Meredith Head Bruno, M.Ed.
Q: What is your title and organization?
Executive Director of Strategic Communications and Recruitment, Georgia Highlands College
Q: How long have you been in this role?
October 16, 2023
Q: What previous roles have you held?
- Director of Marketing and Communications in Enrollment Services at Kennesaw State University (KSU) 2020-2023
- Senior Associate Director of Campus Visitation at KSU 2017 - 2020
- First Georgia Regional at University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) 2016 - 2017
Q: What brought you to this particular role?
This is a serendipitous story: My Father, Joe Head, retired as the AVP of Enrollment Management at KSU in 2010. Went to a local BBQ in our hometown of Cartersville that was raising money for the Farmer’s Bureau. The keynote speaker was Dr. Mike Hobbs who had just taken the role of President at Georgia Highlands College (GHC). Dr. Hobbs got his start as a recruiter at UAB in enrollment services. Both my father and Dr. Hobbs ended up sitting next to each other. Long story short, I was asked to come to an interview at GHC. I am now a Blue and Orange Charger and love every day!
Q: How did you get started as a school counselor?
I started in the field as an admissions counselor in 2012 at Andrew College. Andrew College was then a small two-year private school in southwestern GA, with 300 students. I learned to become the bridge for students who never had the opportunity to continue their education.
Q: What is your best piece of advice for someone new to the profession?
Become the bridge; meet the student’s where they are. They may not understand, they might not have had guidance, or have had too much guidance. Your job is to help them get to their next step and complete their dreams. Who knows, you may be helping a student who will solve cancer, invent a new world-changing device, or become the next admissions counselor who is willing to help the next student just like you.
Q: Given unlimited time and funding, what one initiative, program, or service would you implement today for your students?
With unlimited time and funding I would create an immersive student assistant program that truly teaches students how to use their email in all functions, understand Excel and Word, be able to present at the drop of a hat, and have the confidence to work with all types of people. I see it when hiring young professionals, they don’t understand how to check and organize their email and calendars. They have yet to learn the tricks of Excel and Word. Many students are intimidated by the unknown and have a hard time presenting or giving an elevator pitch to promote themselves or the school. If I can teach my students those simple basics they will be ahead of all others graduating and will be a more valuable hire.
Q: What brought you to SACAC?
Being in this career for 13 years, SACAC is a staple to the profession.
Q: What has been (or hope to be) the most impactful part of your SACAC membership experience?
The best part of SACAC is networking with all high school counselors and admissions professionals. However, the most impactful part was having the opportunity to be a faculty member for Dry Run. It was very rewarding to be able to pour in all of my knowledge and years of experience to young professionals. Thank you for allowing me to be part of the 2024 Dry Run Faculty.
Q: What is your favorite part of your job?
Many people think I wear a lot of hats, but I really wear a lot of running shoes. I have to change my shoes and get ready for the race every day. Whether I am “running” with the new Marketing department, creating internal and external marketing, or if I am “pacing” the new recruiters on campus visits and how to table at events. But I believe my favorite part is being with the students and teaching them how to become professionals with skills they will use for a lifetime.
Q: What have you learned about yourself as a professional during the past year?
For me 2023 was a whirlwind, I (finally) got married at age 34. Five months later, I was humbled to have a college president ask me to come and work for his college. With the right support at work and home, I have created a phenomenal team that I would not have been successful without in recruitment, marketing, and tour guide. I no longer look at each new ask as another task or allow it to become overwhelming. I see it as “new” and an opportunity to leave my mark and improve the experience for our students.
Q: What have you learned about the students you serve during the past year?
The students at Georgia Highlands are willing to jump in at any moment. They are eager to learn, get their name out there, and be resourceful. GHC Chargers don’t just let things happen; they go get them. They Charge after them.