Dianne Crozier, the College's director of admissions, is the
kind of admissions recruiter that parents of
college-searching children love.
A mother of three grown children, she speaks
from experience.
She wasn't perfect at first, she admits: she pushed too hard
at times or got too involved. But eventually, she mastered the art
of what she calls “helping (my child) find the right fit without having
it be my choice.”
Recalling her oldest daughter's search, Crozier
says, “Eventually, she was going to make a choice and it was going
to be hers. I gained new respect for her as a young adult, and it
gave me a great perspective.”
It also helped her discover an affinity for guiding young
people – and their parents – through the college search.
So, by the time Cindy Crozier was packing for college,
her mother was off to join Union's admissions team. That was
20 years ago. Since then, she has guided thousands of students
– including two more of her own – through the admissions process.
“Going to the fanciest school in the country may not be
the best match,” Crozier warns many parents. “If they can just
back down and let their kids see the best match, it will work out fine.”
When Crozier tells her story to parents, there is an
instant bonding. “We become kind of best friends,” she says. “I enjoy
talking to parents. I can stand up in front of a group of them and
speak from my own experience.”
Crozier received the “Distinguished Service Award” last
spring from the New York State Association for College Admissions Counseling. She was cited for
her efforts in professional development and mentoring of
young professionals.
College admissions – and Union's effort – have
changed dramatically since she became one of six counselors in the
Union College admissions office. There are now 10 counselors in
Grant Hall.