Michael Barron has been a pillar of inspiration to professionals in the college enrollment industry. We all can take a page from his career..

Recently, the Iowa Association for College Admission Counseling hosted our annual Visit the Hill Day at the Iowa Capitol. Approximately 70 attendees joined us including admissions professionals, school counselors, graduate students, CCTC high school and middle school students, with many traveling 1–2 hours to participate. It was encouraging to see such strong engagement and commitment to advocacy for education across Iowa.

A few months ago, I wrote about stepping into a new role—new title, new responsibilities, and a brand-new level of “oh wow, that decision really does come to me now.” After a few months in the seat, I realized there’s another part of the job worth talking about:

Spring travel season for college admission offices is upon us. In fact, Iowa ACAC Spring Fairs kick off February 24. For many admission teams, spring travel can sometimes feel like a burden or an afterthought. There is already so much on our plates: finalizing fall classes, navigating the complexities of financial aid season, and helping students and families determine their best fit. Adding hotels, miles, and long days on the road can feel like just one more thing.

You've heard others talk about Visit the Hill...but what is it?

Real Experiences From Admissions Professionals

NACAC Conference - the best and busiest 3-day conference for any admission professional. It’s a combination of new learning, hope for the future, and friendships to last a lifetime.

If you told 18-year-old me that I’d end up working in education, I would’ve laughed, cried, or maybe just walked away pretending I didn’t hear you. It wasn’t my first choice. Honestly, it probably wasn’t my second either. But somehow, here I am - working at NCC in admissions - and I can’t even lie… I’ve found my home in higher ed.

Like many admission counselors and representatives, I wear many hats on campus, and one of the biggest parts of my fall is travel! Many of us “road warriors” hit the road in early September and are just now wrapping up our travel season.

I am thrilled to share more about the 2025 L.E.A.P Conference and what makes it so special. L.E.A.P, which stands for Leading and Excelling, Academically and Professionally, is an annual conference held for 10th-12th grade students in Iowa. While all students are welcome, a majority of the attendees are first-generation, low-income, or underrepresented students. L.E.A.P can make such a difference in these students’ lives by getting them connected with individuals and resources that will help shape their futures- no matter what path they choose.

Say hello to Jasmine Washington, Cornell College, our new Inclusion, Access, and Success (IAS) Committee Chairperson! Jasmine is jumping in feet first as she leads the IAS Committee in preparation for the 2025 LEAP Conference on December 2 at Kirkwood Community College.

As I begin my second fall semester in admissions — having started in November 2023— I’m struck by how different this season feels. It’s not just  the rhythm of the academic year or the changing campus energy; it’s the sense of familiarity and forward motion that comes with experience.

The Iowa ACAC Executive Board gathered in Okoboji, Iowa, in early August for our annual retreat. It was a great opportunity for both new and returning board members to connect, get to know each other, and better understand our roles and responsibilities within the Association.

It’s hard to believe the new recruitment cycle is right around the corner! Summer has flown by, and it’s time to gear up for the 2025/2026 College Fair season.

It was another successful RIDE in June, as school counselors and CCTCs took time out of their early summer to "Rediscover Iowa's Diverse Education!" 

Facebook got me in trouble. I recently posted a picture in one of my happy places—pouring world-class beer samples at last year’s Northside Oktoberfest in Iowa City. (Editor's note: Not TROUBLE - just a request for this article! :)

Whew — what a fantastic conference week we had! It was truly rewarding to see all our hard work and planning come to life as we Bridged Together at Indian Hills Community College.

Four of our new committee chairs took over after the spring conference. One has been involved since the fall, but we wanted to officially introduce her, too! 

On weekends starting in April, there is a pretty high chance you could find me with dirt under my fingernails and my hair stuffed into a hat. I have been spending every weekend, and some weeknights, over the last month and a half working on my home vegetable garden and a demonstration garden at Lowe Park in Marion, IA.