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.
Patrick Frazier
Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions Marketing & Recruitment
pfrazier@wcu.edu
828.227.2671
Chris Parrish
Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions Systems & Planning
parrish@wcu.edu
828.227.3159
Suzi Swartz
Senior Assistant Director of Undergraduate Freshman Admissions
sswartz@wcu.edu
828.227.3167
Hometown: Brooklyn, Connecticut
Educational Background: B.A. in History & German Studies, Colby College; M.A. and Ph.D. in History, Stony
Brook University
Professional background: I was a tour guide in college and worked in admissions before graduate school. I
love helping students connect with a school and navigate the application process.
It’s an exciting time in students’ lives, and their enthusiasm is a big part of why
I love it!
What I love about WCU: I moved to Western NC from Boston, but grew up in a small town. WCU is like its own
small town, and I felt at home here right away—everyone is very friendly and welcoming!
Favorite Quote: “When you come to a fork in the road, take it!” -Yogi Berra
Abi Hammer
Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions
ahammer@wcu.edu
828.227.2676
Hometown: Sylva, NC
Educational Background: B.S. Economics, NC State University 2021
Professional background: Before starting at WCU I was an Orientation Leader and working in the orientation/new
student programs office at NCSU. I knew during college that I wanted to help other
students achieve their educational goals. I love the energy that encompasses a university:
there are so many people are now able to pursue what they are interested in or discover
new opportunities.
What I love about WCU: I love the community at WCU and the surrounding area. They are all welcoming and
work towards the same goal of student success. I also love the nature that surrounds
campus: the Great Smoky Mountains and Nantahala National Forest offer so many opportunities
for adventure.
Favorite Quote: “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” – A.A. Milne
Keyona Presha
Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions
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
Adam Ray
Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions
caray@wcu.edu
828.227.3796
Hometown: Cullowhee, NC
Educational Background: B.A. History, WCU (2013); B.S. Social Science Education, WCU (2013); M.Ed. Higher
Education Student Affairs, WCU (2016)
Professional Background: As a first-generation college student attending WCU I had to seek out many opportunities
and information on my own. Though this was incredibly beneficial for me I discovered
a passion for assisting others in navigating higher education so that they too could
have a fulfilling and positive experience. Working within undergraduate admissions
at WCU has not only allowed me to continue to develop this passion, but it has also
provided me with an opportunity to serve as an initial contact for many prospective
students and help them set a path towards success prior to arriving on campus.
What I love about WCU: The faculty and staff at WCU make student success a priority and help foster a supportive
learning environment for all.
Favorite Quote: “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift” -Steve Prefontaine
Advice for future Catamounts: I was a member of the Honors College throughout my undergraduate years. I am happy
to share my experience and/or answer any questions that you might have related to
the program.
Vacant Position
Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions
828.227.7317
Heather Hill
Senior Assistant Director of Undergraduate Transfer Admissions
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
Keri Clark
Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions
kclark@wcu.edu
828.227.2680
Hometown: Waynesville, NC
Educational Background:2018 - BSBA in Business Administration and Law, minor in Management, Western Carolina
University. In-progress - Master’s in Business Administration, University of North
Carolina at Pembroke
Professional Background:Prior to becoming a transfer counselor for WCU, I worked in public health. Being new
to the workforce of higher education, I was quickly able to find my passion. As a
transfer student myself, I have a strong desire to help transfer students navigate
the complexities of continuing their education at a different institution.
What I love about WCU: The location! Western North Carolina is an absolutely beautiful place to experience
all four seasons in the lovely scenic Smoky Mountains. So many outdoor opportunities
for exploration and adventure!
Favorite Quote: “Don’t let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curiosity.
It’s your place in the world; it’s your life.”- Dr. Mae Jemison
Jalin Montgomery
Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions
jkmontgomery@wcu.edu
828.227.2913
Hometown: Shelby, North Carolina
Educational Background: Bachelor of Science- Business Administration and Law, WCU
Professional Background: After working here at WCU during my undergraduate years as an EnTOURage tour guide,
I realized that by giving tours to students, I am helping students decide if attending
a four year institution will help them reach their goals they have set for themselves
in life.
What I love about WCU: Community of feeling like a family and also over the years I have grown a deeper
love for the mountains of Western, NC.
Favorite Quote: “If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work. But you have to try, because if you try, if
you leap and you try and it doesn’t work out, it’s not on you” – Olivia Pope
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.
Vacant Position
Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions
828.227.7317
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
The WCU Entourage are an elite group of students to 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, then please contact us at admiss@wcu.edu or 828.227.7317