Donned in a maroon and gold jacket, with a Park University pennant tacked to the wall in her office, it would appear that Lindsey Stubbs has always been a Park Pirate.

Growing up in Camden Point, Mo., Stubbs attended North Platte High School and graduated from Missouri Western State University before accepting her new role as admissions counselor at Park University last fall.

Initially a nursing major, she transitioned to majoring in criminal justice with a minor in biology.

As a student, Stubbs was involved in several campus clubs and organizations but it was her time as a student worker for the university that truly shaped her career path.

“It was a really great opportunity for me,” Stubbs said. “As a student worker at Missouri Western, they get you involved in what a regular counselor would do. I got to take phone calls, do mailings and do college fairs by myself in other states, so it was a really awesome opportunity.”

Stubbs said her decision to become an admissions counselor at Park or remain at Missouri Western to pursue a degree in forensic investigation was tough.

When it came time for graduation, I knew I had my passion for criminal justice,” she said, “but working at the admissions office at Missouri Western, I knew I really enjoyed that and I loved the idea of helping students get closer to higher education.”

Ultimately, Stubbs chose Park University, and said her experience with both students and faculty so far has been fantastic.

“At first, I had no idea what to expect,” she said. “I attended a public school and I knew I was going to be transitioning to a private school setting so I wasn’t sure what I was going to encounter. But, I was happily surprised with how open everyone is here, whenever I walk over to, say, the underground or to the cafeteria everyone is saying hello and it’s really nice. I enjoy that a lot.

“My favorite park of my job so far has definitely been my coworkers. They have been fantastic. Any time that I have questions, they are more than happy to help and have welcomed me with open arms. So, I have really appreciated my coworkers.”

As an admissions counselor, Stubbs said her sole purpose is to tell prospective students about all Park University has to offer.

During the day, Stubbs takes visits from students, answers phone calls, returns emails and compiles student files.

Her job also allows her to travel, taking her work on the road.

“When we travel, we are going to our respective recruiting areas,” she said. “Mine is St. Louis and southern Missouri. When we are there, we go to college fairs and high school visits. We set up our fun little table and tell all the students about Park as well as try and keep up with our work while we are on the road.”

Stubbs said despite competitive schools in the area, Park University has much to offer students.

“A lot of students are really excited about the fact that we are a private school but we are still affordable,” she said. “A lot of times when I initially tell a student we are a private university they are hesitant but it is a huge asset to have that private school education but to also be affordable.”

Stubbs said another asset of Park University is its clock tower on MacKay Hall.

“My coworker has actually coined Park University as the ‘Hogwarts of the Midwest’ because of the ‘castle’ on campus,” she said. “A lot of Harry Potter fanatics really love that and are sold.”

Fellow Park admissions counselor and Missouri Western graduate Andrew Baxley said that Stubbs brings a lot to Park University’ admissions department as a coworker.

“She is incredibly hard working, very knowledgeable and has a strong desire to help each student reach their goals,” Baxley said.

“She is a team player and is eager and willing to step in to help at any time. On top of all that, she always brings a good attitude and a smile. These characteristics are contagious and help make the Office Of Admissions at Park University a special place.”

Baxley also said that Stubbs’ influence reaches beyond the admissions team and reaches students on a daily basis.

“She brings much more value to the students both current and prospective,” he said. “For current students, I believe her biggest contribution is acting as a good role model.

“She is a hardworking, young professional who always is willing to go the extra mile for the students. Whether that means teaching them about cheer techniques or just being a shoulder to cry on, she makes herself available to the students.

Regarding prospective students, (Stubbs) has an uncanny ability to relate anyone no matter how different they may be from her. From ‘dropping some Harry Potter Knowledge’ as Lindsey would say to talking about the Nashville Predators hockey game last night, (Her) random knowledge base knows no bounds. This ability to relate to these prospective students enables Lindsey to build relationships with students that help make them feel more comfortable about the going to college,” Baxley said.
Overall, Stubbs said her main hope is to be a good ambassador for Park University.

“I hope that I can be a good representative of Park University and to share with prospective students my passion for higher education,” she said “I definitely believe that, especially nowadays, it’s very important to have higher education.

“I hope I bring excitement and enthusiasm. I hope that students are not afraid to come to me with any questions that they may have about college.”