Stephens College : Undergraduate Admissions - Admissions Counselor Directory

Directory of Stephens Admissions Counselors

International students, please contact David Adams.
Adult students, please contact the School of Graduate & Continuing Studies.
High School students seeking dual enrollment, please contact Jenelle Leffler.

Stephens Admissions Staff

David Adams
Dean of Enrollment Management
dadams@stephens.edu
800-876-7207 ext. 4334

Washington D.C., Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York
International Students

Hi, I am David Adams, Dean of Enrollment Management at Stephens College. I came to Stephens in 2005, and I am excited to be part of the Stephens family. In fact, my youngest daughter graduated from Stephens in December 2006. Hopefully I can address your questions through the eyes of a parent as well as an administrator.

Welcome to our Web site. I am pleased you are taking the time to investigate Stephens College and review the many opportunities we offer for women in our undergraduate programs. If you find you have a question that cannot be answered by the information on the Web site, I encourage you to contact anyone in the admissions or financial aid office by calling us (800-876-7207) or by sending us an email (apply@stephens.edu or finaid@stephens.edu).

I hope you give us a chance to show what Stephens College and the community of Columbia, Missouri, have to offer; I think you will find a wonderful and welcoming college environment.

I invite you to check us out and visit soon. I look forward to meeting you!

Chris Chris Collier, Director of Admissions
ccollier@stephens.edu
800-876-7207 ext. 4225

Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington & Wyoming

Welcome to the Stephens College web site. I came to Stephens in September of 2004. These past few years have been an amazing ride for me; traveling the states, meeting amazing high school students, and helping young ladies follow their dreams. Few things are as rewarding as seeing the smiling faces of students and their families the day we move their things into the residence halls.

A little inside info; my colleagues believe I'm crazy! I love the great outdoors and can't think of anything better than taking a long walk in the woods or a slow float down a frozen river. That's right, winter float trips are the best! I have spent five days in the Grand Canyon on two separate occasions, and can't wait to go back. There is a special reward in carrying a pack on your back that contains all the essentials for survival. Fifty pounds of candy bars, ramen noodles, clean socks, a zero degree sleeping bag, foam pad, ibuprofen, etc. Then head out for a week; no shaving, no bathing and best yet, no cell phones. If you want to go along just let me know, the next hike is always just around the corner.

God has blessed me in so many ways. I have a lovely wife, Lydia, who puts up with all my crazy ideas. She even allowed me a few days to explore Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks in Wyoming. I did manage one bear encounter, but much to my disappointment it was at a safe distance. I have a wonderful six year old son that keeps me on my toes. He started kindergarten this year and loves to play sports, so we never have a problem enjoying each other’s company. My family and friends also show their love and support in amazing ways.

During the spring of 2007 I had the incredible opportunity of coaching the new Stephens Softball team. We took the field in February and had a great time building the program. Though the weather was a bit chilly (snowy and cold) in the early days, we toughed it out to finish the season under sunny skies and high spirits. I handed the team over to our new coach, Ben Lipson, and look forward to seeing them take the field in 2008.

Well, now you know me in a nut shell, and I would like to know more about you. I hope your path leads you through Columbia and Stephens is a stop you make along the way. Who knows, maybe that stop will turn into four years. Take care and I'll talk to you soon. — Chris

Cori Cori Abel, Admissions Counselor

cabel@stephens.edu
800-876-7207 ext. 4239

Western Missouri-Kansas City Area (zip codes 64000-64199, 64700-64799 & 64900-64999)
Kansas, Nebraska

Hello! My name is Cori Abel and I am excited to be a new member of the Stephens Admissions Team. Since the beginning of July, I have begun to serve as an Admissions Counselor. The opportunity to aid others in finding their passion and reaching their goals for the future is truly a rewarding career. I am ecstatic about the opportunity to help women find their ambition and aspirations in life!

Currently, I have lived in Columbia for four years now. During my second year of college, my parents retired here after falling in love with this community and all of its activities. I guess you could say that Columbia is my true home. My husband David and I have been married for a year now and are enjoying life. So far we have been to Cozumel, Chicago , California , and Colorado . We love to movie watch, sight-see, take on new hobbies, and snow ski if we get the chance.

I recently completed a Bachelors in Communications and a Bachelors in Psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia. After reflecting on my time in college, it is so clear that the experiences during this time in your life are absolutely priceless. As a young woman, I value the importance of taking the necessary steps for success. The best thing you can do is set your goals high and work to grow as an individual. I feel that the opportunities that Stephens provides can directly accomplish such a goal. The value of a personal and individualized education where you feel valued and connected is an experience that I wish I could have had. I valued my time in school, but have a deep respect for this wonderful institution.

I would love to aid you in your search! Thanks for learning about me and I value the chance to get to know you as well!

Heidi Balentine, Admissions Counselor

hbalentine@stephens.edu
800-876-7207 ext. 4393

Regional Admissions Counselor in Houston, TX
Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas and Utah

My name is Heidi Balentine and I am delighted to be the newest member of the Stephens College Admissions team. I am a native of Des Moines, Iowa a city five hours from Columbia. After graduating from high school in 1997 I came to Stephens. I graduated from Stephens College in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in American Public Policy and an English minor.

