For many students, college is a transformative time—a season to grow, forge lifelong friendships, and prepare for their future careers. Yet, how many college graduates can say they have made a difference in students’ lives after their four years are complete? At Montreat College, several graduates have chosen to remain in the mountains to impact the lives of the next generation of students studying here.
While alumni serve in many roles across campus, the admissions team is home to three notable alumni, including Érica Morin-Mugambi (’19), Andre Dinca (’20), and Allison Merrell (’21). All three are passionate about helping prospective students discover Montreat and experience the same life-changing opportunities that shaped their own stories.
Érica Morin-Mugambi
Hailing from Texas as a first-generation college student, Érica crossed many state borders and barriers to attend Montreat. Recruited by former cross country coach Jason Lewkowicz, Érica jumped at the chance to continue her athletic and academic career at a place where she was drawn to the small school size and Christ-centered education. For Érica, Montreat College became the place where she began to truly understand her identity in Christ, grow in her self-confidence, and discover many of her strengths.
Today, Érica serves as a recruiter, presenting informational sessions and connecting with prospective students and families. More than just assisting enrollment numbers, Érica truly believes she is advancing God’s kingdom.
Andre Dinca
When seeking out colleges, Andre joined a company that connects international athletes with American schools. When Montreat offered him a soccer scholarship, the small, Christ-centered community nudged him to take a chance and move from his home in Portugal. Looking back, Andre is thankful he took that leap of faith.
Andre began his journey in admissions as a graduate assistant before stepping into a full-time position a year later. Andre believes that the admissions department is where God led him, as he works mainly with international students to invite them to the place that has touched his life. Andre loves that he gets to share the Gospel and God’s mission with every family he speaks to regardless of cultural and religious background.
Allison Merrell
Allison first found Montreat when she was recruited for the tennis team, and she quickly fell in love with the campus during her first visit. After graduation, Allison worked as a resident director on campus, but she desired a different opportunity to contribute to higher education.
Today, Allison serves as the Honors Program Liaison, coordinating events like Scholars Day and Honors program events. She also aids in advising Honors students. Allison loves getting to be active in building the culture of the college as she helps recruit students. Furthermore, Allison believes her position holds the honor of boldly sharing Montreat’s identity and Christ’s love with families on visits.
A Shared Mission
For Érica, Andre, and Allison, Montreat College is more than a workplace. It’s a place that has touched their lives. For that reason, they encourage students and alumni to remain part of the Montreat community post-graduation. For each one of them, their greatest joy at Montreat is in the missional work of their job, helping bring students to a place where they can grow and learn, but also where they can encounter Christ and change their eternity.