Undergraduate Admissions Counselor Blake Willms
Hometown: Austin, Texas
College Major: Psychology (major); Communication Studies (minor)
Office: Undergraduate Admissions Center
Phone: 512-475-7323
E-mail: bawillms@austin.utexas.edu
Q: Where are you from?
A: I am from Austin and have spent most of my life here. I graduated from Austin High School which is the oldest public high school in Texas. I lived in Northern Virginia for a number of years.
Q: Where did you go to college and what did you study?
A: I came to UT Austin right out of high school and started my freshman year as a business major. I realized, thanks to Dr. Marc Lewis’ Introduction to Psychology class, that I was more interested in psychology than business. I ended up earning my degree in psychology. That class taught by Dr. Lewis inspired me to change my major and explore a discipline I found fascinating.
Q: How long have you been working in higher education?
A: I started working in the Office of Admissions during my junior year of college because I really enjoyed giving tours of campus and representing the university to visitors and guests. When I graduated and was offered a chance to work here full time, I had to stay. That was ten years ago. It's been a true honor to help students and families with the admissions and college selection process.
The part I enjoy most is seeing some of our students transition from being timid, self-doubting adolescents into confident and accomplished young men and women. This place truly does transform lives.
Q: What is your favorite place on the UT Austin campus?
A: My favorite place on campus has always been the basketball courts at Gregory Gym. As a student I spent countless hours there playing basketball with friends, having a blast, and relieving stress.
Q: What are some of your favorite things to do in Austin?
A: I love to explore all the different restaurants and great food places in Austin. Jumping into Barton Springs on a hot summer day has been a favorite of mine since childhood. I can't imagine life in Austin without Peter Pan Mini Golf.