Q & A with Liz Eshleman If you attended Devon in the past decade and a half, you’ve worked with Liz Eshleman, our esteemed Director of College Guidance. We sat down with Liz to get to know a bit more about her background and what exactly brought her to Devon Prep! Q: Describe your background and what led you to Devon Prep? I have a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Binghamton University (NY) and a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Boston College. During my graduate program at BC, I had semester-long internships in both Student Development and Admissions at BC. I began my professional career Admissions at Villanova University in 1995. I spent five years in Undergraduate Admissions and took part in all aspects of the admissions process from recruitment at high schools and college fairs to reading and making decisions on applicants from NY and NJ. Villanova was and is an awesome place! I loved the University but needed a new challenge. I left the University and went into Corporate America - first working locally at a recruitment firm then spending two years at pharmaceutical giant, Johnson & Johnson. I was responsible for hiring co-ups and recent college graduate hires. I was back on campus once again! I spent a lot of time on campuses meeting and recruiting great talent to J&J. After two years with J&J, I realized I missed making a difference in people’s lives. I decided to head back to higher education and was fortunate enough to be hired back at Villanova University, but this time in graduate admissions. I worked for VSB (it was the “College of Commerce and Finance” at the time, 2002). I recruited and reviewed applicants for their part-time and full-time equivalent MBA Programs. After five years in graduate business school, I needed another new challenge and applied for the “college counselor” position at Devon Prep. I was eventually hired as the Director of College Counseling and began my career on “the other side of the desk” in admissions. I started in August 2007 and never looked back!
Q: What was that first year like? It was a crazy time of year to join a high school. I met and interviewed with nearly every senior and his parents in the Class of 2008 in the month of August. They were nervous with the transition of a new college counselor at a crucial time in their college process. It was hectic to say the least but I loved it. Meeting the seniors and their families gave me a better understanding of the Devon community and its students.
Q: How do you view your role at Devon? I see myself as a guide and resource for students and parents so that the students can achieve their college goals and aspirations. I’m here to provide answers to their questions and to help make this sometimes stressful process of applying to college a little bit easier. If I don’t have an answer, I’ll get the answer. Applying to college should be FUN! I think most seniors are more stressed than having fun. They are closing one chapter of their life (high school) and opening the door to their next chapter. I am blessed to be able to be a part of this exciting time in their lives.
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