Tosha Hendrickson earned her B.A. in Communications in 2016 from Texas Tech University; upon graduation, she joined the Graduate School. In her role directing the operations of the Graduate Admissions office, Tosha acts as an administrator for access to the Graduate School’s admissions database, prepares and updates the online listing of Graduate Faculty, and works to keep the online Graduate application updated. She also aids the Associate Dean with enrollment management, as well as recruiting funds for the graduate school. Tosha earned an MSEd in Educational Psychology from Baylor University in August 2021. Thanks for talking with us, Tosha!
BearTracks
Okay, so first question. Tell me about yourself and your role.
Tosha Hendrickson
Well, first and foremost, I’m a wife and a mother to three boys. I have worked at the Graduate School for six years.
My current role is the Director of Admissions and Recruitment. I started off as an entry level technician here and then worked my way up to this position.
BT
Wow, you’re working your way up the corporate ladder here; watch out Dean Lyon!
TH
Haha, yeah, he better watch it! I am on my way!
BT
Now what does your position entail? What does day in the life of Tosha look like?
TH
90% of my position is admissions. We want to make sure that we have the top quality students for all of the top quality programs here. And I make sure that all the documents are in, including everything that’s required for the programs; each program has different requirements. Once all of those things are received, we hand them off to the individual programs to review, and then their decisions come back to us. We have the final say on all admissions decisions.
And then the other 10% of my job is visiting other institutions for recruitment.
BT
So when you say recruitment, I feel like people typically think of sports where sports recruiters travel around and try to get people to play for their team. But what does that look like for admissions?
TH
It’s essentially the same thing, right? You want them to play. So it’s making sure people know what good programs we have, what incredible faculty have. We want like-minded people here, which means we want individuals that are passionate about their research, and who want to work with faculty here who are doing the same thing.
BT
What is your favorite part about working there?
TH
I love so many of the aspects of this job. I can tell you that I always wanted to work in higher education; I wanted to work with students. So my favorite part is probably the relationships that I’ve made over the years. I have photos on my windowsill in my office of all my kids, the students I’ve mentored. I love it all. That’s my thing: working here, watching them spread their wings, and keeping in touch with them.
BT
How about something you wish more graduate students knew about the Graduate School?
TH
We are on their side. We are on the same team. We want them to succeed. That’s why they’re here. We think that they can succeed – we know that they can.
BT
That’s great; and it’s been a common response among the other staff.
What is your favorite Baylor event?
TH
I really enjoy Dia! One year they had a llama and he was my favorite thing in the world. And then I look forward to football season too.
BT
What’s a resource you wish graduate students took better advantage of?
TH
I think students’ perception is that the Graduate Writing Center is just for those who struggle with writing. But that’s not it at all. I think it is a resource that is for any one who wants to get better, even if you’re an English major!
BT
Right?! Yes, was totally that way when I first joined the English department. I thought, “Oh, that’s for other departments,” and now I’m the GWC coordinator and look back to who I was five years ago and think, “You idiot! Everyone needs this.” It’s not meant to be remedial.
TH
Totally. I think it’s a fantastic resource. And I just wish that the perception would shift.
BT
Couldn’t agree more. Okay, tell me a fun fact about yourself.
TH
Let’s see… I am right-handed for writing, but left-handed for everything else, like especially for sports.
BT
So like, sort of ambidextrous, but not? Do you feel like you would have been left-handed but school wouldn’t let you?
TH
Yeah! Probably, I mean that was a thing!
BT
Totally, the teacher would make you sit on your hand.
Okay, what is some advice you would give to graduate students, especially as someone who works in Admissions and went to grad school herself?
TH
To not to give up when it gets really hard, because it will get hard, but don’t give up. Take it day by day, class by class, or even chapter by chapter, and you will reach the finish line.
BT
That’s a good word.
Okay, final question: who is your favorite staff member?
TH
That’s easy. Whoever brings breakfast tacos that day.
BT
I like the way you think, Tosha Hendrickson.