Reach a Counselor | Columbia College

Our admissions team is here to help you envision your experience at Columbia College. We're involved with all aspects of the recruitment process, from hosting open houses and conducting information sessions for students and their families, to reading applications and making admissions decisions, to helping students go after scholarships and financial aid.

We look forward to learning more about you during the admissions process, and you're always welcome to reach out to anyone on the admissions team.

Your Admissions Team

Our admissions counselors are easy to reach and happy to hear from you directly. Find the counselor who covers your area of interest and introduce yourself or ask your questions about majors, athletics, admissions, and more.

Ryan Longe

Dean of Enrollment Management Operations

803.786.3091

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Aniysa Capers

Admissions Counselor

803.786.3766

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Carl Edwards

Criminal Justice Recruiter | Online

803.786.3797

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Sammie Fant

Admissions Counselor

803.786.3286

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Meda Gause

Admissions Counselor

803-786-3764

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Pam Goff

Administrative Assistant | Data Coordinator

803.786.3769

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Grace Plowden

Records Coordinator | Data Specialist

803.786.3755

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Alexis Rudnik

Admissions Counselor

803.786.3018

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Brittany Shearin

Admissions Counselor | Athletic Liaison

803.786.3658

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Clifford Smith

Evening College Admissions Coordinator

803.786.3907

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Emily Smith

Graduate Admissions Counselor

803.786.3866

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Connect With Us

Have questions about the Columbia College experience, visiting campus, or navigating the application process? We’re here to help you get the answers you need so you can make the best decision for your future.

Get In Touch

Ryan Longe

Dean of Enrollment Management Operations

803.786.3091

About Me

Originally from Westminster, VT, I made my way to Columbia in January of 2018. Prior to working for Columbia College, over the course of the last 7 years, I’ve served as the Director of Admissions at two private colleges and as an Assistant Director at a public college. My undergraduate degree in Business Administration is from Lyndon State College.

When I’m not working, I can be found behind the bars of my motorcycle or the wheel of my car as I discover more and more fascinating places; from historic cities and towns to hiking paths with amazing views. My German Shepherd, Niki accompanies any chance she gets.

What is your favorite spot on campus?

The Student Union – it’s a great place to eat and have conversations with students, faculty and staff.

Where is your favorite spot to eat in Columbia?

Café Strudel for breakfast, Pawley’s Front Porch for lunch, and Wild Wing Café for dinner.

What is your advice for prospective students?

Don't be afraid to visit campuses you are even remotely interested in. Experiencing things first-hand is the best way to help with your college decision.

What is the key to success at Columbia College?

Get involved: be active on campus in as many things as possible.

Myles Hacking

Dean of Admissions

803.786.3419

Admissions Focus

Women’s College, Evening College, Associates to Bachelor’s, Graduate

About Me

I am originally from Saint Johnsbury, VT and moved to Columbia, SC in early 2017. Prior to working for Columbia College, I worked in the Admissions Office at my Alma Mater, Lyndon State College where I fell in love with helping students find the best path as they transitioned from high school to college. I’ve also held an admissions counselor position at Burlington College. Before working in higher education, I was in the renewable energy field. When I am not in my office, I can be found training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing or playing video games. I also enjoy concerts, live music, and tearing it up on the dance floor.

What is your favorite spot on campus?

Breed Leadership Building in the rocking chairs

Where is your favorite spot to eat in Columbia?

Bourbon on Main Street

What is your advice for future college students?

Regardless of what struggles you may have had in your past, there is always a pathway for you to improve yourself. Stick with it and you will persevere.

What is your favorite karaoke song?

You don’t want me to sing, but if it was a life and death situation, I would belt out some Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash

Aniysa Capers

Admissions Counselor

803.786.3766

Admissions Focus

International Students, Transfer Students, Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Misouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina*, Texas, Wisconsin

About Me

I'm a South Carolina native from Manning, and I currently reside in Irmo, which is just outside of Columbia. I began my college journey at Oglethorpe University and transferred to the University of South Carolina where I received my degree in Mass Communications. I love helping people, and I’m serving actively at my church, Right Direction Church International.

Where is your favorite spot to eat in Columbia?

KiKi’s Chicken and Waffles

What advice do you have for prospective students?

Be sure to do research on the colleges that you are interested in attending and take an official tour.

What did you enjoy most about being a college student?

I loved meeting new people. My college friends are now my lifelong friends. My advice is to get involved! It will help you make Columbia College your home.

