The Science & Art of Student Recruitment

With over 20 years of experience in the post-secondary education sector, Lauren Cullen, Director of Recruitment and Enrolment at Saint Mary’s University has a wealth of experience in domestic and international student recruitment, admissions, recruitment agent management, and post-secondary marketing. Lauren is passionate about guiding prospective students toward educational opportunities in Canada and, more specifically in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Holding a Bachelor of Commerce from Saint Mary’s University and a Master of Education in Adult Learning and Global Change from The University of British Columbia, Lauren combines a strong academic foundation with practical expertise. Throughout her career and her travels to more than 80 countries, Lauren has cultivated a deep understanding of the global student recruitment landscape and is committed to enhancing student experiences.

AJ Conway has spent over eight years in student recruitment offices at both small and medium-sized post-secondary institutions. With a keen interest in understanding what factors motivate people’s decisions, AJ is passionate about finding ways to communicate engaging and relevant information to diverse audiences.

He spent four years with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA), where he played a pivotal role in improving program engagement for early and seasoned professional members. Currently, AJ is the Supervisor of Domestic Recruitment at MacEwan University, overseeing the on and off-campus recruitment activities.

AJ’s passion for education and engagement is evident through his active involvement in the community. He has co-presented previously at SEMM and continues to emcee APEGA’s wildly fun annual Science Olympics, bringing energy and enthusiasm every time.

AJ holds a Bachelor of Secondary Education from the University of Alberta and is certified in Mental Health First Aid, underscoring his commitment to holistic student support and well-being.

Michelle Nguyen is the Director of Admissions at Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and oversees all undergraduate student recruitment and admissions at the university. Michelle began working at CMU in January 2023 and brings over a decade of experience in undergraduate recruitment and admissions from across western Canada to her role. Michelle is also a recent graduate of the Master of Education in Post-Secondary Studies from Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Outside of her work, Michelle enjoys spending time outside with her spouse and their four-year-old Australian Cattle Dog, Scout, playing soccer, singing in choir, and eating great food. She is excited to be part of The Science & Art of Student Recruitment bootcamp this year!

As Manager of Student Recruitment at MITT, Maryam Razzaq is passionate about connecting students with transformative educational opportunities that help them achieve their career goals. With a background in career development and experiential learning in higher education, she brings years of experience supporting students through meaningful guidance, programming, and community engagement. Maryam is driven by a genuine commitment to helping individuals realize their potential and thrive in a supportive, inclusive environment. Her approach is rooted in authenticity, care, and a deep belief in the power of education to change lives.

Dr. Yolana Wassersug (she/her) has been working in Recruitment and Admissions since 2016, with a primary focus on domestic recruitment. She comes to recruitment from an academic background, having completed her MA in Shakespeare Studies and her PhD in English Renaissance Drama at the University of Birmingham, UK. Yolana is passionate about equity and inclusion, and believes deeply in the value of cross-sector collaboration to achieve the goal of making education more accessible for all students.