Relationships and approachability are key for Erin Zak, new IU Northwest Director of Admissions
Featured Image (From left to right): Admissions Counselor Jade Johnson and Director of Admissions Erin Zak talk to students at the Student Involvement Fair.
Applying to college can be more than a little bit scary, especially for first-generation students. The process can be even more daunting when you picture suited-up admissions counselors on university campuses.
Erin Zak, Director of Admissions, aims to change that perception at IU Northwest. Zak has only been at the university a few months, but she’s already made approachability one of her key goals.
“Making students feel comfortable coming into your office is half the battle,” she said. “A lot of times, they don’t want to approach you if you have a suit on.”
Zak is personable, engaging and, above all, passionate about her job. Admissions was her first job after graduating from Purdue North Central and while she had a short stint running her uncle’s Tampa-based lawn care business, she ended up back in the admissions office.
“I absolutely fell in love with admissions,” Zak said. “(When I was in college) I didn’t have the guidance students have now; I never talked to an admissions counselor. It makes me feel good to be that for other students.”
Now that Zak has a leadership role in admissions, she has big plans for the department. For her, it all starts with the staff. Zak emphasized the importance of creating a positive work environment for her team and how their passion makes a difference to prospective students.
“My main role is to create a team that wants to work hard,” Zak said. “My team is one of the best admissions teams, and I would put them up against anybody. They care, they love their jobs and they’re really excited to be here.”
Zak’s excitement is evident when she talks about her vision for the department. In addition to building an energetic, friendly staff, she wants to continue participating in outreach events, grow open house attendance and see IU Northwest’s enrollment increase.
She said doubling or even tripling enrollment is possible, thanks to the university’s caring community.
“You’re getting faculty and staff that care tremendously about the students. Growing enrollment so they can continue to show that caring side of the campus would be fantastic,” she said.
While her plans for the admissions office seem lofty, Zak knows a thing or two about working hard and seeing results. Beyond a career as a dedicated admissions professional, she’s also the author of 13 full-length novels. In 2018 and 2019, her books were finalists for a Lambda Literary Award in the lesbian romance category.
Publishing a book involves more than just a writer. Editors, designers and marketers are all part of a novel’s success. Zak understands admissions is also a team effort.
“It takes a village,” she said. “I know that sounds dorky, but if you’re not working with other departments, it just doesn’t work. Having those relationships and making sure they’re solid is fantastic.”
For Zak, admissions is all about creating relationships with her staff, other university departments and prospective students. Fortunately, Zak’s years of experience in admissions and romance writing prove she’s a pro at building relationships on and off the page.
