Get to know UIndy’s Associate Director of Transfer Admissions, Ben Houston!
Tell us a little bit about your role and responsibilities at UIndy.
I often think of myself as a one-stop-shop for transfer enrollment at UIndy. I am the primary recruiter for transfer students to the University. This means that I meet with prospective transfer students every day on-campus, at recruiting events, tabling at community colleges, in classroom visits, and virtually.
I also work closely with stakeholders such as advisors, faculty, and administration at Ivy Tech Community College and Vincennes University to promote and maintain existing transfer partnerships and find opportunities for new ones. My role has expanded to encompass many transfer enrollment management responsibilities to ensure that UIndy continue to be a transfer-friendly institution. These include assisting with developing, adjusting, and/or enhancing policies and initiatives to support transfer admissions, collaborating with student affairs to develop and host transfer student events, helping prospective students to select accurate transferable coursework prior to their admission, and articulating transfer credits.
Essentially, I try to be a resource for transfer students in as many ways as I can be.
What inspired you to pursue a career in higher education admissions?
Admissions is not the profession that I saw myself in years ago; I originally wanted to teach like my parents did. I started college as a secondary social studies education major to teach high school before changing my major to history to pursue teaching at the university level.
While completing my master’s in American history at Western Illinois University, I started working as a graduate school tour guide to earn some additional money. Around that same time, I was reevaluating my career goals. After some reflection, I realized that I thrived in an academic, liberal arts collegiate setting as an undergrad and grad student and I really enjoyed showcasing my school to prospective students and their families as a tour guide. So I had an “ah-ha” moment that maybe I could make a fulfilling career out of helping students find a college space where they could thrive and grow similar to how I had. That led me to seek out admissions work which eventually brought me to UIndy in the spring of 2016.
What is the best part of your job?
I feel honored every day that students trust me to help them choose the next phase of their educational journey.
How does your office support the UIndy community?
The Admissions Office is the face of the University and we are responsible for showcasing the UIndy experience to prospective students and families. We build meaningful relationships with our students every day, so they trust us in guiding them as they begin their college journey. Without the Admissions Office, the University wouldn’t exist, but we couldn’t effectively represent UIndy without partnership and collaboration across all offices and departments on campus.
Can you share a memorable moment or achievement from your time at UIndy?
During my first year at UIndy, I met with a couple interested in returning to school together while their two young kids played with highlighters and sticky notes on the floor of my office. Years later, that couple asked me to induct them into a national honor society as they finished their degrees (one a BSN, the other a bachelor’s in business and then an MBA). They told me there was no one else they would rather have do that honor because without the support and belief that I showed in them when they first visited campus to start them on their UIndy path and that without me, they wouldn’t have had the confidence to come back to school.
Do you have a favorite tradition or event at UIndy that you look forward to each year?
New Hounds Days and our Ivy Tech Community College Transfer Celebration each summer.
What advice do you have for UIndy students currently pursuing their studies?
Take advantage of this time and all that it entails. College is about exploration, growth, challenging yourself, and making memories. What this means is unique to each individual, and these things are not going to automatically happen for you. So, seek out these opportunities as much as you can.
What’s a hobby or interest you have that might surprise your colleagues?
Most who know me know that I love to run and bike, but I also love hiking and exploring local and national parks. Some of my favorite highlights include hiking to the top of Half Dome (Yosemite), summiting Mt. Whitney in California, and hiking the Grand Canyon.
Do you have a favorite quote or mantra that inspires you?
One foot in front of the other. A meaningless activity, and yet the most profound. – Cameron Stracher
To me, this quote is a reminder of how a simple and seemingly inconsequential action can carry great significance and the value of perseverance.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
When I’m not on the road recruiting, I love spending time with my family, coaching youth cross country and track (I’ve been doing that since 2010), and reading (primarily history and science fiction).
