An Interview with Pam Baughman, Associate Dean & Director of Admission at Centre College
Christ School's Assistant Director of College Guidance Thomas Becker recently had the opportunity to interview Pam Baughman, Associate Dean and Director of Admission at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. Centre College is consistently recognized as providing one of the best liberal arts learning experiences in the country and is ranked among the best schools in the South.
How long have you been at Centre, and why did you return to Centre to work?
I am in my 25th year, and I decided to work here because I liked the energy of being in a college setting. It was education-related, and it was in recognition of the great experience I had as an undergrad at Centre. This was a nice way to give back! I really do like being in an academic environment because I feel like I'm constantly learning from the students I work with.
Why should some folks consider a liberal arts education?
The world in which we live requires people to be well-versed in many areas and to be adaptable, and a liberal arts education provides a skillset that allows students to maneuver in a changing environment.
What do you think is the most important part of your job?
I feel my most important role is to support the "cast of characters." I work to support my colleagues, to make sure they feel empowered to counsel students and their families and to work on different projects. I make sure all the puzzle pieces are able to fit together!
What is the best piece of advice you can give parents as they work with their students through the college search process?
Let your students take the lead. A student who takes the lead on scheduling appointments and reaching out to admission folks will be better in transition. They'll know who key people at the school are, and they'll feel more comfortable every time they are asked to be in touch. I can speak to this both as a parent and as an admission officer! Ultimately, students will really start to rely on their own independence.
In your view, what are the best and not-so-best things a student can do when they present themselves as an applicant to a college?
The best thing a student can do is to be authentic and not try to be something they're not. People who work in admission at small, private colleges want to get to know who the student is. We don't have a cookie-cutter student profile; we look for people who complement each other, bringing a wide variety of views and backgrounds to the table. We want people who are sincere and genuine.
Not-so-best? Letting parents handle everything. Mom or Dad shouldn't be the one calling us every time, and parents shouldn't be the ones speaking the whole time during the interview. We know that there are lots of things to talk about, and we want to hear them right from the student!
