The Pennsylvania Association for College Admission Counseling has honored Joana Rodriguez with its esteemed James McKeever Promising Professional Award.
Rodriguez is senior admissions counselor in the undergraduate admissions office at Widener University.
The award recognizes early-career professionals who demonstrate outstanding job performance and meaningful services beyond their institutions. The award was presented at the association’s 62nd annual conference, held in June at Seven Springs Mountain Resort in Champion, Pennsylvania.
Rodriguez joined the Widener admissions team in 2022 and is respected for her integrity, inclusivity, and drive to make higher education accessible to all students.
In her short time at Widener, Rodriguez’s recruitment territory of Philadelphia has experienced record-breaking admissions growth. She mentors and supports new team members and has been an active volunteer with the association, which is known as PACAC.
“Her strengths – motivation, interpersonal warmth, and willingness to go above and beyond – are at the core of what makes a successful admissions professional,” wrote Rose Richards, senior associate director of undergraduate admissions, and Courtney Kelly, executive director for undergraduate admissions, in their nomination of Rodriguez.
Rodriguez lives in Chalfont, Bucks County, with her husband, Michael Minissale, and cat Draco. She is excited to make this area part of her future recruiting territory for Widener University.
Rodriguez grew up in Cathedral City, California, and is a graduate of Cathedral City High School in the Palm Springs Unified School District. Her parents, Gabriel and Maria Rodriguez, and her youngest brother, Joel Rodriguez, still reside in the Palm Springs area.
Widener University, with its main campus in Chester, is a private institution known for its commitment to the personal and professional success of every student, providing an agile, innovative, and inclusive approach to learning.
Industry-shaping faculty provide close, personal mentorship and share powerful connections that help students build professional networks.
Recognized as one of the Philadelphia region’s leading universities, Widener offers programs and experiences that empower our community of learners to discover and create better futures as scholars, leaders, and globally engaged citizens.
