Enrique Rangel-Rodriguez, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions

B.A. in History from Virginia Commonwealth University
 

Mangos are my favorite fruit.
 

Place in Norfolk: Waterside District

Spot at ODU: Webb Center

Favorite Part About Working in Admissions: I love being able to work with Spanish speaking or first generation Latine students navigate higher education.

I believe that ODU is a diverse college that offers premium opportunities to its students.

Ask for help. Use all the campus resources available to you, but also use your support system and professors when you need help.

All Hispanic and Latino recruitment events.
 

Ryan Kirk, Regional Admissions Recruiter

B.S. in Communications from ODU.

I am a dual citizen of USA and Ireland.

Place in Norfolk: Ocean View Fishing Pier (They claim it's the longest pier on the east coast).

Spot at ODU: My favorite spot-on campus is a tie between Whitehurst beach and the football stadium.

Favorite Part About Working in Admissions: I chose admissions because it gives me the opportunity to share my passion for ODU with others.

The reason I chose to come to ODU as a student was because if offered me the benefits of a large university while having the close community feel of a smaller college.

Make sure to prioritize time managment. Using downtime between classes to do your homework will make your life easier.

In-State: Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax County

Out-of-State: DE 

Tim McLaughlin, Admissions Counselor

B.S in Psychology from ODU

I’ve been on 7 cruises.

Place in Norfolk: Downtown Norfolk

Spot at ODU: My favorite spot on campus is the Webb Center. I love having good food and my friends all in one central place.

Part About Working in Admissions: Assisting prospective students with understanding college and making the process more feasible for them.

ODU provided a diverse student body that I felt was not replicated at any other VA school. ODU was also incredibly affordable.

Take charge of your journey in college and make the most out of your time as a college student.

Southside, Shenandoah, Southwest Virginia
 

Myles Childs, Regional Admission Recruiter

B.S in Psychology from ODU

I’ve been on 7 cruises.

Place in Norfolk: Downtown Norfolk

Spot at ODU: My favorite spot on campus is the Webb Center. I love having good food and my friends all in one central place.

Part About Working in Admissions: Assisting prospective students with understanding college and making the process more feasible for them.

ODU provided a diverse student body that I felt was not replicated at any other VA school. ODU was also incredibly affordable.

Take charge of your journey in college and make the most out of your time as a college student.

Richmond

Taneya Jones, Admissions Counselor
Image of Taneya Jones

B.S in Psychology from ODU

I’ve been on 7 cruises.

Place in Norfolk: Downtown Norfolk

Spot at ODU: My favorite spot on campus is the Webb Center. I love having good food and my friends all in one central place.

Part About Working in Admissions: Assisting prospective students with understanding college and making the process more feasible for them.

ODU provided a diverse student body that I felt was not replicated at any other VA school. ODU was also incredibly affordable.

Take charge of your journey in college and make the most out of your time as a college student.

In-State: North Central

Out-of-State: DC

Hadley Deputy, Admissions Counselor
Image of Hadley Deputy

B.S. in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Studies - Tourism & Hospitality Management from ODU

I love performing, I did Musical Theater for 15 years and competitive color guard for 10 years.

Spot at ODU: S.B. Ballard Stadium at ODU (I’ve definitely spent more time in there than our football team)

Part About Working in Admissions: I love connecting with Future Monarchs and their families, I also LOVE event days!

The first time I stepped foot on campus, I truly felt like I was home. That kind of feeling is unmatched.

Enjoy every moment of your time in college! It's a special time to find your way and pave your own way in life.

Northern Neck and Tidewater:Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Hopewell, Charles City, Williamsburg, Isle of Wight, Yorktown, Norfolk, Portsmouth
 

Carleigh Pappas-Jacobs, Regional Admissions Recruiter
Image of Carleigh Pappas-Jacobs

B.S.B.A in Marketing, Minor in Psychology from ODU

I love to read. I read over 55 books last year!

Place in Norfolk: ODU

Spot at ODU: Kaufman Mall when the crepe myrtles are blooming

Part About Working in Admissions: Getting students excited about going to college!

After touring the campus for the first time, it felt like home away from home. I loved the campus, students, and faculty & staff. They made me feel so welcome.

Get involved, stay organized, and remember to have fun.

In-State: North Central VA

Out-of-State: DC

Parish Thompson, Admissions Counselor

B.S. 
 

I am a huge music fan! I love concerts and collecting records. I have more than 100 albums at home.

 

Place in Norfolk: My grandparents' house.

Spot at ODU: Monarch Way where all the food is.

