The start of Hispanic Heritage Month is the perfect time to introduce Paula Correa Bublitz, one of Union’s newest employees. She joined the enrollment team to engage with Spanish-speaking parents and prospective students. She also helps international students navigate mountains of federal paperwork and the differences between their country’s educational system and the U.S. system.
“They need to learn that getting into university and studying for a career is not very difficult,” Paula shared. “I want to make that bridge for them so they can accomplish their dreams, and maybe even meet their life partner here in a Christian place.”
Before coming to Union, Correa served as an executive secretary for the Mid-America Union where she was part of discussions about how to reach the growing population of young Adventists who come from Spanish-speaking homes. “We were talking for a while with the admissions and enrollment director, Kevin Michalenko, about being more intentional in recruiting Hispanic kids,” Paula recalled. The discussion eventually turned into a job offer.
Higher education is a family decision, and parents have never been more involved in the admissions process than today. As members of the most racially and ethnically diverse religious group in America, many Seventh-day Adventist families struggle with university admissions and finances if language barriers are present for the parents, even when their children speak fluent English.
“We are very excited to welcome Paula to the Union team,” said Ryan Teller, vice-president for enrollment management. “Her energy, ability to connect with families and Spanish-language skills are a great asset to Union’s recruiting efforts.”
Outside of work, Paula enjoys crafts, interior design and traveling. Some of her favorite destinations are the Waldensian caves and city of Florence as well as the countries of Germany, Spain, and Israel. Her travels are enhanced by the company of her husband, Pastor Roberto Correa, and her two sons, Gabriel, 22, and Lucas, 16.
“I’ve talked to potential students from many countries lately including El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico,” Paula said. “I love hearing about kids dreaming about going to university and building their careers! I want to help them get into college.”
By Rebekah Fingerson, a junior English education major from Wisconsin