Justin Barlow
Associate Director Hometown:  Kennesaw, GA
High School:  Harrison High
Education:  Bachelor, Education -- University of West Georgia
Bachelor, Economics -- University of West Georgia
Masters, Higher Education Administration -- Boston College

Justin supervises the six full-time admissions representatives that serve as the recruiters and in-office support staff for students interested in the University of West Georgia.  Justin has worked at the University of West Georgia, off and on, for the past 12 years.  His professional experience has included work at Boston University, Boston College, and Armstrong Atlantic State University.  “I deeply believe in the benefits of higher education.  From teaching students how to live with others to developing a deeper understand of major and core courses, college and universities perform an important function.  I feel extremely fortunate to work in this environment and share with others about UWG.  Of all the places I have worked, I know UWG is a truly special place, and it makes a profound impact in multiple areas of student’s lives.”

Contact Justin at jbarlow@westga.edu or 678-839-5651.

Joanna Arrington
Admissions Representative Hometown:  Augusta, GA
High School:  A.R. Johnson
Education:  Bachelor of Business Administration, Management - - University of West Georgia 2006
Primary Counties:  Clayton, DeKalb, Fulton, Newton, and Rockdale

Joanna has worked in higher education for 3 years.  Being an army brat she has lived all across the world for the majority of her life, and understands that choosing a college is critical since you would live there for 4 years.  She enjoys helping students and their parents navigate through the admissions process.  She also enjoys working at a University setting where the primary goal is to assist another in pursing their educational goals and developing the person and not just the mind.

Contact Joanna at jarringt@westga.edu or 678-839-5613.

Ketty Ballard
Admissions Representative Hometown:  Tucker, GA
High School:  Tucker High
Education:  Bachelor, German with minor in History - - University of West Georgia
Primary Counties:  Coweta, Carroll, Fayette, Heard, Henry and Troup

Ketty has worked as an Admissions Representative for two years. She enjoys seeing students get as excited as they learn more about the University of West Georgia and all that it has to offer. “I truly could not do this job at any other school. I believe in this institution and am so excited to have this opportunity to show others what a special place West Georgia really is. It is the least I can do for the school which changed my life.”

Contact Ketty at kballard@westga.edu or 678-839-4168.

Amy Shoemaker
Admissions Representative Hometown:  Fayetteville, GA
High School:  Starr's Mill High
Education:  Bachelor in Psychology, University of West Georgia
Primary Duty:  Assisting transfer students from across the state

Amy is a graduate from the University of West Georgia. She has been working in the Undergraduate Admissions Office for 3 years. She began as a student worker, and after graduating, became an Admissions Representative. Amy works with transfer students to help with all of their admission needs! “As a graduate from the University of West Georgia, it makes it easy to share my amazing experiences with students and hope they will come visit UWG and see how great our campus is and all of our new features!”

Contact Amy at ashoemak@westga.edu or 678-839-5614.

Alaina Ellis
Admissions Representative Hometown:  Douglasville, GA
High School:  Alexander High
Education:  Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing, University of West Georgia Primary Counties:  Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Douglas, Floyd, Haralson, Paulding, Polk, Walker and Whitfield

Alaina has just began her journey in higher education.  She enjoys meeting prospective students and helping them embark on this new chapter of their life.
"My favorite part of the day is when a student calls to check on their Admission status and I am the first person to tell them they have been accepted. It is a great moment in their life and it is a pleasure to be part of that moment."

Contact Alaina at aellis@westga.edu or 678-839-5615.

Katie Jordan
Admissions Representative Hometown:  Monroe, GA
High School:  Monroe Area High
Education:  Bachelor in Sociology, University of West Georgia
Primary Counties:  Cherokee, Cobb, Gwinnett, Forsyth, Hall, and Walton

Katie has been working in higher education since March 2009.  She understands how difficult the college transition can be for some students and she enjoys helping prospective students through this process. "Attending college fairs and high school visits is the most rewarding part of my job.  I have a strong passion for the University of West Georgia and what it stands for and I enjoy sharing that every day with students and parents."

Contact Katie at katiej@westga.edu or 678-839-5617.

Becky Nelson
Admissions Representative Hometown:  Carrollton, GA
High School:  Central High
Education:  Bachelor in Psychology, University of West Georgia
Primary Duty:  Assisting transfer students from across the state

In addition to graduating from the University of West Georgia, Becky has worked at the University of West Georgia  for the past five years.  She loves working with students and helping them make one of the most important decisions of their lives.  In addition to her duties as an Admissions Representative Becky also serves at the Advisor for the University Ambassadors. “ I cannot think of a job that I could possibly love more.  I get to work with people from all different backgrounds and cultures and show them how the University of West Georgia is the right school for them”.

Contact Becky at bnelson@westga.edu or 678-839-5616.