Meet the Admission Staff!
We hope you find what you need within these pages, but if not, please feel free to contact us.
The Office of Admission is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, and 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on Selected Saturdays (September–April only).
Muskingum University
Office of Admission
260 Stadium Drive
PO Box 1837
New Concord, OH 43762-1837
Phone: 740-826-8137
Email: admission@muskingum.edu
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Admission Office Staff
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Marcy RitzertVice President for Enrollment |
What do you like to do when you aren’t at work? Although I love my job helping students get admitted to Muskingum University, there’s a ton of other stuff that keeps me busy at home! I have two gardens that take up a lot of my time in the summer. I also have two dogs, chickens and honeybee hives. I am never bored at home – there is always something that needs to be done! I also love to cook and travel.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done? I love the outdoors, and the most adventurous thing I’ve done is taking up backpacking with my husband several years ago. We’ve seen some amazingly beautiful scenery and I’ve accomplished physical things I’ve never thought possible. We love our country’s National Parks, but there are also many other areas that we’ve visited. Any backcountry trip is open for discussion.
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Jake BurnettSenior Director of Admission |
Favorite Activity? Hanging out with my kids! I have 3 boys, all who love the outdoors. We enjoy campouts, hikes, and just playing together.
Best thing about Muskingum? During my sophomore year here at Muskingum, I met my future wife. We've been married since 2006 and I can't imagine a better life than what we have shared here in this community. Muskingum truly is a special place.
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Gary AtkinsAssistant Director of Admission |
What are your most-prized possessions? My music collection: vinyl, cassette, CD, and digital – I value it all (though, I surely prefer the seek/find process for the non-digital). My high school years were all about soul and funk; college radio in the early 80's exposed me to punk (and post-punk), new wave, reggae and world music, and electronic and industrial music (among others); and working in an independent record store in a university town from 1990-95 only poured gas on the flames. Twenty years later, they're still burning. Oh, and my mountain bikes: I have two Specialized Stumpjumpers – one set up for road riding, and the other for off-road use, because, as the saying goes, the fun begins where the pavement ends!
What are your "go-to" nature destinations? If I had an hour, it would be a walk around the New Concord Reservoir with my dog, Woody; a day, the AEP Recreation Lands a half-hour south of town; a week, the Jefferson National Forest and the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains in my beloved homeland of SW Virginia; a month, the Clearwater National Forest in northern Idaho (specifically, the Kelly Forks area, near the Montana border). Great – now I'm daydreaming and worthless for the rest of the afternoon!
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Alexandria FraleyAssistant Director of Admission / Transfer Coordinator |
Who inspires you? My brother. He is intelligent, funny, and my go-to person for all questions. Looking up to him throughout my life has been a great joy, learning what to do - and what not to do, ha-ha. I am deeply grateful to have an older brother who is fearless in his decisions and persistent in his goals.
What is your favorite Muskingum memory? Where do I begin? I would say that my favorite memory was every day in the History Suite. It was nice to relax with the professors and learn more about them. I also loved the chance to ask last-minute questions and to catch up with friends that I didn’t have a class with that semester. Muskingum truly is a family. My family.
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Alex BurtonAdmission Counselor |
What do you like to do when you aren't at work? Outside of work, I like to go to the gym and play volleyball, I enjoy cuddling up with a warm blanket and read a book, but I also love to watch my favorite shows on Netflix. I also love to spend time with my family, friends, and pets as much as possible!
What is your favorite thing about Muskingum? My favorite thing about Muskingum would have to be the amazing community here. Even as a student, everyone was so welcoming and nice, whether they knew who I was or not. They have all supported me from being a first-year student in college to becoming an employee at Muskingum. I would not be who I am without them.
Who inspires you? My mom and dad. Growing up, I was super close to them, I have been able to deeply appreciate everything they have done in life for me and my siblings, and for themselves. They have always shown me how to work hard and be a good person. I owe everything I have accomplished to them and their support, because they never stopped believing in me, and always pushed me to be better!
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Mason SprangAdmission Counselor |
What do you like to do when you aren't at work? Depends on the day. I enjoy staying active whether that’s golfing, playing softball, working out, or going to events in Columbus like sporting events and Broadway shows. Other days I love to just lounge around the house watching movies and TV shows. I always have something on in the background even if I am not actively watching, which is why my mother-in-law got me a shirt that says, “I speak in movie quotes”.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done? I like to say I am a bit of an adrenaline junkie. I am up to try just about anything if there is a risk of getting injured. My favorite thing I have done so far is skydiving. Eventually I want to have enough tandem jumps under my belt so that I can do my own solo jump. I am open to almost any adventure so if you have an idea, let me know!
