New staff spotlight with Hailey Capps

We are pleased to welcome Hailey Capps to the Office of Student and Academic Services as our new Graduate Admission and Enrollment Adviser. 

A recent M.Ed. graduate from the LHE program and a BA holder in Communication and GWSS, Hailey joins us from the Student Activities Office, where she worked as an Activities Adviser. In her role, Hailey will support applicants and prospective graduate students for our College of Education programs. She brings valuable experience from various student support positions, including housing and first-year leadership roles.

Please join us in welcoming Hailey back to the College of Education. To learn more about her, be sure to read her Q&A!

Could you tell us a little about your background and what inspired you to step into your current role?  

During my time as an undergraduate at the UW, I got involved in various student leadership positions with Housing and Food Services and First Year Programs. I absolutely loved being a student leader but had no idea what I wanted to do after college. At the start of my senior year, I had a conversation with my academic adviser, Lauren, about my long-term goals. She was the first person to mention the possibility of graduate school to me. Around that same time, my supervisor and mentor Meghan told me about the Leadership in Higher Education M.Ed. program. I realized that I could take my passion for student support and turn it into a career (huge shoutout to Lauren and Meghan for their guidance – I don’t know where I would be without them!). It was a big light bulb moment that I am so grateful for.  

After graduating from the Leadership in Higher Education program, I had the amazing opportunity to work in the Student Activities Office as an Activities Adviser. In this role, I advised Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) and student government entities, supporting them with event planning, advocacy initiatives, funding, and fundraising.  

Part of what inspired me to step into this new role was a desire to work with prospective students and be able to share my love for UW with them. When I was a Student Housing Tour Guide, I had such a blast connecting with prospective and admitted students and their families. I am looking forward to continuing this work and enhancing my recruiting skills.

What excites you the most about joining the College of Education?

The people! Everyone I have met so far has been so welcoming and kind. I am also very excited about the opportunity to support first-gen students on their path to graduate school.  

What are some of your goals or aspirations in your role here?

My biggest goal is to have a positive impact on the lives of prospective and admitted students. Whether that is connecting them with funding opportunities, answering their questions about life as a Husky, or providing them with advice for their Statement of Purpose. I also hope to create meaningful connections with my colleagues and take advantage of opportunities to give back to the UW community.  

What is your favorite spot on campus and why?

The Husky Union Building (HUB). It has something for everyone – student activities and events, food and coffee, gaming spaces, student government, the Q Center, the D Center, and so much more. I particularly love the quarterly Makers Fairs that the HUB hosts for the UW community.  Being able to see student creativity and innovation up close is magical.  

What’s a hobby or activity you enjoy outside of work?

I love playing sports and attending sporting events (especially Husky volleyball and softball games)!