Q: Can you describe the work you do at the University of Chicago?

In my day to day, I oversee all things related to the College Admissions in-person experience. I am primarily responsible for managing our Student Visitor Coordinators (on campus tour guides), who make this position truly special. In addition to managing them, I also oversee all our in-office needs. If there is anything that needs to be done in the office, I am the first person on it. This position also allows me to work closely with families that visit campus by being able to share my own experiences as a parent going through the college search process as well. That duty is a bit more informal, but I find it to be one of the most impactful duties I fulfill outside of managing our wonderful students in college admissions. Lastly, I directly support the Deans of College Admissions, James Nondorf and Peter Wilson.

Q: How did you get into your role in College Admissions at the University of Chicago?

Just around two and a half years ago, I decided to transition out of my long-time position supporting physicians with Lurie Children’s Hospital. As I looked for a new position, I sought an opportunity to help support students, since I found that I loved working with young people in my previous position. It was actually while I was touring colleges with my son, who is now a sophomore in college, that I stumbled across my current position with College Admissions. I am very familiar with the University, as I grew up on the South Side of Chicago and attended Kenwood Academy. I thought I was a strong fit for the position, but it was still a surprise when I received a call from my current manager the next day!

Q: How has your role changed since you've started?

I was originally hired as the Office Manager and was promoted a year ago to Director of Office and Visitor Operations. This promotion has given me more responsibility concerning the overall visitor experience here at UChicago College Admissions, which I am extremely proud of. We have over 100,000 guests visit our campus yearly and I am proud to say that we give the absolute best tours. My colleagues are the kindest admissions officers you could ever meet, and I’m not just saying this, I have feedback from guests to prove it. We lead with kindness, and this comes by example from Dean Nondorf and Dean Wilson. Every guest that leaves UChicago mentions how amazing our information sessions are, how warm and welcoming our students are, and finally how honest we are in the admissions process. We understand that every student that applies may not end here, but their college process has just begun and we are excited that they chose UChicago to be a part of their journey.

Q: Are there any skills you gained from working in healthcare that you apply to your role in College Admissions?

Yes, everyone you meet is dealing with something you know nothing about. Be kind, always! A ‘good morning, how are you doing?’ goes a long way. I consider myself to be in the people business because I enjoy meeting and learning from everyone I encounter. I am in the perfect role for this, and I’m blessed to be chosen to show up to work every day, to work with amazing students, and to meet very anxious parents and prospective students. I believe my work in healthcare where every encounter was emergent prepared me to bestow calm to many of the families I meet.

Q: What is a memorable experience that you've had during your time at the University?

Every encounter with my Student Visitor Coordinators (SVCs). I can’t express enough how working with these young minds has changed the way that I interact with my own children. I’ve become a part of many of their lives that even though many have graduated, they still call and send text message updates on their lives. I am so proud to say that many of them look to me for guidance. It’s like I have 110 young adults who think I’m cool but understand the balance of being a manager and mentor.

Q: You have had great impact on the University, how has the University of Chicago impacted you?

I support the kindest humans ever. UChicago can take pride in knowing that they hire some amazing individuals. Working in healthcare can be cutthroat to say the least. Jim, Peter, and Zach have been amazing to report to. I’ve grown in ways that are a bit intangible. There have been opportunities for me to share my ideas in ways that I was unable to in previous positions. I’ve had the opportunity to travel and experience aspects of the division that aren’t a part of my job description.

Q: Can you share an idea of yours that has been implemented at UChicago Admissions?

I streamlined a more efficient way of connecting with our SVCs. In the past, communication was primely via email. Including TEAMS as an option of communication has made a large impact on response time. For them it’s like texting, since they have TEAMS on their phones. I also implemented “Tea with Ty” where our students can schedule a time to chat with me about anything over lunch or tea/coffee, depending on their time constraints. These conversations range from updates about their lives, troubleshooting possible roommate issues, and career goals. I enjoy this time as it allows me to get to know them on a more personal level, as I share details about my life during this chat as well. These chats have created a space for them to not only see me as a manager but also as a confidant.

Q: Where have you had the opportunity to travel as Director of Office and Visitor Operations and has it influenced how you seek to improve the visitor experience at UChicago?

Undergraduate admissions falls under the ESA umbrella (Enrollment and Student Advancement) which also houses Career Advancement. I'm grateful to Meredith Daw for allowing me to travel to New York City as a Co-Trek Leader for a Career Trek that focused on Real Estate. This was the first Real Estate Trek, and I was so excited to join. I was already aware of the wonderful work ESA does daily, but I can now speak firsthand to our guests about my experience as a Trek Leader and how our Career Advancement division works daily to bring our remarkable students to amazing employers like Essence Development, Goldman Sachs, JLL, Blackstone, CBRE, Ares, and so many more. Being able to speak firsthand regarding the college journey (as I just experienced this with my son) and participating in all of the amazing opportunities ESA has gives guests a unique experience. Many are surprised when I share that I’ve joined a Career Trek along with many of our SVCs. Our students were engaged, prepared, and overall excited to meet each employer. I acquired so much knowledge at each visit and even more knowledge from our dedicated students. This opportunity allowed me to grow both professionally and personally as this was my first visit to New York.

Q: Beyond your role in College Admissions, how else do you like to spend your time?

I am a mother of two amazing sons, Jachi who is currently in his second year of college at Western Michigan majoring in Sports Management and Jordan who is currently in his second year of high school at Leo Catholic High school. Both are honors students and my greatest accomplishments, honestly. At this point in my life, you can find me at track meets, basketball games, scholastic bowl meets, and ALL things Jachi and Jordan. I do find a little Tyshelle time in between being a mom, but at this point in my life, I’m pouring into my Purpose my amazing boys.

Q: Is there anything you would like to share with our UChicago community, such as a fun fact about yourself or personal project?

Fun Fact: I am truly a South Side Girl born and raised in Bronzeville and Woodlawn. Oh, and born at the University of Chicago in 1979. 😊