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Qiao KeatingInternational Student Recruiter |
Who inspires you? I had a visiting American professor who taught me when I went to college in China. He always encouraged me to take chances and see the outside world. He is my mentor and life-long friend.
What are the best things in your life? Making changes in life requires courage, determination, and commitment. However, I believe changes can lead to opportunities and exploration of a new world, therefore I stepped out of my "comfort zone" and sought my dreams in America. What does not break me makes me stronger. As I reflect, I know my life is more fulfilled now. So allow yourselves to embrace the adventures.
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Theresa HogueAssociate Director of Admission Operations |
What is your favorite activity? I love cooking and baking and being outside in my garden! I love being in the kitchen making something, whether it's my kids favorite dish or trying out a new recipe. We also have a large vegetable garden, a berry patch, some fruit trees, and many flowerbeds on our farm. I love tending to the garden, watching it grow, and preserving the harvest.
What do you like to do when you aren't at work? I am a mom to 3 very active boys! I love spending time with them and being involved in their interests. The boys are 4-H, FFA, and Grange members; pitch league horseshoes, play in their school's marching band, pep band, and jazz band, and participate in archery and baseball. We also have a farm with cattle, goats, chickens, rabbits, cats, and a dog. We are always moving!
What do you like best about Muskingum? Seeing students, professors, and colleagues interacting together is amazing!
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Melissa HartleyCampus Experience Coordinator |
What do you like to do when you aren't at work? When I’m not on campus, you can usually find me soaking up time with my family or planning our next adventure into the city to explore new and interesting restaurants. I’m passionate about staying active— whether it’s a rejuvenating hot yoga class or anything that gets me moving. Creativity is a big part of who I am, too; I channel that energy into my own balloon décor business, where I get to bring joyful moments to life. I’m also an avid podcast listener (Mel Robbins is a favorite!), and I deeply value the grounding power of prayer as part of my daily routine. These passions keep me inspired, balanced, and excited to bring my best self back to work each day.
What is your favorite thing about Muskingum? My favorite thing about Muskingum University is the inclusive, welcoming community that makes everyone feel like they truly belong. The culture here is rooted in positivity, kindness, and a shared commitment to making a real impact in students’ lives. I love seeing how deeply our faculty and staff care about each student’s well-being, success, and future, and how that support creates an environment where students care for one another, too. From the fun campus events to the everyday moments of connection, Muskingum is a place where people lift each other up— and that’s what makes it so special.
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Richard ParringtonAssistant Director of Admission Operations |
What do you like to do when you aren't at work? I'm a big fan of science fiction and will often be found hunched over a painting table working on my Warhammer Collection. When I'm not attending a weekend event with my wife that is.
What is your favorite thing about Muskingum? I love the feel of the campus, especially taking a break to walk around the lake and see the wildlife that likes to hang out there.
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Brooke WilkinsAssistant Director of Admission Operations |
What do you like to do when you aren't at work? Outside of work, I enjoy spending time in the kitchen trying out new recipes and expanding my love for cooking. I also value quality time with my family, friends, and three dogs, who keep my life full of energy and joy. I like to spend time outdoors as well, whether that's going on a campus walk with my sister or discovering new places and experiences.
What is your favorite Muskingum Memory? My favorite Muskingum memory is getting to go through undergrad with my twin sister. We each found our own paths while still sharing so many moments together. We would often go on campus walks, no matter the time of day, which were always full of laughs and great talks. Getting to share major milestone moments with her made the experience even more special.
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Chloe McCauleyCoordinator of Admission Operations |
What do you like to do when you aren't at work? When I am not at work I enjoy partaking in creative outlets such as scrapbooking, crocheting, or trying new recipes! On the weekends, I enjoy spending time with my family, my niece and nephews and my friends. We recently took in 14 chickens, and I have enjoyed watching them grow and coming up with new ideas on what to do with an abundance of eggs!
What do you like best about Muskingum? What I like most about Muskingum is the kindness you will find in all of the people here. Everyone is eager to help, make you feel welcomed, and to get to know you as an individual. Another thing I love about Muskingum is its location in the Village of New Concord! I love the small businesses here, the farmers market on Tuesdays in the summer and the homey feel you get walking around!