I have lived in Houston Texas for the last six years. Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States. I take full advantage of everything Houston has to offer. Although, I try to stay inside during the summer, that starts in May and ends in November. Choosing to attend Stephens was the best decision I made. My years at Stephens shaped me into the woman I am today. After graduating from Stephens I was a strong and independent woman ready to take on whatever the world sent my way.

I hope that with my experience I can help young woman make the right decision about where they will spend the best four years of their life. I am so lucky to be able to work for the place that changed my life. Stephens afforded me the ability to combine my passion for politics and writing. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work with intelligent, highly motivated faculty, staff and students. I am looking forward to guiding and assisting young women in finding their passion.

I lead an active and busy life. My friends would tell you I am never home to answer the phone. I enjoy independent films, traveling, reading, writing, the ballet, shopping, working out and dog sitting. I have an amazing group of friends who each week gets together for dinner and dessert. I am a chocoholic and I am always looking for the newest dessert place.

When you are in Texas or visiting the Stephens campus, I look forward to meeting you.

Heather Brauer
Assistant Director of Admissions
800-876-7207 ext. 4391
Transfer Counselor

Hello! Welcome to Stephens College Admissions site. As you can see I am the Transfer Admissions counselor. I too transferred to another institution while completing my college degree so I have an idea of the questions you may have. I graduated from Benedictine College, a small private college in KS with a B.A. in History. In my spare time I enjoy biking on the Katy Trail, visiting my favorite coffee shop, taking my dogs to the dog park and going with my dad to see the Cardinals play baseball.

I was born and raised in mid-Missouri. My mother is an alumna of Stephens College and loved every minute of her time here in the radio, tv, and film department. Currently my sister is attending SC and has found her niche in the Education department.

If you have never visited Columbia, MO then you need to come and see what this city has to offer. There are numerous stores, coffee shops, restaurants and activities to appease every individual. Hence Stephens is in the perfect location, within walking distance to Downtown Columbia.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions you have in regards to Stephens Academic Programs and/or the Admissions Process. I hope you take the time to see if it is the right fit for you!

Thank you and I look forward to seeing you on campus.

Adrienne Cohen, Admissions Counselor

acohen@stephens.edu
800-876-7207 ext. 4326

Eastern Missouri-St. Louis Area (zip codes 63000-63399)

Thank you for stopping by the Stephens College Admissions website. We are so glad you are here. This is one of the first steps toward finding a great college fit for you.

As you can see above, I am the Admissions Counselor for the St. Louis area and the state of Illinois but I am happy to help students from all over.

At least a few times a week someone asks me where I am from and I have to decide which version I'm going to offer up. You see, I was born in Minnesota, moved to Kansas City two weeks later, spent most of my life in Florida, went to college in southern California, moved to New York City after graduating, left that city for Washington DC, and moved to Columbia, Missouri five months after that. Yes, my life is a run-on sentence.

In Florida , I went to a public high school where I participated in the IB program and then switched to a private, religious school for my last two years. I was active in theater and student government. I attended a very small liberal arts college outside of Los Angeles and loved every minute of it. I studied abroad in Australia , met Elie Wiesel, and worked for the admissions office perfecting my backwards walking. I got my degree in history and went on to work in the non-profit world, corporate public relations, and now I am back in admissions!

The only other things you really need to know about me is that I have the cutest dog on the planet, my husband and I are complete foodies, and I crave chocolate at all times, day or night.

Stephens is an extremely warm and welcoming place. I hope you make the time to come observe the history and growth that is palpable on campus. There is an energy here that is hard to describe so come and check it out for yourself. Your best friend is waiting to meet you here!

Katie Glatz, Admissions Counselor
kglatz@stephens.edu
800-876-7207 ext. 4327

Southern Missouri (zip codes 63600-63999, 64800-64899 & 65400-65899)

Arkansas, Connecticut, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont

Hi! My name is Katie Glatz and I joined the Admissions Staff in November 2007. I have lived in Columbia for 3 years now and although I do love Columbia, I am proud to call Lawrence, Kansas my official home! GO JAYHAWKS!! I graduated from the University of Kansas in May 2003 with a degree in Journalism. My college years were the most memorable, fantastic years of my life and I am so excited to help you pursue your dreams of a college education!
Looking back on my college experience, I have come to realize it went by way too soon! My biggest accomplishment (besides graduating) was the friendships I made along the way. I realized this on graduation day when I was standing in my cap and gown, arm and arm with my friends getting ready to proceed in the graduation line. At that moment walking down the hill it was then I realized I was walking away with more than just an education.
Working here at Stephens I see many of the women on campus experiencing the very same things I went through during my time at college. The friendships, late night study sessions, coffee breaks, all things I remember experiencing during my college years.
When I am not at work I love watching movies, reading PEOPLE magazine, working out and spending time with my friends. I am also getting adventurous in the kitchen and I love trying new recipes!
I would be more than happy to help assist you in your search for the right college. Please feel free to call or drop me an email! I would love to talk to you!