Part About Working in Admissions: Answering questions from prospective students and families so our new Monarchs feel well prepared for an exciting new chapter.



 

ODU instantly became my home away from home the moment I set foot on campus. There is a strong sense of community and endless ways to strengthen both your academic and social life.

 

Push yourself to try something new every semester or every year. When you graduate, you'll want to look back and see how much you've grown as a person.
 

NY, NJ, PA
 

Luz Diaz, Regional Admissions Recruiter

A.A in Liberal Arts, B.S in Human Services, M.A. in International Studies from ODU

 

I'm a half marathoner!
 
 

Place in Norfolk: ODU and Freemason

Spot at ODU: Whitehurst Beach at sunset

Part About Working in Admissions: Getting students excited about the college experience while supporting first-gen and Spanish-speaking students and families along the way.



 

As a first-generation Latina, I’ve always loved the diverse culture at ODU—both as a student and now as an employee. And as a bonus, it’s where I met my husband and my best friend!
 

Try everything and take full advantage of the activities and clubs on campus! Your college years will be messy at times, but they’ll also be one of the greatest experiences you’ll ever have.


 

In-State: Northern Virginia (as needed)

Out-of-State: MD

Collin Harris, Admissions Counselor

B.A. Psychology, B.A. Philosophy & Religion from UNC Wilmington

 

I took 3 years of Arabic in college (don't ask me to recall much)
 

Place in Norfolk: Colonial Place, Waterside/Freemason

Spot at ODU: Football Stadium

Part About Working in Admissions: Being able to connect students to a school they may not know much about and providing college information to anyone who wants it.




 

My wife went to ODU, you'll see her on a lot of the marketing materials and even in the admissions presentation! I moved to Norfolk while she was a senior and loved the campus.
 

Take some fun classes that have nothing to do with your field of study. You'll be surprised how much you learn when you take something that fascinates you.
 

Central VA 

Blair Bridges, Admissions Counselor

B.S. in Sports Management, Minor in Psychology from ODU
 

I love sports, and have been to 26 MLB stadiums in the country. 
 

Place in Norfolk: ODU and Harbor Park 

Spot at ODU: Chartway Arena

Part About Working in Admissions: Connecting with prospective students and answering their questions to help them prepare for college!



 

My parents attended ODU, and I grew up attending ODU basketball games and truly loved the campus.  Also, the campus isn't too far from home,but still had lots of opportunities!
 

Get involved and attend as many events as possible, it's a great way to meet other students and make connections! Also, choose a major that you love because you will then enjoy going to class!

 

In-State: South Tidewater: Dendron, Southampton, Surry, Sussex, Wakefield, Waverly,Smithfield, Suffolk, City of Chesapeake and the Eastern Shore

Out-of-State: NC

Savannah Billot, Admissions Counselor
Savannah-billot

B.A. in English (Creative Writing), Minor in Sociology from ODU

I have a 10 year old bearded dragon named Raisin and I have a passion for reading, crafting, and hanging out with friends in my free time.

Place in Norfolk: The Pagoda & Oriental Garden/TASTE on 21st

Spot at ODU: The turtle pond outside the Science Buildings; specifically the bench near the ODU bridge. It's a great place to read, study, or relax!

Part About Working in Admissions: My favorite part is having the ability to assist students and parents with any questions or concerns they might have throughout the admission process, as well as spreading ODU spirit to get prospective students excited to enroll!
 

I chose ODU as a student because in-state tuition was very afforable. Also, the location is close to my family, but far enough to be able to live independently. As an employee, I'm grateful to be given an opportunity here since ODU is the perfect place to be able to grow my career and shine the best I can!

Your college experience is what you make of it. If you don't put yourself out there, you'll never know what you find. ODU has many great sources to inspire your passions and find your people; you have to take the initiative to make it happen!

Eastern Shore and Tidewater: Cities of Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach.

Denae Dwight, Admissions Counselor
Denae-dwight

B.A. World Cultural Studies, Minor in Spanish

I lived in Uruguay for a semester during a study abroad program with ODU!

Place in Norfolk: The Glass Light Gallery, Downtown Norfolk

Spot at ODU: Barry Art Museum. I love art and museums and ODU has a great museum on campus!

Part About Working Admissions: What I enjoy most is putting myself in students' shoes, now as a first-gen graduate, and being able to provide assistance and answer the same questions I had during my admissions process.

I chose ODU because of its enrichment in diversity. Also, as a first-gen student, I wanted to be close to home to serve as an example for my younger sister. ODU also provided me many resources and assistance in funding my education.

