Meet the Directors

We are pleased that you are considering Georgia State University as your institution of higher learning, and my hope is that you will explore all that this outstanding urban institution has to offer. We invite you to tour our campus and meet some of our students, faculty and staff.

Scott Burke

Director of Admissions

I hold a bachelor's degree from North Adams State College ('95) in Business Administration and a M.Ed from Northeastern University ('07), Boston, MA, in Higher Education Administration. 

Prior to my arrival at Georgia State, I worked at North Adams State College for two years. I then spent nine and a half years in Boston working at Northeastern University before moving south to work at Clayton State University for a year and a half. I chose the admissions field because it provided me the opportunity to work with students from all walks of life and backgrounds along with many wonderful travel opportunities. In fact, I have visited over 30 states and traveled to 15 different countries as an admissions professional. 

Georgia State University is an exciting place to be and my staff and I look forward to helping you learn about all that awaits you here.

Favorite Quote: Winning isn't everything, but wanting to win is. — Vince Lombardi

 

Nicole Gibbs

Assistant Director of Admissions, Recruitment

Former position: Admissions Counselor

Colleges Attended: Georgia Southern University, 2002; Columbus State University 2005, Clark Atlanta (currently attending).

Positive Statement about Georgia State University: I love the fact that Georgia State offers an opportunity for students to learn, grow and become global citizens in the heart of Atlanta. With so many cultural and educational landmarks within walking distance, students have a wealth of knowledge right at their fingertips. Georgia State offers students a varied perspective on many aspects of the world. 

Favorite quote:  The aim of education should be to teach us rather how to think, than what to think — rather to improve our minds, so as to enable us to think for ourselves, than to load the memory with thoughts of other men. — Bill Beattie

 

Stephanie Buchanan

Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions

Former Position: Previously served as Assistant Director of Transfer Recruitment at Georgia State. Prior to working at Georgia State, Stephanie served as the Assistant Director, Associate Director and Interim Director of Admissions at The University of Toledo.

Colleges: The University of Toledo

Positive Statement about Georgia State University: What is so exciting about Georgia State is all of the potential for growth. The University is growing both literally and figuratively (new buildings, more students and football in 2010). I am happy to be working with such a great team of people and to see all of the changes in Admissions within the last few years. I know that many people have contributed to the success of Admissions over the years and I a most grateful for these former and current great people!

Favorite Quotes: Don’t look back. — Satchel Page; When I can no longer create anything, I’ll de done for. — Coco Chanel

 

Jean So

Manager of the Welcome Center

Former position: A proud alumna, Jean has served as Program Coordinator for Atlanta-Based Learning in the Office of Undergraduate Studies and as a Student Affairs Advisor in the Office of New Student Programs, both at Georgia State University.

Colleges attended: Georgia State University (B.S., 99') University of Georgia (M.Ed., 2001)

Positive statement about Georgia State University: Georgia State University exemplifies premiere academic programs, showcases every aspect of diversity, and is under constant, exciting change. Take part in it all! I look forward to welcoming you into our Panther family!

Favorite Quote: I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. — Maya Angelou

 

Dan Niccum

Associate Director of Admission for Research, Reporting, and Technology

Former positions: Prior to coming to Georgia State, worked in various positions at both private and public institutions.

College attended: Indiana University in Bloomington, IN  

Positive Statement about Georgia State University: I love the urban setting and the diversity of not only the students, but also the faculty and the staff. I have found that the word "diversity" takes on a whole new meaning here at Georgia State. It's not just about race or ethnicity; it's so much more!  It's recognizing all the countless ways we are different from one another, and then learning embrace and celebrate those differences.

Favorite Quote: Incremental improvement is better than postponed perfection.

 

Alicia C. Bailey

Assistant Director of Admissions

Current Position: Manager and coordinator of all application processing functions for all undergraduate student types.

Former Position: Supervisor of initial application process.

Colleges Attended: Atlanta Metropolitan College and Georgia State University

Positive Statement about Georgia State University: As a proud Georgia State University alum and a member of current staff at the university, I really enjoy the downtown Atlanta location of the campus that is convenient to so many other venues. Georgia State University has also afforded me the opportunity to meet other students from all walks of life.

Favorite Quote: Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is a nobler art of leaving things undone. The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of nonessentials. — Lin Yutang