11-14-06

Transition to college is made easier with Iowa State 'star'

AMES, Iowa -- For high school students, making the transition to college can be a stressful time.

At Iowa State, it's Jennifer Farrell's job to make that transition easier. She's a program coordinator for Destination Iowa State, which helps new students familiarize themselves with the community and learn how to increase their success at Iowa State.

And in just 18 months, it seems Farrell has left an impression not only on Iowa State students, but among others in her field. She's one of just five admissions counselors nationwide to receive the "Rising Star Award" from the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC).

The awards are presented annually to admissions professionals who have worked in the field no more than five years. Farrell was nominated for the award by Joel Weyand, president of the Iowa Association for College Admission Counseling. Weyand was impressed when Farrell chaired the planning committee for the state association's conference -- without ever having attended one.

"When it really came down to it, we were looking at good young people to nominate," Weyand said. "And she took on a leadership role, and she did it with flying colors."

In addition to her role in Destination Iowa State, Farrell also is pursuing a master's degree in communication studies.

NACAC is represented in all 50 states as well as 50 foreign countries. The state organization has 649 individual members and 192 institutional members, including almost every four-year, two-year, public and private college in Iowa.

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