Utah State University Eastern announced a restructuring of its admissions team in July 2026, introducing new leadership and staff to assist prospective students and their families in navigating the college enrollment process. The team is now led by Assistant Director of Recruitment Kevin Van Der Spek, who aims to streamline outreach and resource accessibility for future students.
New Leadership and Staffing
The admissions department has undergone leadership changes to better serve the student population. Kevin Van Der Spek, an alumnus of USU Eastern, has stepped into his new role as Assistant Director of Recruitment. Van Der Spek stated that his primary objective is to lead the team in connecting students with the necessary information and resources to make life-transforming educational decisions. He emphasized that the department's goal is to provide outreach that is clear, supportive, and accessible to ensure students can clearly envision their future possibilities.
Joining the team is Admissions Specialist Zoey Howa, a newcomer to the department who originally hails from Texas. Howa noted that the combination of statewide opportunities and the close-knit nature of the campus community made USU Eastern an ideal location for her own education. She described the campus as a home away from home and expressed her enthusiasm for building connections and helping new students discover the diverse offerings available on campus.
Firsthand Campus Experience
The admissions team is composed of individuals who possess firsthand experience with the USU Eastern campus, providing them with a unique perspective on the student experience. In addition to Van Der Spek and Howa, Admissions Specialist Sam Bradley serves on the team. Bradley noted that her favorite aspect of the position is helping students realize that a college education is a viable option, even for those who had not previously considered it.
Bradley encouraged prospective students to take proactive steps in their educational planning. Her advice to those considering higher education is to simply get started by visiting campuses, exploring various degree programs, and determining which academic paths best fit their individual needs.
Educational Opportunities at USU Eastern
The university's admissions strategy focuses on highlighting the specific advantages of the USU Eastern campus. According to the university, the institution provides an affordable education characterized by small class sizes and personalized support. The curriculum is designed to offer hands-on learning opportunities that prepare students for rewarding careers or for continued education within the broader Utah State University system.
With the recent changes to the admissions team, the university intends to combine fresh perspectives with the institutional knowledge held by the staff. This approach is intended to help students navigate the transition to higher education with increased confidence. The university maintains that the team is prepared to welcome future students through a supportive and accessible enrollment process.
Campus Engagement
Prospective students interested in learning more about the admissions process or scheduling a campus tour can find information through the university's official channels. The university continues to focus on making the transition to college as simple as possible for incoming students and their families.
Future Student Support
As students begin the planning stages for their college careers, the USU Eastern admissions team remains focused on providing the necessary guidance to help them navigate their educational journeys successfully.
