Pamela Chapin ‘21, Senior Admissions Counselor at SOU

SOU alum Pamela Chapin graduated in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Anthropology. After graduation, Pamela began working in the university’s admissions office, where she currently serves as Senior Admissions Counselor on campus. As a student, she hadn’t considered embarking on a career in higher education, thinking instead of pursuing quantitative data analysis. Yet the transition from SOU student to SOU staff has been overwhelmingly positive for Pamela and the prospective students she counsels. As the Senior Admissions Counselor, Pamela’s main job is to talk about our university, and speak on the benefits of a college degree, with students locally and across the state. She also recruits students in Northern California and the Bay Area. In the process, she is assisting students with onboarding, focusing especially on first-generation college students. In her role as Senior Admissions Counselor, Pamela advocates for first-generation students to pursue a college education, noting the opportunities that a college education can provide.

Pamela’s career journey highlights the value of a Sociology and Anthropology degree in navigating the professional world. Reflecting on her education, she highlights two ways that her degree has been valuable to her as a professional. Her sociology coursework instilled in her an understanding of societal systems and institutions, including the institution of higher education. She uses her background to better understand how students interact with this institution, based on their diverse backgrounds and life experiences. Her anthropological training equips her with the skills to engage students from myriad cultural backgrounds, fostering inclusivity and understanding. Both of these skills are crucial in the world of higher education. Pamela also credits her academic experiences at SOU for fostering independence, project management skills, and a keen appreciation for informed communication—all of which are integral to her professional work.

As a nontraditional student, Pamela felt supported by the faculty community at SOU, who facilitated extra projects and learning opportunities to suit her skills. Notably, Pamela collaborated with Dr. Mark Shibley on a survey about the management of the Ashland Watershed through the Southern Oregon University Research Center (SOURCE), and also worked with Dr. Patricia Styer on the 2020 Campus Climate Survey.

The personalized attention and mentorship she received during her academic journey prepared her for the challenges of the professional realm. As a student, Pamela was twice awarded the Schneider Memorial Award, which recognizes academically outstanding Sociology and Anthropology students who display exceptional commitment to community service. These academic experiences, coupled with her own life journey, enable her to confidently interact with university leadership and contribute meaningfully to her role as Senior Admission Counselor.

When asked what advice she has for students contemplating working in higher education, Pamela encouraged students to find what they like most about their studies (e.g., working with people, teaching and learning new concepts) and then consider how they might use that experience in higher ed. For Pamela, she went into higher ed with an open mind, and found that she excels in her career, despite it not being a traditional route for SOAN graduates. She suggests that for students wishing to stay connected to university life after graduation, a career in higher education administration can be very rewarding. An added benefit of working at her alma mater is Pamela’s ability to maintain her professional network which she forged as a student.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Pamela’s career is the opportunity to share her positive experiences at SOU with prospective students, offering encouragement and excitement to incoming SOU Raiders. Her interactions with students reaffirm the impact of her work in shaping their educational journeys. To future SOAN graduates, she advises them to remain open to unexpected career opportunities and to explore alternative paths with which to use their degree.

To round off our interview, I asked Pamela what she is currently reading, listening to, or watching. From David Graeber’s book, “The Dawn of Everything” to NPR’s “Throughline” and “Code Switch” podcasts, Pam is sinking her teeth into works that offer insights into history, contemporary issues, and cultural anthropology—perfect entertainment for current and past SOAN students.

Pamela’s career journey serves as a testament to the versatility and relevance of a SOAN degree in the professional sphere. Her story illustrates the value of critical thinking, cultural awareness, and community engagement in higher education and reflects the opportunities available to SOAN students after graduation.