Freshman Admissions Counselors

Caitlin Engel

Hometown: New Brighton, PA
Joined RMU: June 2014
Education:

  • B.S. in Public Relations from Slippery Rock University
  • M.A. in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Indiana University of PA

My co-workers describe me as: Reliable, understanding and charismatic 
Hobbies: As mom to two young daughters, I don't have many hobbies these days. When do I get a moment, I enjoy reading, watching movies and shopping. 
What I like most about RMU: The people! There is nothing like the students, faculty and staff at RMU. 
Advice for prospective students: Visit campus! The campus visit experience is a huge part of finding the right college or university. Websites, social media and items mailed to your home are helpful tools in helping you to identify fit but don't come close to a campus visit.

Caitlin Engel

Amanda Beal

  • Associate Director of First Year Admissions, Events and Communications
  • beal@rmu.edu

Hometown: Champion, PA
Joined RMU: August 2014
Education: 

  • B.S.B.A with a concentration in Marketing from Robert Morris University (2014)
  • M.S. in Higher Education from Robert Morris University (2016)
  • M.A. in Executive Leadership and Management from Liberty University (2018)

My co-workers describe me as: Dedicated, reliable and organized
Hobbies: Chasing after my toddler and two dogs, attempting new recipes, and sneaking away to find time to read a good book.
What I like most about RMU: The fact that so many people on campus believe in you and your abilities. I would not be where I am today without the faculty and staff that I encountered on campus as a student.
Advice for prospective students: Find the best fit for YOU. Look for schools that have characteristics that are important to you and not just the name.

Amanda Beal

Melissa "Missy" Rickus

Hometown: Allison Park, PA
Joined RMU: January 2017
Education: 2016 Bachelors in Business Administration from RMU and 2020 Masters Degree in Human Resource Management from RMU.
My co-workers describe me as: Adventurous, Sincere, and Diligent
Hobbies: I love to travel and enjoy visiting the beach as much as I can. I love outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and biking. I enjoy country music and attending concerts during the summer. I also love amusement parks and I’m always looking for a crazy new roller coaster to try out!
What I like most about RMU: I love the community here. There are very few universities that I have been to that have the same feel as RMU. From the faculty, staff, and students, everyone here truly makes you feel like family and I love getting to be a part of what makes this university so great!
Advice for prospective students: Take the time to visit the universities that you are interested in! The best way to know what school is a good fit for you is to come to the campus, meet the people, and see what it’s all about!

Counselor for:

  • PA Counties: Butler
  • Pittsburgh Area schools: Bishop Canevin, Moon, Quaker Valley and Upper St. Clair
Missy White

Arli Marsteller

Hometown: Uniontown, Pa
Joined RMU: December 2019
Education: B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a minor in English, Robert Morris University 2019, M.S. Instructional Leadership from RMU (2022)
My coworkers describe me as: Driven, Passionate, and Kind
Hobbies: I enjoy lifting, going to music festivals, and writing on my fitness blog.
What I like most about RMU: RMU is my home away from home. The people around you will become like family, and they will push you to become the greatest version of yourself. 
Advice for prospective students: Visit different campuses! Touring a school opens your eyes to what campus life, students and professors are really like. Talk to as many people as you can and see if your values align with the university. The best way to determine if a university is a good fit is to see it for yourself! 

Counselor for:

  • PA Counties: Washington & Westmoreland
  • Pittsburgh Areas schools: Avonworth, Aquinas, Bethel Park, Brentwood, Central Catholic, Cheswick Christian, Deer Lakes, Hampton, Lakeview Christian, Highlands, Montour, North Catholic, North Gate, Oakland Catholic, Propel Montour, Serra Catholic, Shady Side Academy, South Park, Sto-Rox, Trinity Christian, Wilson Christian and Winchester Thurston
  • Last Names: I-M
Arli Marsteller

Taylor Nietsch

Hometown: Oakdale, PA
Joined RMU: June 2022
Education: B.A. in English from Slippery Rock University
My co-workers describe me as: Caring, Optimistic, Creative
Hobbies: Reading, game nights, shopping at TJ Maxx/ Marshalls, finding new coffee shops, journaling, and singing. 
What I like most about RMU: I love the community and how welcoming everyone is! From the moment you walk through the doors of this university you will instantly feel like you are a part of a family! Having people who support you and believe in you so much pushes you to become the best version of yourself. You are more than just a number here and everyone truly cares about seeing you succeed! 
Advice for prospective students: Visit as many universities as you can and find the place that gives you that ah-ha moment! Make sure you can envision yourself on campus and that it feels like your home away from home. Talk to as many people as possible and ask questions about clubs, sports, your major, and campus life! You want to make sure you are making the best informed choice for you and that the university meets your needs both socially and academically! 

