As we embark on a new academic year, it’s important to pause and recognize the tremendous work accomplished by the Office of Graduate Education’s (OGE) graduate admissions team. Behind every application to Georgia Tech’s graduate programs is a group of professionals whose dedication and care ensure a seamless process for thousands of students from around the world who seek to expand their education here. Though small in size, the graduate admissions team’s collective impact is powerful, elevating both the applicant experience and the Institute’s global reputation.

Responding to Record Volumes

In 2024, the 16-member admissions team responded to 37,244 inquiries from applicants and admitted students — more than 5,000 above the previous year’s volume. This achievement highlights their unwavering commitment to serving students while maintaining the highest standards of excellence.

Expanding Georgia Tech’s Global Reach

Over the past four years, a committee of members from OGE and the Office of Undergraduate Admissions hosted a Virtual Graduate School Showcase. In 2024, the event drew participation from more than 90 university recruiters and received more than 2,000 prospective student registrations from across the world. The Showcase underscored the team’s reach and ability to position Georgia Tech as a leader in the global graduate education space.

Building Stronger Foundations

To strengthen processes and relationships across campus, OGE launched its first-ever week-long Recalibration Training Session last year. This collaborative effort brought together campus stakeholders to refine admissions procedures and reinforce the Institute’s shared commitment to supporting graduate students. OGE held its second annual session in July, where it built from the foundation previously set, re-evaluated strategic priorities in the face of an ever-changing graduate education landscape, and celebrated the launch of the new application management portal. 

Earning Recognition Beyond Campus

In addition to their innovation in developing and maintaining Georgia Tech’s admissions processes, members of the graduate admissions team have increasingly emerged as leaders and thought leaders within the broader graduate education enterprise. 

In 2024, Nazanin Tork, associate director of Admissions and Recruitment, was appointed Treasurer of the Georgia Council of Graduate Schools. This role amplifies Georgia Tech’s presence in the regional graduate education landscape and reflects her respected expertise in the field. 

Jennifer Collins, assistant director of Graduate Admissions, continues to shape the international admissions space. She was named chair-elect of the Conference Committee for The Association for International Credential Evaluation Professionals (TAICEP) and will serve as chair next year. She also co-authored a peer-reviewed article on U.S. accreditation, published in October 2023. Her work exemplifies her commitment to advancing professional knowledge and practice in global graduate admissions. 

And this spring, Patrice Hewitt, the Graduate Admissions manager for Lawful Presence and Documents, received the Spirit of Georgia Tech Award at the 2025 Faculty and Staff Honors Luncheon. This prestigious honor recognizes a staff member who exemplifies the Institute’s mission, vision, and values, and shines a spotlight on the care, professionalism, and community spirit she brings to her role.

Looking Ahead

As application numbers continue to soar, the Graduate Admissions team continues to explore ways to streamline their admissions processes while maintaining exceptional support to their various stakeholders – prospective and incoming students, as well as faculty and staff.  In July 2025, Dr. Joy Olabisi, Assistant Vice Provost of Graduate Education and Executive Director of Graduate Admissions, presented a talk that highlighted these efforts titled “Exploring Artificial Intelligence in Graduate Admissions” at the Council of Graduate Schools annual Summer Workshop in Portland, Oregon.

From improving application processes and leading recruitment efforts to shaping the national conversation around graduate admissions, the team’s work has been nothing short of extraordinary. As the 2025–2026 academic year begins, OGE proudly celebrates its accomplishments and looks forward to continuing to build on this foundation of excellence.