Fall 2025 Enrollment Update: Geographic Diversity for the Win!

With the new academic year underway, one thing is abundantly clear: Word of William James College—and the good work happening on campus and at field sites throughout Greater Boston—has spread far beyond the confines of the Commonwealth.

Among this year’s entering class, 31% are first generation college students; 48% identify as BIPOC; and more than one third come from outside of Massachusetts.

Students from 34 total states and territories, including Alaska and Guam, make this the most geographically diverse group in recent years.

“We have a really great enrollment team right now, one that is uniquely able to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and create positive admissions experiences,” says Jennifer Geuther, Associate Director of Admissions, pointing to her colleagues in Admissions and Enrollment Management. By the numbers, these folks reviewed more than 1,000 applications and enrolled more than 300 students for the current year.

 “The William James College name reverberates across a wider population and avenues for finding us are increasing,” says Geuther, who says searching online, connecting through partnerships, and receiving recommendations—from colleagues, professors, alums, and/or current students—top the list of ways in which prospective students are connecting with the College.

In Geuther’s experience, the chance for prospective students to connect with someone from admissions is one of the more personal touchstones of the application process. 

“My favorite part about this job is finding a fit for someone, whether that is here at William James College or elsewhere,” says Geuther, emphasizing the one-on-one consultation call as an invaluable tool for inquiring about specific programs and asking questions. 

As to her best piece of advice for future applicants? Know your why!  “When working through the application process, make sure you have a developed sense of both why you’re seeking a particular degree and why the school with this degree program will provide you with the tools necessary to achieve your long term goals.”

Read on to learn about several out-of-state students including what inspired them to pursue their chosen program; what drew them to William James College; and what they are most looking forward to in the coming year.

Sydney Drew, MA/CAGS in School Psychology Student, Arizona

Sydney Drew credits her mom—and the meaningful connections forged with young students as an elementary school librarian—with inspiring her to pursue school psychology. After completing her undergraduate education at a very large university, William James College stood out for a pair of reasons: “I was attracted to the close-knit community and the opportunity to work in the field my first year,” shares Drew. In the year ahead, the Arizona native looks forward to the full range of seasons. “I am excited to see the leaves change and experience my first snowy winter!” 

Mallory Folsom, MA in Applied Behavior Analysis (online), Nevada

After being diagnosed with autism and ADHD when she was five years old, Mallory Folsom became deeply curious about how brains like hers work. While a behavioral neuroscience undergrad, something clicked: The programs Folsom was implementing for her clients as a Registered Behavior Technician were actually helping her, too. During the application process, William James College saw her as an individual. Now that coursework has begun, the synchronous classes give Folsom the sense of connection and real-time interaction she was looking for. “The small class sizes make it easy to build relationships, participate in discussions, and feel like I’m part of a supportive learning community,” says the Nevada resident who looks forward to applying the concepts she learns in real-world settings.

Danajha Middleton, MA in Psychology (online), Virginia

Danajha Middleton is keen on helping others, and building a career in mental health seemed the logical next step. When seeking ways in which to make a difference, Middleton was struck by an emphasis in two arenas at William James College: hands-on training and real-world application. Another draw for the Virginia native determined to make a difference? “The opportunity to build connections with peers and faculty who share my passion for mental health in a supportive and welcoming community that values diversity and student growth,” says Middleton of a program that aligns perfectly with her long-term goals in psychology. In the weeks ahead, she looks forward to expanding her knowledge, building new skills, and applying what she learns directly to the field.

Amy Nyary, MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Mississippi

Amy Nyary’s passion for addressing mental health disparities within Latino communities runs deep. When researching graduate programs, two things stood out about William James College: A counseling program focused on social justice and diversity coupled with the Latino Mental Health Program Concentration. “The palpable sense of community I felt throughout the application process assured me I could express myself openly and be myself,” says Nyary of why she chose William James College. In addition to exploring everything the Boston area has to offer, she is excited to collaborate with classmates and begin the work needed to make mental health resources accessible. Attending a Red Sox game, exploring the Boston Public Library, and visiting Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House top the Mississippi native’s extracurricular to-do list.

Leonard Oleson, PsyD in Leadership Psychology, West Virginia

Serving in the Marine Corps inspired Leonard Oleson to deepen his understanding of authentic leadership and how it differs from authority in day-to-day situations. The chance to step outside of his comfort zone and grow both personally and professionally, without having to relocate ultimately drew the West Virginia native to William James College. “The chance to connect face-to-face with peers from different walks of life was important to me,” says Oleson, who has never been to Boston. Looking ahead, he is excited to expand his leadership perspective beyond the military. “I look forward to learning with and from my peers, building my leadership ‘toolbox’, and applying these lessons to help shape the next generation of leaders.”

Kylie Witanra, MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (online with residencies), Texas

Kylie Witanra is determined to make a difference. Working as a physical therapy assistant piqued her interest in helping folks navigate long-term health conditions and the mental toll they can bring. The College’s commitment to training counselors by integrating rigorous instruction with hands-on, practical training was a big draw for the Texas resident who thrives in real-world settings. “A learning community focused on social responsibility, one that  prepares students to meet the mental health needs of diverse communities, feels like the right place to grow personally and professionally,” says Witanra, who is eager to develop the clinical skills needed to support clients in meaningful ways—like tailoring approaches for populations she cares deeply about, including those living with chronic illness and the geriatric community. 

If you are interested in learning more about how to join our community, please visit our Program Finder and/or email info@williamjames.edu. 

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