Director of Admission
cchristenberry@bongobaystudios.com
Hometown: Ft. Worth born, but Irving feels like my hometown.
Alma Mater: The University of Texas at Arlington (twice)
Degree: BA in (don’t tell anyone) PE, with a minor in English; MA in Educational Administration.
Why I love UD/Why I Recruit for UD: I love UD for a variety of reasons, but it starts with the quality of our students. Our kids wish to “live deliberately,” to steal a line from Thoreau. They are ambitious, of course, but they desire to grow in virtue, faith and friendships. They thrive on meaningful conversations and discussions that stand in stark contrast to today’s overarching superficiality.
Favorite Spot on Campus: Wherever my students are, that’s why I spend more time walking around saying hello than sitting at my desk (only a slight exaggeration). But the easiest place to find my students is the cafeteria or the Cap Bar.
Where Do You Hang Out in Dallas?: My wife and I love the Dallas Arboretum and taking long, romantic walks through Fritz Park in South Irving. (Well, at least long walks with our dog Buttercup).
Favorite Book: Impossible for an English teacher to answer, but I loved teaching The Scarlet Letter and Julius Caesar, though neither is commonly read in high school anymore.
Favorite Place to Eat in DFW: Impossible for a foodie in DFW to answer, because there are hundreds of great places: But for Mexican - La Hacienda Ranch; for BBQ - Pecan Lodge; for steak -Pappas Steak House; for pizza - I’Fratteli’s; for breakfast - Old West Cafe.
Favorite UD Event: Charity Week and Clash of the Classes are my top two.
Favorite/Coolest Place I have Visited: Well, I lived in Berlin for two years, and traveled extensively, and my wife and I have been to all 50 states, so that would be an impossible choice. There’s beauty and adventure everywhere.
Advice to Prospective Students: Zora Neale Hurston said, “You got to go there to know there.” It is critical to visit the colleges you’re interested in when they are in full bloom and full swing; otherwise, you really don’t know what you’re getting into.” And, never assume that all colleges are basically the same - UD is incredibly unique, and it’s worth getting to know how.