Picking the UA: Reflections From a Dean and Her Freshman Daughter

Picking the UA: Reflections From a Dean and Her Freshman Daughter

By Kasey and Maricela Urquidez
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Maricela and Kasey Urquidez
Maricela and Kasey Urquidez

In this guest column, Kasey Urquidez – dean of undergraduate admissions – reflects on what it's like to be a Wildcat mom. Her daughter, Maricela, explains how her search for the right college led her to a surprising destination.


By Kasey Urquidez

I have the great privilege of serving as the chief undergraduate enrollment officer for our amazing University. I am also a proud alumna and parent of a brand-new Wildcat!

Up until this year, I had the pleasure of guiding OTHER parents and their students through the enrollment experience. Then things got real when my own daughter, Maricela, began her college search process.   

As a parent working at the UA, I always assumed my own children would naturally select Arizona as their top choice. Doesn't everyone bleed red and blue? Since my two kids essentially grew up in Nugent and Old Main, I didn't think it would be a challenge.

I learned quickly: It is not that easy!

I personally experienced the realities presented by the college selection process. I have a gained a renewed appreciation for all it takes to recruit each and every student.   

Through it all, I have completely become THAT mom. I have tried to help parents resist the "helicopter" mode for as long as I can remember. Everything went out the window when it was my own child. Now that she is enrolled, I am working hard to take my own advice and hover less and less each day. I know she is well taken care of with all we offer on our diverse campus. As a mom and an administrator, I want the best for her and all of our Wildcats. I am so proud that Maricela ultimately chose the UA. Like any parent I can go on and on. I think her own story about choosing the UA is best!

Best wishes to all the new UA parents and family members who have chosen to Bear Down!  


By Maricela Urquidez

My earliest memories are visions of red and blue. "The UA is the BEST university!" "The UA will offer you so much!" "You will never even see me ... think about going to UA!," are phrases I've heard countless times.

I grew up hearing about being a Wildcat ALL the time. I mean, I practically grew up in the Nugent Building and Old Main. "Go Wildcats" this and "Bear Down" that!

I always knew Arizona was a great option. But when your parents know all your teachers and principals in K-12 personally, your dad teaches at your high school, and your mom is dean of undergraduate admissions at the UA, you think you should move away for college. 

Going to college was always an expectation; where I would attend was the question. Early in my life, I made up my mind that I would go to school outside of Tucson, and likely the state. I just thought it was best for me. As a college prep student and athlete, I reviewed my college mail and visited a few campuses to better understand what college was all about. I figured I would learn these schools had everything I wanted academically and socially.

What did I learn? I learned that most schools have great academic and social programs. I learned every college wants everyone to apply. But, I also learned that I didn't have to go far to get all I wanted. I learned the University of Arizona had the academic program I was interested in and all the engagement opportunities I was seeking. Also, through my job at the UA BookStores, I learned that the average current student really has no idea how important my mom thinks she may be. I think having a community of almost 45,000 students helps with that!

Sometimes our parents are right. Speaking from my own experience, I found that my mom was setting a great example to thousands of prospective students and families who envision their place at Arizona. Why shouldn't I follow that advice myself?

So, I did! I am excited to have started my freshman year at the best university around. I am majoring in pre-business in the Eller College of Management and living in a themed community in a residence hall. I even arrived on campus early to participate in Housing and Residential Life's HI Team. I can't wait for study abroad, and continuing to grow as a student leader. I have it all right in my own backyard!

There you have it. I am happy to be staying in Tucson and studying at the University of Arizona. I am a proud Arizona Wildcat. If you see my mom, tell her I am busy studying. 

Bear Down … and go to the UA!


Kasey Urquidez is vice president of enrollment management and student affairs advancement and dean of undergraduate admissions. Her daughter, Maricela, began as a freshman in the Eller College of Management this fall. Interested in having your student join us for fall 2019? UA employees are encouraged to check out the UA Family program. Undergraduate Admissions would love to personally connect with you and your students!

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