Mercedes Mathers has found a career that perfectly blends fulfillment and enjoyment. As an Admission Counselor at Zane State College, she plays a crucial role in guiding prospective students towards their higher education goals. Her journey to this position, while not a straight line, has been driven by a consistent desire to help others and a strong belief in the power of education.
Mercedes Mathers, an admission counselor at Zane State College, passionately supports student enrollment and recruitment.
Reflecting on her childhood, Mercedes Mathers describes herself as “very strong-willed,” always determined once she set her mind on something. Her early career aspirations were diverse, ranging from medicine to firefighting and even astronautics. However, it was around the age of 13 or 14 that she discovered a passion for academia. This passion has now manifested in her fulfilling role at Zane State College.
In her position, Mercedes Mathers is deeply involved in all aspects of student enrollment and recruitment. She explains, “If it’s related to enrollment, or recruitment, I probably have a hand in it.” Working alongside her colleague Samantha, she actively participates in high school visits, college fairs, recruitment and community events, campus tours, and admissions appointments. Mercedes is driven by an “innate desire to help people learn and become the best version of themselves.” This motivation, coupled with her strong conviction in the “value of a college education,” makes her work incredibly rewarding as she helps individuals achieve their academic dreams.
Mercedes Mathers’ path to higher education wasn’t initially planned. Growing up in Caldwell, and a 2014 graduate of Shenandoah High School, she initially earned a degree in middle childhood education from Ohio University in Zanesville in August 2014. Before transitioning to higher education, her experiences included working as a tour guide at The Wilds, where she occasionally assisted in rhino and giraffe care, and teaching eighth-grade language arts. She officially joined Zane State College in November 2021, bringing a wealth of diverse experiences to her current role.
“It was anything but a straightforward path to get where I am today,” Mercedes Mathers admits. Initially, she aimed to become an instrumental music teacher, fueled by her love for music. She gained acceptance into three music programs before redirecting her focus to education, specifically language arts. Her interest in education and academia was significantly influenced by her positive experiences as a student and her family’s emphasis on lifelong learning, particularly crediting her mother’s encouragement and support in all her pursuits.
Heather Shepherd, Dean of Admissions at Zane State College, praises Mercedes Mathers’ professionalism and dedication. “Mercedes sets the standard for customer service and professionalism,” Shepherd stated. “Her work ethic is impeccable.” Shepherd highlights how Mercedes and Samantha Ramsey have successfully created a vibrant schedule of campus events that are attracting a new wave of students to Zane State. Drawing from her experience as a former eighth-grade teacher, Mercedes understands the transformative impact of education, not just on individuals but on families. This firsthand understanding allows her to connect deeply with prospective students, seeing their potential and aspiring to help them realize it.
Mercedes Mathers, as a first-generation college student herself, understands the critical need for support and guidance in navigating higher education. “I know how important it can be to have an advocate and mentor along the way,” she reflects. Whether it’s a parent, teacher, counselor, or college professional, she believes everyone benefits from having someone supportive in their corner.
In conclusion, Mercedes Mathers views college as an ideal environment for continuous learning and personal growth. “I believe,” she states, “there’s always room to learn, grow, and achieve, and there aren’t many places better for that than a college.” She values having a job that is both fulfilling and enjoyable, especially one where she is surrounded by supportive colleagues who make even challenging days better. Mercedes Mathers feels fortunate to have found such a rewarding career and positive work environment at Zane State College.
