Mike Diamond

Mike Diamond joined the Buena Vista University admissions staff in January 2011 after working in a similar role at his alma mater in his home state of Illinois.

"I started by working with my alma mater as a student caller and student volunteer for recruiting events in the Chicagoland area," Mike says. “I worked as a temporary admissions representative for my alma mater for three months following graduating from college and immediately fell in love with the profession."

In his free time, Mike enjoys bowling, watching sports and movies, fantasy sports and exercising.

While he's new to BVU, Mike has quickly seen the benefits it offers students.

"If you are looking for one-of-a-kind eye-opening experiences and a caring campus community, BVU could be for you!" says Mike. "What makes BV unique is the people; whether you are at an athletic event, fine arts performance or just walking around campus, you just feel it. It is the positive atmosphere which is BVU. Around every corner, you can see a friendly face or an unfamiliar one, yet you get a sense that you are all part of the same family, the BVU community."

He encourages students to witness this by visiting campus.

"I want to make sure each student comes to visit BV, because when visiting you will get a good 'feel' if it is the right fit for you," he says. "BV is the perfect fit for someone who is open-minded and willing to get actively involved in the campus."

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Tom Heiar

A native of Manchester, Tom Heiar has been a member of the BV Admissions staff since 2010. He loves his work and the opportunity to share the BVU experience with prospective students.

"I really enjoy talking to students about how students have limitless possibilities at their fingertips here at BV," he says. "I make sure parents and students know we value them by making a point of building a relationship. I am a phone call and/or email away from any questions or concerns they have.  You will not find that at many other schools."

Tom believes students will immediately see the benefits BV offers once they get on campus.

"BV offers individualized attention, amazing facilities and opportunities to succeed and be involved," he says. "From being involved inside and outside the classroom to taking trips that will strengthen one's core not only academically but spiritually as well. What more could a student ask for?"

In his free time, Tom enjoys reading, downhill skiing and watching every movie he can get his hands on.

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Nathaniel Matya

Hailing from Shenandoah, Nathaniel has a bachelor of arts in speech communications. He got started in admissions in the summer of 2004 with his alma mater, and he came to Buena Vista in mid-2010.

He enjoys his work for BV and especially talking to students about what they're looking for and the things they experience after they get here."BV opens the doors for great internships and travel," Matya said."When I hear stories about the trips that students go on (India, Europe, Belize, Turkey, etc.) and hear about their great internship experiences, it makes me want to reconsider becoming a full-time student again."

When he's not working (and longing to be a student again), Nathaniel is spending time with his son and daughter, following college athletics, watching movies, listening music and playing the occasional video game.

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Alicia Russ

Alicia Russ is no stranger to Northwest Iowa or Buena Vista University. She grew up in Orange City and earned a bachelor of arts degree from BVU in 2009. She began working in BV admissions right after graduation, based on recommendations by some of her most trusted professors.

"A student may choose Buena Vista for many different reasons," she says. "I ended up growing to love the community and the sense of home you have on campus. Everyone is so passionate about BV and the future for the students. A student can’t help but want to be their next best self after they graduate."

She enjoys the opportunity to meet new people all the time and also the chance to be a part of the huge decision prospective students must make.

"The best part about working with prospective students and their families is going on the journey with them," she says. "From the moment a student visits and applies, I am right there alongside them. I enjoy having conversations that help them get to that place of comfort and realize BVU is where they belong."

In her free time, Alicia enjoys reading, spending time with family and being outdoors.

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Liz Tjaden

"It's great meeting with new students and having the opportunity to show them all the great things BV has to offer," says Liz Tjaden. "My favorite part of my job is getting to know students from when they first apply to the time they come on campus for registration"

Liz started working at BV in August 2010. She discovered her interest in helping students choose a college during her own college years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music and Communications and a master of arts degree in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education.

"BV has the resources and opportunities for students to create the exact type of college experience students have always been wanting with internships, travel, sports, student organizations, music, outdoor recreation, and so much more!" says Liz.

In her free time, Liz stays busy with traveling, reading and visiting friends.

"I love singing; it is truly a passion," she says. "I also enjoy going to all the events on campus and seeing our students do what they are passionate about."

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