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
Western Carolina University
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
110 H.F. Robinson
1 University Drive
Cullowhee, NC 28723
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.
Chris Parrish
Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions Systems & Planning
parrish@wcu.edu
828.227.3159
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
Enrollment Counselor
rmoore@wcu.edu
828.227.2676
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
Assistant Director of Admissions
ilunsford@wcu.edu
828.227.2913
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
Assistant Director of Admissions
jpadilla@wcu.edu
828.227.3167
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
Assistant Director of Admissions
jmouer@wcu.edu
828.227.7317
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
Assistant Director of Admissions
kcox@wcu.edu
828.227.3478
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
Enrollment Counselor
mpuckett@wcu.edu
828.227.3796
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
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
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.
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
Vacant Position
Regional Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions (Charlotte)
828.227.2394
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
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
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
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