Meredith Julian, Admissions Counselor

mjulian@stephens.edu
ext. 4278

Northern Missouri (63400-63599 & 64400-64699)
Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virgina, Wisconsin & West Virginia

Hello! My name is Meredith Julian and I became an admissions counselor for Stephens in September 2007. I grew up in a college town, Murray, Kentucky and graduated from Murray State University with a bachelor's degree in theatre. Having just moved from Jacksonville, Florida, I am thrilled to be in a college town again. It's been a while! Columbia has so much to offer in the way of culture, entertainment, food and shopping! There is always something to do.

During my college years, I worked as a student employee at the Women's Center on campus. It was there that I truly became interested in women's issues and the various challenges in life that we, as women, will undoubtedly face. I participated in and performed at the state sexual assault awareness conference, state eating disorder awareness conference, and the Celebrate Women conference. Being a part of those events truly changed my perspective on life.

During the last four years, I have lived in Florida. I have had the joyous and challenging opportunity to work with autistic children as a behavior analyst, and to teach in an early childhood education facility.

While I truly appreciate having had those opportunities, I have always felt most at home on a college campus. Both of my parents have spent their entire careers in higher education, and I essentially grew up on a campus.

Stephens College is such a natural transition for me. I am thrilled to be able to work with young women to help them reach their goals and dreams. Traveling to college fairs and various high schools allows me to meet all kinds of young women from all walks of life. I find this experience highly enjoyable and personally enriching. I also hope to begin graduate school at Stephens College during the summer of 2008 so that I may further myself in my career.

When not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, attending and performing in plays, going out for dinner or to a movie, shopping at vintage clothing shops, and I recently went to my first Mizzou football game! Wow! That was exciting! I love to travel and will probably be escaping to Florida for a vacation when it gets colder here! I'm so glad that you are considering Stephens College for your education. As thousands of successful alumnae will attest, this is a great place to begin a happy and successful life.

“I was always looking outside myself for strength and confidence, but it comes from within. It is there all the time.” ~Anna Freud

Jenelle Leffler, Assistant Director of Admissions
jleffler@stephens.edu
800-876-7207 ext. 4241

Central Missouri (zip codes 65000-65399)
Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina

My name is Jenelle Leffler and I joined the Stephens staff in September 2004 as an admissions counselor. I am a native of Palmyra, MO which is a small town located in Northeast MO. After graduating from Palmyra High School in May of 2000 I attend Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL where I received a bachelor's degree in fine arts and communication with a minor in journalism. During college I volunteered for several organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and Special Olympics. I also had the opportunity to be a part of the WIU cheerleading squad for two years.

I do have to admit my college years were the best years of my life so far! As you will see it is such an amazing journey with so many opportunities. I remember everyone telling me this but never really believed it until I entered college. Some advice to students who are entering college is to take everything in, enjoy the college experience and get involved as much as you can because this amazing journey will be over before you know it! The people you meet and the friendships you make throughout college will last a lifetime.
The best part about working at Stephens is the opportunity to travel and meet so many young women who are determined and focused on their education. From the time you call the student to tell her that she has been accepted to helping the student move in the first day makes every part of your job worthwhile.

When not at work I enjoying running (Yes, many of my co-worker think I’m crazy when I say I enjoy running but I do). Last summer I competed in my first 5k run. I placed second which I must say is not too bad for my first race. You never know I might even compete in a marathon someday! Besides working out I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends, shopping, reading, volunteering and doing anything that involves being outside! And one more thing if you ever want to make me HAPPY just buy me some chocolate!!

Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up-Thomas Edison

Enjoli Campus Visit Coordinator

Enjoli S. Gavin
Schedule a visit online: http://www.stephens.edu/admission/visit/

Hello everyone! My name is Enjoli (on-joe-lee) Gavin and I’m the Admissions Office Campus Visit Coordinator. I’ve been in my position for a few mouths, but Stephens is no stranger to me. I was born and raised in Columbia, MO. After graduating for Rock Bridge Senior High School (Go Bruins!), I went to State Fair Community College, where I got my general education classes and after two years, I knew exactly where I wanted to transfer to, Stephens! Once I got to Stephens, I was ready to fully concentrate on my major, Theatre. I graduated from Stephens in May of 2007 with a BFA in Theatre. Even though I was in my hometown, there were things that I never knew about Columbia, which I found out by attending Stephens. My eyes were open to so much more of what Columbia has to offer in the areas of community activities, entertainment, and of course great food! Yes Columbia is a college town but it’s also a great place to live.

Being here at Stephens was the best choice for me. I had a blast the years that I was here as a student. The hard work, sweat, and yes a few tears, has made me the strong woman I am today. The people that you meet in your college career will be with you for the rest of your life, and Stephens is no exception to the rule. For me the people here became my family. You aren’t a “number” here like you might be at a larger University, but you are a person that is a part of a great community in itself. By the end of your time here Stephens will become a part of you. You will be part of the wonderful line of amazing women who have walked on this campus and received a priceless education.

I’m thankful that I have the opportunity to continue my time at Stephens as an employee, and look forward to working with you on your campus visit needs.