Contact: Office of Admissions, (517) 355-8332; or Kristin Anderson, University Relations, (517) 353-8819, ander284@msu.edu
1/26/04
EAST LANSING, Mich. � Detroit native James Neely spends his workdays talking to students � sometimes hundreds at a time � about what it takes to succeed after high school and, in some instances, after middle school.
In his new position as assistant director of admissions for Michigan State University, Neely, whose MSU office is based in Detroit, talks to their families as well about the importance of furthering their student�s education.
A 1979 graduate of Detroit Catholic Central High School, Neely says he knows first-hand how goals and dreams about education can change.
�Prior to enrolling in college I worked construction with my father, who wanted me to go to college, but I resisted � I wanted to make the big bucks,� he said. �I got tired of fighting my father about going to college, and so off to school I went. He always said his plan paid off.�
Neely received his bachelor of arts degree in English from Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit in 1990, and earned his master�s degree in educational administration from Marygrove College in Detroit in 1998.
He worked as a substitute teacher at St. Theresa Visitation School, a manager of a shoe store, and a senior undergraduate admissions counselor at the University of Michigan in its Detroit office. Prior to joining the MSU Office of Admissions, he was director of recruitment for the Office of Admissions at the University of Detroit Mercy.
�When I talk to students of any age I emphasize the college experience first and foremost,� he said. �Many of the students I talk to will be the first in their families to go to college, so it�s important that their parents hear about what college is like, what it costs, and how their child can achieve in that climate.�
He also works closely with guidance counselors in Detroit�s 36 high schools, and the approximately 36,000 high school students who want to know what the world has in store for them.
�Students today are all over the map in terms of what they want to do in life. Some want to become doctors, lawyers, or engineers, others want to go into the culinary arts or entertainment fields,� Neely said. �In today�s student world, college is becoming more and more about fit � what is the best fit for them, and it�s based on each individual�s personal goals and strengths. Admissions representatives become part of the network to help students make educational opportunities available and affordable to them.�
Neely said that his admissions visits to the schools are often the first contact students will have with MSU, so it�s important he emphasizes the range and diversity of educational opportunities at the university. He makes school site visits, explains financial aid options, including scholarships, and other aspects of campus life, and coordinates visits from other MSU personnel who come to Detroit to talk about the many facets of life at the university.
The MSU Office of Admissions in Detroit is relocating to New Center One, 3031 W. Grand Blvd.
�The New Center One building is a great location; it�s centrally located in the city of Detroit, and is the home of the Detroit Public Schools (DPS) executive offices,� he said. �It is a perfect opportunity for MSU to collaborate with the DPS and its students.�
His new responsibilities also will include planning and or participating in scholarship programs on-and off-campus, and participating in recruitment programs and activities throughout the state and on campus.
�James is highly respected in the admissions profession, and MSU is indeed fortunate to have him represent us in the City of Detroit.,� said Pam Horne, assistant to the provost for enrollment management and director of admissions. �His contacts in the community, his successful record in recruitment, and his capacity to connect and communicate effectively with others are among the many assets he brings to this important position. He knows how preparation, access and excellence work together to provide opportunities for young people.�
Neely, the father of three children, is a member of the National Association for College Admissions Counselors, the Michigan Association for College Admissions Counselors, the Michigan Association for College Registrars and Admissions Officers, the Midwestern region of the College Board, the Midwestern region of ACT (American College Test), and is a member of the advisory board of Detroit P.R.I.D.E. (Providing Resources for an Improved Detroit Education).
For more information contact Neely at neelyj@msu.edu, or visit the Web at www.msu.edu/admissions