Marilyn Hesser

Interim Dean of Admission
Marilyn Hesser

Hometown: Emerald Isle, NC

Education: B.A., Psychology, Wake Forest University; M.Ed., Counselor Education, North Carolina State University 

Favorite TV show to binge watch? Recently, I've watched Inventing Anna twice in three weeks.

Favorite RVA restaurant? Stella's, even our students from Greece say its authentic.

Favorite person/celebrity to follow on social media? Heather Cox Richardson

Favorite part of the application? The essay, always the best way to get to know the student.

Who would play you in a movie? When I was younger with dark hair, Sandra Bullock. Now that I'm older, I was thinking Meryl Streep, but my husband voted for Helen Mirren (just don't see me being that calm and collected).

What is the coolest architectural feature or piece of architecture on campus? Why?

The Globe statue in the Weinstein International Center Courtyard. It represents the evolution of the University in the last 20 years, becoming a global campus with students from all over the world.

Do you have a favorite spot on campus?

Walking around the lake has always been a favorite; however, the salt room is very relaxing.

If you could take any class at UR, what would it be?

A First Year Seminar. Looking over the current topics, I’d be happy with Democracy in Crisis or Civic Journalism and Social Justice.  

What is one piece of advice you’d give students for the college search/application process?

Base your college research on current experiences: campus visits, university websites, and conversations with enrolled students and recent alumni (graduates from last 2 or 3 years) — not the stories that older alumni like your parents and their peers might tell. Things have changed a lot on college campuses in the last 20 years, just as they have.