Counselor for:

  • OH Counties: Columbiana, Cuyahoga, Jefferson, Mahoning and Summit 
  • Pittsburgh Area schools: ALL Pittsburgh Public, Clairton, East Allegheny, Eden Christian, Elizabeth Forward, Gateway, Hillel Academy, Imani Christian, Keystone Oaks, McKeesport, Neighborhood Academy, Penn Hills, Propel Andrew & Braddock, Seton LaSalle, Sewickley, South Allegheny, Steel Valley, The Academy Charter School, Thomas Jefferson, Wesley Academy, West Mifflin, and Woodland Hills
  • Last Names: M-R
Taylor Nietsch

Nick Poilucci

Hometown: Shaler, PA
Joined RMU: June 2021
Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with dual concentration in Sport Management and Marketing from RMU in 2021
My co-workers describe me as: Friendly, Driven, and Witty
Hobbies: I love watching and playing sports in my free time. I especially love going and cheering on the Pirates, Penguins, and Steelers as well. I also enjoy listening to music, going to concerts, and playing guitar.
What I like most about RMU: I love the people that you meet here on campus. No matter who it is, they are always willing to go the extra mile to help you in whatever it may be. They truly care about your success and will be there to support you every step of the way.
Advice for prospective students: Look for the best fit for you. Every school offers something slightly different but find what will work for you. Make sure you can envision yourself on campus and as part of the community.

Counselor for:

  • States: New York & West Virginia
  • PA Counties: Erie
  • Pittsburgh Area schools: Baldwin, Ellis School, Mt. Lebanon, North Hills, OLSH, St. Joseph, and Shaler
  • Last Names: G-L
Nick Poilucci

Anika Kukich

Hometown: North Huntingdon, PA
Joined RMU: Part-time in September 2023, Full-time in January 2024
Education: Health Services Administration, December 2023
My co-workers describe me as: passionate, hard-working, personable
Hobbies: building puzzles, going to yoga, watching Friends, spending time with family and friends
What I like most about RMU: How it can make you feel right at home so quickly. The environment and the people that makeup RMU is what makes it so special.
Advice for prospective students: Your college experience is what you make of it. Get involved, meet new people, and take advantage of all opportunities that come your way.

Counselor for:

  • States: Maryland
  • Pittsburgh Area schools: Carlynton, Chartiers Valley, Cornell, South Fayette, and West Allegheny
  • Last Names: S-Z
Anika Kukich

Melissa Stritzinger

Hometown: Shaler, PA
Joined RMU: January 2023
Education: Bachelors of Science in Nursing from the University of Pittsburgh
My co-workers describe me as: Friendly, bubbly, and caring.
Hobbies: Reading, snowboarding, bike riding, and hiking.
What I like most about RMU: The environment! The staff and students are friendly, welcoming, and passionate about higher education.  I also love the size of RMU; the small class sizes allow students to form close relationships with their peers, professors, and advisors.
Advice for prospective students: Pay attention to how you feel when you're visiting college campuses.  In addition to making college visits, look at university profiles on social media.  This will allow you to start forming connections with potential classmates. Also, check out official university and student Youtube videos; you'll get an insider look at the university and see what a typical day in the life may look like for students.  Enjoy this exciting time!

Counselor for:

  • PA Counties: Beaver & Lawrence
  • Pittsburgh Area schools: Fox Chapel, North Allegheny, Pine Richland, Plum, Riverview and Springdale
  • Last Names: A-F
Melissa Stritzinger

Don’t see your area listed?

No worries! All other areas are covered by last name.

A-F: Melissa Stritzinger
G-L: Nick Poilucci
M-R: Taylor Nietsch
S-Z: Anika Kukich