Carl Edwards

Criminal Justice Recruiter | Online

803.786.3797

Admissions Focus

Criminal Justice

About Me

I grew up in New York City and just outside of Columbia, SC. I graduated from Benedict College with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and served as a law enforcement officer for 25 years. During that time, I received a Medal of Valor, a Bravery Award, and an Investigator of the Year accolade with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. I retired in 2012, but I’ve always enjoyed helping people, so I decided to pursue a career with Columbia College in recruiting.

Why did you become an admissions counselor?

Education is the platform to success. The ability to help people obtain their degree is very important to me, because everything builds on education.

What do you do in your spare time?

I enjoy fishing, hunting, working out, and spending time with my family.

George Hacking

Criminal Justice Recruiter | Online

803.786.3306

Admissions Focus

Criminal Justice

About Me

I’m originally from Massachusetts, and I am one of three children. My dad is retired Command Staff from the Massachusetts State Police and my mom was a stay at home mom and a nurse. I completed my bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and began my career with the Vermont State Police. I retired 27 years later as a Lt./Barracks Commander. Throughout my career I was part of the SCUBA team, Crowd Control Team (later as commander of the team), Hostage Negotiation Team, Search & Rescue Team, Academy/Training staff, as well as a member of the undercover drug unit.

Two days after retiring from law enforcement, I became the Director of Public Safety at a college in Vermont. After several years as Director, I made the move south to join the Columbia College Admission’s Department.

What advice do you have for future college students?

Sleep is not over-rated

What is the key to success at Columbia College?

Set goals and work hard to achieve them. One of the best things about going to college and furthering your education is the sense of accomplishment that comes with reaching those goals.

If you could have a dinner party with 3 people (living or deceased) who would it be?

Aristotle, Martin Luther King, and President Ronald Reagan

Meda Gause

Admissions Counselor

803-786-3764

Admissions Focus

Online Undergraduate Students

About Me

I grew up in the town of Irmo, South Carolina which is minutes away from Columbia. I graduated from Irmo High School and then completed my bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies at Columbia College in 2016. I typically spend my free time with family and friends attending sporting events or just hanging out. At home, I enjoy taking care of our mini farm or reading a book.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?

My favorite place is the fountain in front of Breed Leadership Center. I love the fountain because of the tradition associated with it. When a student gets engaged, her friends take her to the fountain and throw her in.

What advice do you have for prospective students?

Visit campus – it’s the best way to get a feel for the college and you will also get to meet current students, faculty, and staff.

What’s the key to success at Columbia College?

I think the keys are to study hard, ask for help from your professors if you need it, and make the most of every opportunity that is available to you.

Alexis Rudnik

Admissions Counselor

803.786.3018

Admissions Focus

District of Columbia, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, South Carolina*, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia

About Me

I am originally from Egan, MN but I currently call Columbia, SC home. I attended Winthrop University, where I started my own women’s empowerment organization and played collegiate volleyball at the D1 level. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and am currently pursuing a master’s in Higher Education. I love assisting and guiding students through their college experience to make it as memorable as possible. In my free time, I stay active by playing volleyball and doing yoga, or even curling up to a good book!

What is your advice for prospective students?

Visit campuses, explore all your options and benefits, make the best decision for YOUR future

What did you enjoy most about being a college student?

I enjoyed being on my own. It really challenged me to grow, develop, and learn from my mistakes and allowed me to self-reflect to a better woman

What is the key to success at Columbia College?

Ask for help if you need it. Find someone you trust. Whether it’s faculty or staff, someone is always willing to help you.

Brittany Shearin

Admissions Counselor | Athletic Liaison

803.786.3658

Admissions Focus

Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont

About Me

I was born and raised on the East Coast of Florida in the tiny town of Jupiter. I stayed close to home (reality: I stayed to be close to the beach) and attended Palm Beach Atlantic University, where I got my bachelor’s degree in Theatre Production Design and Technologies. I’ve had a pretty unusual career path over the years, working in all kinds of settings - from national tours, to retail, to ballet, and now higher education. I don’t think I could pick a favorite, I loved them all. In my spare time, I’m a photographer and love to travel or pick up a good book.

What is your advice for prospective students?

Advocate for yourself. This is YOUR journey, no one else’s.

What is the key to success at Columbia College?

It’s about what you make it. Everyone is unique and CC offers the ability to explore that uniqueness. College, in general, is learning about who you are and what makes you, you. Explore all the resources offered, make friends outside your comfort zone, don’t be afraid to fail or hate something you try. If you try and it and don’t like it, no loss. But if you don’t try, you won’t know.

