountains!
What I love about WCU: The warm family feel I get walking around campus and talking to people is unmatched! WCU is such a beautiful place, inside and out.
Favorite quote: “Lose yourself in nature and find peace.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Brian Briggs

 

Brian Briggs

Administrative Support Specialist

bkbriggs@wcu.edu 
828.227.7317

Paws

 

Doug Bailey

Administrative Support Specialist

828.227.7317

WCU Entourage, Golden Ambassadors, and Tele-Recruiters

The WCU Entourage, Golden Ambassadors, and Tele-Recruiters are three elite groups of students that represent Western Carolina University and assist the Office of Admissions with student recruitment initiatives, related student activities include Open House events and tours of campus.

If you are a current student at WCU and interested in becoming a part of the WCU Entourage, Golden Ambassadors, or Tele-Recruiters, then please contact us at admiss@wcu.edu or 828.227.7317. Additional information can be found online at: https://ugadmissions.wcu.edu/portal/admissions_student_positions

Office of Web Services