School Updates
Henry Cantu has a long-standing career in admissions and recruitment. He joined the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work in August 2023 as its director of recruitment and admissions and hit the ground running with the help of his team. We asked him to share more about his background and how he ended up in Pittsburgh.
Q: You received your BASW from Texas Tech University. Did this influence your career path into admissions? If not, what inspired you to enter this field and how did your career journey lead you to Pitt Social Work?
A: My father was a driving force for this decision, [because] he was an educator and knew that a degree in social work would make me marketable. My senior year practicum focused on vocational rehabilitation, [and] I helped clients, often farm workers with injuries, improve their job readiness and resume-writing skills. This solidified that I wanted to work directly with people. I also worked in the admissions office as part of my college work-study program, which gave me insight into the behind-the-scenes admissions and recruitment work.
After graduating, I worked in customer service at a test publishing company before moving into admissions work, which allowed me to apply my social work skills in guiding students and families through the admissions process. I found this work especially fulfilling, particularly when supporting first-generation students. I was initially looking at getting an MSW but pursued a master’s in higher education administration. From there, I stayed in higher education to pursue a career in enrollment management.
My career [has] centered on admissions and recruitment, primarily in Texas, but my love for the Northeast led me to the University of Connecticut School of Social Work in 2022, [and there] I reconnected with my social work roots. I was attracted to this position at Pitt Social Work because it allowed me to focus on just admissions and recruitment, which are my main passions. When I came for my interview and saw Pittsburgh, I fell in love with the place.
Q: How has the role of admissions and recruitment professionals changed since you first started, and what have you learned along the way?
A: While the core principles of admissions and recruitment—helping students understand the admissions process and navigate college—remain the same, the methods have evolved significantly. When I started, technology was minimal, and everything was paper based. I remember going to schools or events and having a huge rolling cart packed full of catalogs! Today, technology plays a crucial role, with virtual events and digital communications enhancing our ability to reach and connect with students. Despite these changes,
the fundamental philosophy of supporting and educating students has stayed constant.
Q: What are some of the exciting opportunities on the horizon for the admissions and recruitment team?
A: The biggest thing on the horizon is the implementation and launch of the part-time online MSW program. This addition to our program speaks a lot to our willingness to offer options to our students. There’s not just one way to be able to successfully deliver a program; it’s all about options. I’m thrilled to be working with a dean who embraces online technology and am eager to manage the recruitment process for both in-person and online programs.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about running the school’s admissions and recruitment efforts?
A: I was very lucky to inherit an amazing team, Jessie Gismondi and Leah Mafrica. They have so much talent, initiative, enthusiasm, and knowledge and were instrumental in helping me get started. I’m a strong advocate for professional development, having benefited from mentors early in my career. Providing similar growth opportunities
for my team is a priority.
Also, the support from everyone in the School of Social Work has been outstanding. The willingness of colleagues to assist and connect me with community resources has been crucial in enhancing our recruitment efforts. The collective talent and motivation here make it an exciting environment to drive our recruiting success.
Q: How do you envision connecting with alumni, and what role do they play in your vision for Pitt Social Work?
A: Early in my career, I recognized the crucial role alumni play in recruiting efforts. Their experiences and endorsements are incredibly impactful for prospective students and families. Alumni bring credibility, and I’ve seen firsthand when recruiting for programs where being an alumnus myself added significant value.
I’m grateful to the alums who have helped with open houses and orientation. After these events, students most enjoy being able to connect with alumni and hear how their degree from Pitt has influenced their career and made them a force in the social work profession. We’re also going to start looking at on-the-road receptions, where we invite alumni who are in that area. At some point, I will find those alumni willing to share their stories. Their involvement will be essential in showcasing the real-world impact of a Pitt Social Work degree. Our current students and alums are our greatest recruiters, so I am always appreciative when alumni are enthused to be involved.
Q: What does life outside the office look like for you?
A: Since moving to Pittsburgh a year ago, my partner and I have been exploring the area. We love discovering the city’s unique neighborhoods, from restaurants to shops. As a music enthusiast, I’ve enjoyed attending symphony performances and musical theater. Our dog, Charley, is a central part of our lives. We’ve had her for four years, and we couldn’t imagine our life without her. We also travel a lot to explore the areas around Pittsburgh like Erie, New York, and Ohio.