What did you enjoy most about being a college student?

I loved the connections I made with my professors. I enjoyed going to a small college (I was one of 7 in my major) which meant I was able to really connect with the faculty on a more personal level. It made the experience much more fun than just going to class and doing homework.

Grace Plowden

Records Coordinator | Data Specialist

803.786.3755

About Me

I grew up right here in Columbia, South Carolina. I attended the University of South Carolina, graduating in 2017 with a degree in French and English. I enjoy language and everything about it. My love of language comes from my mother who was actually a student here at Columbia College and went on to teach here for a couple of years too! I even have a few memories of being on campus when I was just a child. I am very happy to have made my way back here. Outside of work, you’ll find me at the gym doing kickboxing or lifting weights or anything fitness related! I also have a strong love for music and love playing the drums and piano.

What is your favorite spot on campus?

Mitzi’s Garden

Where is your favorite spot to eat in Columbia?

The Gourmet Shop

What is your advice for future college students?

Always keep your head held high, don’t be afraid to try anything new, and be kind to yourself.

What is the key to success at Columbia College?

Always keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Pam Goff

Administrative Assistant | Data Coordinator

803.786.3769

About Me

I’m a South Carolina native and I love to take daytrips to Charleston and other places around the state. When I’m not working or traveling, I try to watch as many basketball games as I can.

I hope you enjoy your adventure at Columbia College!

What is your favorite spot to eat in Columbia?

Texas Roadhouse.

What is the key to success at Columbia College?

To be a hard worker, study and enjoy this time.

What are three things that you will always find in your refrigerator?

Milk, juice and fruit.

If you could have a dinner party with 3 people (living or deceased) who would it be?

My Grandmother, my mother and my husband

Clifford Smith

Evening College Admissions Coordinator

803.786.3866

Admissions Focus

Evening College

About Me

I am a native of Charleston, SC and graduated from West Ashley High School. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree from Claflin University and M. Ed. from Columbia College.

What is your favorite spot on campus?

My favorite place on campus is Breed Leadership Building. In addition to being the place I spent most of my time as a student, it is the main place on campus where most are introduced to the potential that Columbia College has to offer them. All that promise coupled with the picturesque lobby makes me feel at home every time I step through her doors.

What is your advice for future students?

Take in all that Columbia College has to offer you: The information learned and lifelong connections that will be gained will help build a platform to springboard you into the rest of your life.

What is your spirit animal?

The cat is independent and curious. I am often drawn to darkness, wanting to uncover what hides within the unknown. I have had vast life experiences that make me adventurous and emotionally deep. (At least that’s what the online quiz I took stated before asking me to share with all my friends and buy Tide detergent.)

Emily Smith

Graduate Admissions Counselor

803.786.3866

Admissions Focus

Graduate Students

About Me

My name is Emily Smith. I am from Columbia, South Carolina. I attended Columbia College and have a degree in Human Services. When I am not helping students work though the college admissions process, I can be found working in my garden or doing something outdoors. I love hiking, camping and exploring new places. My favorite place to be is Portclyde, Maine.

What is your favorite spot on campus?

My favorite place on campus is The Green, it is the best place to soak up all of the beautiful landscaping of our college.

What is your favorite spot to eat in Columbia?

My favorite place to eat in Columbia is Tazza. They serve the best brunch on the weekends. I recommend the breakfast pizza!

What is your advice for future college students?

Network as much as you can. You never know what the connections you make to your advisors and professors can do unless you utilize it!

Sammie Fant

Admissions Counselor

803.786.3286

Admissions Focus

Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, Washington, Wyoming

About Me

I have lived in West Columbia my entire life. I was adopted and raised by my grandparents along with my little sister, Maggie. My grandpa was in the military for 32 years in three different branches, and I spent many long days at the VA with him. I have a passion for helping others, especially veterans. My dogs Willa-Grace and Pretzel are my babies, and are super cute. I studied art history and political science at UofSC. I love art and believe that it is a very important part of history and society. My goal in life is to make a difference and help others be able to achieve their goals.

What is your favorite spot on campus?

The Terrace

What did you enjoy most about being a college student?

I love to learn and honestly enjoyed learning and taking notes, as well as being able to apply what I learned in class to my life.

What is the key to success at Columbia College?

Always give yourself enough time for studying, and take advantage of the extra help offered—the professors are more than happy to offer help to students that show an interest in learning.

If you could be a superhero, who would you choose to be?

I would choose to be Wonder Woman any day.