About Nathan Robbins

Nathan focuses on engaging with prospective students to help each find their best-fit degree at Harris, serving as the initial point of contact for many students. He also works closely with Harris faculty so he can accurately advise prospective students about program requirements, research, curricula, and outcomes—all to help students make an informed choice.

Prior to joining Harris, Nathan was the Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions at the Illinois Institute of Technology, managing the overall domestic recruiting for most of IIT’s graduate programs. He also and helped develop and implement innovative and data-driven recruitment and yield strategies.

Before his career in higher education, Nathan earned his MA in Social Science from the University of Chicago, focusing largely on art and representation of marginalized communities in the ancient Mediterranean, and a BA in History from the University of Central Arkansas.
 

“Recruiting for Harris is so rewarding, as I'm able to engage meaningfully with future leaders and policy-makers. It also broadens my own horizons: as I listen to students passionately explain their policy interests, I'm exposed to new ideas, challenges, and solutions. That passion is contagious--it spreads through classrooms and research, enriching the experience for all Harris students, faculty, and staff..”

Get to Know Nathan

What are your hobbies?

Travel, reading, brewery tours with my wife, board games, cooking.

What's your favorite book?

Lamb by Christopher Moore. It’s such a wonderful spin of a traditionally somber subject, and an emotional rollercoaster. You’ll laugh, cry, and think about the protagonist in new ways (regardless of your prior feelings). It’s a beautiful story and an enthralling read from an off-the-wall author.

Share something surprising about yourself.

I have nearly 50 board games of various styles, lengths, and genres. I love playing games: they offer excellent opportunities for thinking, relaxing, and challenging yourself—and offering a peek into your competitors’ personalities.

What are some of your favorite things?

Craft beer, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, my cat, trying new foods.