Profile
A dedicated advocate for higher education, Justine Whitfield’s passion for college and admissions ignited early in her high school years. When her college counselor advised her to list 10 potential colleges, she didn’t just meet the challenge – she exceeded it, creating a list of over 100 schools. Joining her older sister on college tours left a lasting impression, sparking her desire to pursue a career where she could guide prospective students toward their own future college homes, where they could leave a lasting legacy.
With over a decade of experience in admissions and scholar selection, Justine has honed her expertise, writing her dissertation on college choice and the significance of campus visits. Her passion for lifelong learning extends beyond her professional life – she instructs yoga and fitness classes, and her love for travel keeps her planning the next adventure.
Academic Credentials
Ph.D. Higher Education Administration, William & Mary (2016)
M.Ed. Higher Education Administration, William & Mary (2010)
MBA Concentration in Business Analytics, UNCW (2024)
B.A., English & American Studies, University of Virginia (2005)
Professional Credentials
College Teaching Certificate, William & Mary (2017)
Presentations
NACAC 2024: A Series of Fortunate Events
SACAC 2024: Tipping the Balance: What happened when we learned to live our best life in higher education
SACAC 2023: And Then There Were Two: Revitalizing Hiring & Onboarding
NACAC 2022: Oh, the Spaces We Will Go: Embracing Uncertainty with Event Planning
SEL Speaker Series 2022: Emotional Intelligence & College Admission
SACAC 2021: High Achievers, Best Fit: Merit Scholarship Selection
NSPA 2021: The New Normal In Selection: Zooming In On the Right Candidate
NSPA 2020: Helping High Achieving Students with the Scholarship Application Process
NSPA 2019: Merit Based Scholarship Selection- Recruiting and Selecting Diverse and
High Character Students
NACAC 2018: Snap, Crackle, And Make Your Campus Visit Pop
USPAA 2018: Back To Where You Once Belonged: Trends In Alumni Programming
CIVSA 2017: ABC’s And 123’s: Taking Tour Guides Back To The Classroom
PCACAC 2017: High School College Visits: Best Practices
PCACAC 2016: Secrets From The Social Chair
VACRAO 2016: Beyond the Campus Tour: College Choice And The Campus Visit
Awards
2024: Fulbright International Education Administrators (IEA) Award
2018: Chair of Ideas, Lausanne Collegiate School
2015: David W. Leslie Research Award, William & Mary
2014: Professor John Thelin Higher Education Research Award, William & Mary
2010: Phoenix Award, William & Mary
2009: Graduate Assistant Award, University of Central Florida
