Michael Mirabella is the Admissions Advisor for MA/PhD in Depth Psychology with Specialization in Jungian and Archetypal Studies, MA/PhD in Psychology, Religion, and Consciousness, M.A/Ph.D. in Depth Psychology with Specialization in Community, Liberation, Indigenous, and Eco-Psychologies, and M.A./Ph.D. in Mythological Studies with Emphasis in Depth Psychology. I’m delighted to find out more about Michael and the process of admissions.
Angela Borda: Thank you so much for speaking with me, Michael. I would love to hear about your background and what formed a love of higher education and advising prospective students?
Michael Mirabella: I grew up in a small steel town in Western Pennsylvania. I watched families lose their jobs and in some cases everything. I knew I had to get out of the area and education was the key. I was not sure what to do and I had a challenging time finding the best career option. I did not have a clear direction or support. After I graduated, I wanted to have influence for others who might have struggled like I did in finding the best career pathway. This led me to getting a job as an Admissions Advisor. Since that time, I have worked in higher education for more than 30 years. My passion is to help motivate and help students take the next step to achieving their dreams. Deciding where to study can be stressful. Many students can feel overwhelmed or uncertain. This is where I like to provide support and assistance. I enjoy listening to the students’ stories about their lives and coaching them to take the next step.
Angela: What in particular drew you to Pacifica?
Michael: I’ve been fortunate to work with some amazing people over the past 30 years, and one of my colleagues introduced me to Pacifica. As I read more online and did more research, I was not only impressed with the programs but also with the stories of graduates. Pacifica Graduate Institute is an incredibly unique college.
Angela: What do you find to be most unique about Pacifica and the people who apply here?
Michael: Prospective students have a strong passion for depth psychology. So many students have shared with me what is driving them to do this. For many, it is very personal and something that they need to do. It is interesting how many like-minded students I speak with; however, they sometimes feel like they’re alone in their interests. When the students start the program, they see there are other people with the same passion and interest.
Angela: What is the role of an admissions advisor and what kind of interactions do you have with students? What process might I expect if I were to call you about a program I was interested in?
Michael: The process is quite simple. If a student requests information on the website, sends us an email, or calls, I will try to contact them as soon as possible. This is so important, because so many students are simply seeking answers. Once I connect with a student, I send them an introductory email as well as a suggested reading list. The email answers most questions; however, I also follow up to see what additional questions the student may have. Once it is determined that Pacifica is a viable option, the students start the application process. As part of this process, I encourage the student to meet with our Financial Aid team and have a consultation. After they complete their application, the student’s file is reviewed by a faculty member. If the file looks complete, then the student will be invited for a formal interview with the program chair. The student will be notified if they are admitted to the program about a week after their interview via email.
Angela: You are the advisor for both our new fully online Ph.D. programs. What stands out as the primary differences between the programs? And have you found people to be excited about the new online format?
Michael: There is a great deal of excitement for these two online programs from prospective students. The Psychology, Religion, and Consciousness (PRC) program is more interdisciplinary, combining spirituality, religion, and psychology to explore human consciousness. On the other hand, the Jungian and Archetypal Studies (DJO) program delves deeply into Jungian and archetypal psychology to understand the unconscious and symbolic life. The interest and demand are consistent for both programs. The DJO program will start in Spring this year and the PRC program will start in Fall.
Angela: What do you most enjoy about working in Admissions for Pacifica? What makes this place unique?
Michael: What I enjoy most about Pacifica and what makes this place unique is the same thing. It is the students and the personal stories they share. There are so many times I am amazed by a student and what has led them in this direction. Our students are unique and special. Some students can have a tendency to overthink or worry at times but once they get their minds made up, nothing will stop them from achieving their dream and goal.
Angela: How do you prefer prospective students contact you and do they need an appointment to do so?
Michael: Students can contact me any way they feel most comfortable. My email address is mmirabella@pacifica.edu. The students can also call or text me 805-881-1311.
Angela: Thanks so much for you time and the work you do in Admissions for Pacifica.
With over 30 years of experience in higher education, Michael is enthusiastic about helping students achieve their academic and career goals. In the past as the Director of Admissions and Recruitment, he oversaw the strategy and implementation of student outreach, engagement, and enrollment for various programs and disciplines. He worked with a diverse and talented team of professionals to provide exceptional service and support to prospective and current students, faculty, and staff. Michael also collaborate with external partners and stakeholders. Previously, he led the development and execution of enrollment management initiatives, policies, and best practices. He also worked as the Regional Director of Admissions, where he managed a large team of admissions counselors and coordinators across multiple campuses and online platforms. Throughout his career, Michael has leveraged his college counseling expertise, communication and networking skills, and background to create and maintain positive and productive relationships with students, families, educators, and community members. He is committed to fostering a culture of inclusion, diversity, and excellence in higher education.
Angela Borda is a writer for Pacifica Graduate Institute, as well as the editor of the Santa Barbara Literary Journal. Her work has been published in Food & Home, Peregrine, Hurricanes & Swan Songs, Delirium Corridor, Still Arts Quarterly, Danse Macabre, and is forthcoming in The Tertiary Lodger and Running Wild Anthology of Stories, Vol. 5.