If you're interested in studying abroad, take advantage of the opportunities that are offered in ODU's Office of Study Abroad! I participated in two study abroad programs through ODU and they were the most fulfilling experiences of my life.

Southside Virginia

Art Neal, Admissions Counselor
Art-neal

B.S In Biology, Minor in Chemistry from ODU

I will soon be a third generation alumnus from ODU!

Place in Norfolk: Chrysler Museum of Art( No pun intended)

Spot at ODU: ODU SRWC and New Chemistry building, great places study and manage stress!

Part About Working in Admissions: I enjoy the opportunity to take an active part in bringing students to Old Dominion. I had a great experience here in my undergraduate and want to share it withas many qualified students as a I can!
 

I chose ODU for the affordability. I knew my B.S. was not going to be my last degree so I did not want to break the bank. I stayed for the faculty and their commitment to provide a collaborative and helpful environment. I felt as though I was in collaboration to facilitate my success rather than competition!

Local Support

Jazzmin Brisbon, Admissions Counselor
Jazzmin-brisbon

B.S. in Business Administration

I love live music, Washington Sports, and wing eating contests

Place in Norfolk: ODU and Ghent

Spot at ODU: Webb Center and the Football Stadium

 

Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax County

Alek Rodriguez
Alek-rodriguez

B.S. in Psychology Minor in Biology

I love to travel. I have been to over six countries.

Place in Norfolk: Waterside District 

Spot at ODU: The Webb Center & Whitehurst Beach

Part About Working in Admissions: I love event day, helping students mange the application process, and introducing students to the wide range of opportunities ODU has to offer!
 

I choose ODU because it is not to far from home & how close it was located to the beach

Make sure you get involved, make connections, and don't be afraid to seek help when needed.

Support outside of Hampton Roads

Transfer and Military Counselors

Lauren Thompson, Transfer/Military Recruiter & Counselor

BA in Psychology from R-MC, MSED in Student Affairs Administration from ODU

I love exploring Hampton Roads and going to local festivals and craft fairs!

Place in Norfolk: Ghent- shops, dining, and entertainment all in one place.

Spot at ODU: Kaufman Mall for people watching

Favorite Part About Working in Admissions: Helping people learn about all the great things ODU can offer them

As a student I was introduced to so many unique experiences and made such great connections to help me grow. I stayed on as a staff member to help others have that same experience!

Take advantage of everything campus and the community have to offer- you can always find "your place" here with a little effort.

Sarah Demmin, Transfer/Military Recruiter & Counselor

BA in Sociology from ODU

 Whether it is listening to an audiobook, reading fiction, or picking up a research paper, I am always reading something. 

Place in Norfolk: Lambert's Point Park. It is a beautiful open park with stunning views of campus and the water. 

Spot at ODU: The third floor of the Perry Library, specifically the Special Collections and University Archives

Favorite Part About Working in Admissions: Sharing my love of ODU as a former transfer with prospective students

ODU is the happy medium between a large state college and a smaller liberal arts school. You can't walk across campus without running into somebody you know, but we also have so many majors to choose from with a diverse class catalog. It's the best of both worlds!

ODU is home to such a diverse group of people, so always keep an open mind! There are so many people to meet and so much to learn.

Ayana Lucas, Transfer/Military Recruiter & Counselor

BS in Human Services from ODU

I love traveling, and Japan has been my favorite place to visit so far!

Place in Norfolk: Downtown Norfolk

Spot at ODU: The ODU Theater

Favorite Part About Working in Admissions: I love being able to help prospective students start their new journey in higher education. 

When I came across ODU as a prospective transfer student at the time, it closely aligned with many of my personal and academic goals. Now, I have the opportunity to work at ODU and help other transfer students succeed in achieving their goals!

ODU has many resources and opportunities for students to help set them on the right path. Be sure to use them during your journey throughout ODU.  

Mike Camden, Transfer/Military Recruiter & Counselor
Mike Camden professional headshot photo.

BA in English w/ concentration in writing & Seconday English Teaching Certification, East Carolina University; & MBA

Our daughter is graduating from Meredith College (2026) with a double major and double minor and heading to Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine

Spot at ODU: Rollins Hall because I get to walk by Ballard Stadium every day.

Favorite Part About Working in Admissions: Helping people find their true potential in college, leading to exciting career opportunities

Being a Navy brat and living mostly in Hampton Roads, ODU is a logical choice. It's the home team!

Get off the couch. Get out of the dorm. Go see and do stuff!

I'll go anywhere ODU sends me!