I'm Now That Bumper Sticker: 'Proud Arizona Mom'
It seems like yesterday when I started my path to the University of Arizona. As a high school senior, I recall a student recruiter from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions calling to encourage me to become a Wildcat. My plans were to go out of state, but that personal touch changed everything. I am forever grateful for that phone call!
My official introduction to the UA was when I arrived in June 1990 for the New Start program, which facilitated my understanding of college and reinforced my goal of earning an undergraduate degree. As a first-generation college student from Safford, Arizona, I had a lot to learn. But the UA quickly became my home. It was amazing how fast I learned to "bleed red and blue."
College was a tough transition. I didn't get the grades I was used to (until my junior year, when I figured out how to really study), but I never felt like a number and I always got the help I needed. I attribute much of my own success to the outstanding faculty and staff who became my extended family. My academic adviser, Patti Wylie, helped shape my life in ways I never imagined. To this day, I still feel that the UA is a magical place.
Because of the UA, I call Tucson my home and have raised my own family to Bear Down. As the vice president for enrollment management and student affairs advancement, as well as dean of undergraduate admissions, I have the good fortune to help guide and assist families experiencing the excitement and anxiety of the enrollment process.
And now, guess what. I am suddenly buying that bumper sticker that says "Proud Arizona Mom." If all goes according to plan, my daughter will enroll at the UA in the fall as a member of the Class of 2022!
Leading the enrollment team provides me with great insight into the college admissions process. It also reminds me that this process is new for many. As employees of this university, you are part of the UA Family and we want to assist you and your family in the college selection process. Do you have dependents in high school or at a community college who are interested in enrolling? Are you interested in earning a degree through one of our many completion options? We are here to help.
To get more information, please visit the recently updated UA Family [1] website. If you just have a few questions, and want to connect with someone in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, please contact Rafael A. Meza at rmeza@arizona.edu [2] or 520-621-9614.
My office is very appreciative of everything that faculty and staff do to support our students and the campus community.
As a mother, I'm also grateful, knowing that I'm sending my daughter to a great university filled with dedicated people who do everything they can to help our students be successful.
Look for us this summer at new student orientation [3]. We'll be the ones in red and blue.
Bear Down!
Kasey Urquidez, Class of 1994, is vice president for enrollment management and student affairs advancement, and dean of undergraduate admissions. Urquidez also holds two master's degrees and a doctorate.