Graduate Staff Spotlight | Tanith Fowler Corsi

I serve as director of graduate admission at Hood College, where I lead graduate enrollment strategy, admissions and student engagement efforts. I bring more than 30 years of experience in higher education, with a professional background in international education, including the past seven years at Hood. My work focuses on creating accessible, student-centered pathways into graduate education, with particular attention to supporting both domestic and international students as they navigate the admissions process and transition into their programs.

Receiving the Future Leader Award from the Association for Graduate Enrollment (NAGAP) at their recent Annual Summit is both humbling and meaningful. It reflects not only my individual work in graduate enrollment management (GEM), but also the collaborative efforts of colleagues and mentors who have shaped my leadership journey. Professionally, it affirms my commitment to advancing thoughtful, student-centered practices in GEM. 

My leadership journey has been shaped by a long career in higher education, with a strong foundation in international and cross-cultural experiences. Growing up abroad as a global nomad influenced how I view communication, inclusion and leadership. I am also currently a doctoral student in Hood College’s Doctorate of Organizational Leadership program, which continues to inform and deepen my leadership practice. I have been drawn to roles where I can build bridges, helping students access opportunities while supporting teams in doing meaningful, impactful work.

I am proud to have brought International Education Week (IEW) to Hood College as well as launching Hood Lunchtime Yoga open to the campus community—both of which have become valued Hood traditions and have helped reinforce Hood’s special sense of community. I am also particularly proud of initiatives that improve how we connect with and support graduate students, including international applicants. This includes implementing more responsive communication strategies and aligning our outreach to better meet students where they are. These efforts have strengthened engagement, improved processes and supported enrollment outcomes.

I approach leadership with a focus on authenticity, cultural awareness and collaboration. I believe leadership is about listening, building trust and creating environments where others can succeed. I especially value seeing people grow and discover their “why,” and I am grateful to play a role in that process. My work is guided by respect, empathy and a commitment to supporting team members and students holistically as they pursue their goals.

Stay open to learning and remain curious about people and perspectives that differ from your own. Leadership, whether within your community or in organizations, is not about having all the answers. It is about asking thoughtful questions, being adaptable and staying grounded in your values. Graduate education is an opportunity not only to build expertise, but also to grow as a leader.

Moving forward, I hope to continue advancing inclusive and effective practices in graduate enrollment, while contributing to broader conversations around leadership and cultural competence in higher education. I am particularly interested in strengthening how institutions support diverse student populations and preparing the next generation of leaders in this field. I also look forward to earning my doctoral degree and, potentially, teaching at Hood in addition to my current administrative role.

Inspired by Tanith’s story? Ready to #GOFURTHER in your career? Learn more about Hood College’s graduate programs, including the doctoral in organizational leadership.