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Angela Barragan
Associate Director of Transfer Admissions
Professional Background
Angela Barragan is a dedicated higher education professional with extensive experience in transfer admissions, public relations, and development. As the Associate Director of Transfer Admissions at Biola University, Angela has made significant contributions to the university's outreach and recruitment strategies, focusing on enhancing the enrollment experience for non-traditional students. Her commitment to expanding educational access is evidenced through her advocacy for policies that support transfer and veteran students, as well as her active participation on numerous committees aimed at improving student success and retention.
One of Angela's notable achievements includes championing two pivotal initiatives in the summer of 2020. These initiatives were instrumental in Biola adopting a new policy for accepting pass/no pass coursework from high school and transfer students. Additionally, she played a critical role in overhauling Biola's transfer policies, making them more flexible and competitive, thereby serving the needs of a diverse and growing student population.
In her current role, Angela leads a university initiative aimed at developing a Traditional Undergraduate Outreach and Recruitment office. This strategic initiative focuses on strengthening Biola's brand identity while executing a purposeful outreach and recruitment strategy to maximize engagement with prospective freshmen and transfer students. The goal is to elevate awareness of Biola among key demographics, particularly Latinx communities, first-generation college students, and transfer students, ultimately increasing enrollment conversion rates.
Education and Achievements
Angela's academic journey began at Saint Joseph High School, where her passion for education and commitment to public relations blossomed. She furthered her education at the University of Southern California, earning a Bachelor's Degree in International Relations and Affairs, as well as Public Relations. This educational background has provided her with a solid foundation in understanding the intricacies of communication and the importance of fostering partnerships within the higher education sphere.
Her diverse professional background includes previous roles such as Assistant Director of Transfer Admissions, Senior Transfer Admissions Counselor, Senior Admissions Counselor, and Admissions Representative at Biola University. Angela's early career experiences also include positions as an Afterschool Tutor at Youth Policy Institute, Event Coordinator for NextGen Ministries at the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, and internships at Orci and Ford Motor Company through INROADS. This array of experiences highlights her versatility and commitment to serving students in various capacities.
Committees and Community Involvement
Angela is actively involved in several committees across Biola University, focusing on crucial areas such as affordability, student engagement, success, retention, and the specific needs of transfer and veteran students. Her engagement in initiatives like Welcome Week, the Transfer Task Force, the Undergraduate Recruitment Growth Workstream, the Extraordinary Service Task Force, the South Coast Higher Education Council, and the Military Connected Student Collaborative underscores her dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all students.
Personal Insights
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Angela's personality traits, as reflected in her Enneagram type (6w7), Myers-Briggs classification (INFJ-T), and Strengths Finder analysis (Restorative, Input, Learner, Harmony, Belief), highlight her empathetic leadership style. These insights into her character further demonstrate her commitment to nurturing a culture of harmony and support within the educational community. Angela's intrinsic belief in the value of higher education is at the core of her efforts to foster a welcoming atmosphere for all students, especially those facing unique challenges.
As a compassionate and proactive advocate within the higher education landscape, Angela Barragan is a vital asset to Biola University and the larger academic community. Her ongoing initiatives and dedication to student success are an inspiration to both her colleagues and the students she serves.
