Adelaide Dunn

Additional Info

How long have you been in your current role? : One year

What previous roles have you held? : Associate Director of College Counseling, The Walker School Senior Assistant Director of Admission, Wofford College

How did you get started in this field? : As many people know, I have wanted to be a college counselor for most of my life. There’s something about working with students through (for most of them) their biggest period of change thus far that really clicks with my personality. I wanted to see students beyond their college decision, and have a hand in their growth and development. College counseling is the perfect fit for this!

What brought you to this particular role? : I have always wanted to be in college advising- a weird dream, I know. I had an influential college counselor in Karen Svetlay (Mountain Brook High School, Birmingham AL), and several unique opportunities to engage with all different types of education from an early age. I struggled with the discrepancy in resources available among different high schools in my area. So, I followed my curiosity to see if I could make an impact. One of those opportunities led me to a nonprofit whose goal was to get kids in inner city schools through graduation, and provided college support for those who wanted to continue their education. BOOM–lightbulb moment.

What is your best piece of advice for someone new to the profession? : Stop to breathe– often. Ask questions, even if you think you shouldn’t. Mostly, never forget why we do this: for the students. If that ever falls from the number one spot on your “fills my cup” list, then take a moment to reevaluate your “why” and spend time with people who can help remind you of why we do what we do.

What brought you to SACAC? : I’ve had a membership since I started working in higher ed in 2018, but I didn’t really start getting involved until I switched sides of the desk in 2022. One of the best pieces of advice I got when I made the jump was that PD and advancement look different as school counselors than it does for admission folks. So, I started reading all the emails SACAC sent out, going to PD events around the southeast, and connecting with the truly wonderful people around me at gatherings. I’ve loved Summer Seminar, SACAC Leads, and the Sweet Tea Tour, to name a few 🙂

What has been (or what you hope to be) the most impactful part of your SACAC membership experience? : I have hopes and dreams for my relationship with SACAC that could fill a book. So far, however, the most impactful part of my membership experience has been utilizing my colleagues as resources. As much as I would like to believe I am (or could be) an expert in my field, it’s impossible to know everything–especially when things change so quickly. So, building relationships where we can share ideas, feedback, and knowledge has been the #2 spot on my “fills my cup” list. Thank you, colleagues, for being you! I won’t turn this into an academy awards speech (where’s my wrap-up music?!), but I am so, so grateful.

What is your favorite part of your job? : THE. STUDENTS. Always. Their hopes, dreams, bad days, drama, successes, snark (all the snark!); everything! Nothing feels better than when they come to you with a win and want you to celebrate with them, or come to you with a loss and want you to help them navigate it. Additionally, I absolutely adore logistics and organization. I always say that I am not an ideas person, but give me your great idea, and I’ll turn it into a reality!

What have you learned about the students you serve during the past year? : Letting yourself (your personality, your humor, your vulnerability) into the relationship with your students gives them permission to do the same with you. I used to believe that I could, and should, be a completely different version of myself at work and at home. This past year, I let my walls down a little, and experienced immense success building trust and authenticity with my kiddos. I began to wonder if the idea of growing up and going off to college scared students into believing they need to be unflappable. Showing them that adults are also just people taking things one step at a time really opened them up to authenticity.

Given unlimited time and funding, what one initiative, program, or service would you implement today : I would love to implement some sort of “practical skills” or “life skills” class. I know that schools and college counseling offices do a great job of preparing students to get into college, and set them up for success in college classrooms, but there is so much more to transitioning to adulthood than that. Paying bills/budgeting, conflict resolution, basic nutrition/health awareness, and other practical skills would be on the syllabus!