Undergraduate Admissions Counselor Claire Mizell

Hometown: White Oak, Texas

College Major: Human Resource Development

Territories: East Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma

Office: East Texas Admissions Center

Phone: 903-759-7801

E-mail: claire.mizell@austin.utexas.edu

Q: Where are you from?
A: I grew up in White Oak, a small East Texas town where everyone knows everyone. Living in White Oak allowed me to enjoy small town living while still having the cultural and shopping opportunities of Longview and Tyler which were just minutes away. While attending White Oak High School, I was in the band and participated in student council, National Honor Society, UIL accounting completions, and Mock United Nations. 

Q: Where did you go to college, and what did you study?
A: After graduating from high school, I attended Kilgore College where I received my associate’s degree. When I first started college, I had no idea what I wanted to do "when I grew-up." During my second year at Kilgore College, I took a human resource management class as an elective and decided it was a subject I was interested in learning more about. I transferred to The University of Texas at Tyler and graduated from UT Tyler.

Q: How long have you been working in higher education?
A: While attending UT Tyler, I worked as a student worker in the admissions office, which was a huge learning experience. Experiencing firsthand the interaction between the admissions staff and prospective students and their families made me want to get a job that allowed me to help others pursue their dreams.

Q: What are some of your favorite things to do in Austin?
A: Austin is such a beautiful city with so much to offer! Known as the “live music capital of the world,” Austin offers more than 100 live music venues and is home of the famous Austin City Limits Music Festival which features more than 130 bands in three days. One of my favorite things to do while in Austin is try out the different shops and restaurants. There are so many unique and extraordinary places to eat!

You also can't go to Austin without seeing the Texas Capitol! The dome of the building stands seven feet higher than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, and is the tallest of all state capitols!

Q: What is your favorite UT Austin fact?
A: There are more than 900 registered student organizations on campus! Whether you are looking for something social, recreational, political, or religious, there is something on campus for you. Joining an organization gives you the opportunity to meet other students who share similar interests. If you don't see something you are interested in, or have a great idea for a new organization, all it takes is two friends and $10 to start your own UT Austin student organization.

Advice for Prospective Students

• Take tours of the colleges you are considering to get a feel for what it is like to be a student at that school. See what programs are offered, and what student life is like. Don’t leave until you have answers to all your questions and have learned as much as you can about the school.
• Pick a school that is the best fit for YOU! Don’t pick a school just because your friends are going there. As intimidating as if may be, making new friends is easier than you may expect. Picking a few organizations to join will help you meet people with similar interests and make friendships that may last a lifetime.
• Don’t worry if you can decide as a freshman what you want to do when you “grow-up.” Take courses in areas and subjects that interest you, and follow your passion.