Makayla Steps Up to Support Future Sea Gulls

Makayla Hutzel ‘26 knows how Salisbury University can open doors for students — sometimes right on campus.   

While earning her bachelor’s degree in Conflict Analysis and Dispute Resolution, she decided to apply to be an Orientation Leader for the Office of Orientation & Family Programs. Then she became a University Host for the Office of Admissions.    

Having been a part of two SU teams that help incoming students, it was only natural for Makayla to continue supporting future Sea Gulls once she graduated. Now, she’s working as an SU Admissions Counselor, while earning her master’s degree in Conflict Analysis and Dispute Resolution.   

"Orientation was my first job on campus," Makayla said. "I applied because I was interested and enjoyed my orientation. From there, I was recruited to be a University Host and with my experience from Orientation, I landed the job."  

Getting involved on campus in jobs like Orientation Leaders or University Hosts is a great way to help incoming students, while expanding your own leadership and communication skills. These positions can lead to opportunities that students like Makayla have run with. 

"Being both a University Host and an Orientation Leader helped me get more involved with events on campus such as Open House, Admitted Student Day, and Sea Gull Start Up," Makayla said. "It was these events that got me in contact with faculty and staff from around the University and lead me to be more involved." 

These events at SU are some of the best ways for new students to learn about SU and for current students to help showcase what makes SU special. University job fairs are other events that can open doors for students.  

"Always volunteering for events that aren’t necessarily required of you is a great way to get involved and meet new people," Makayla said. "Working Sea Gull Start Up helped me meet the people that have helped me along the way towards my career."  

Stepping out of your comfort zone makes it possible to discover new opportunities that SU offers. Joining organizations, getting involved, and applying for campus jobs, like Makayla did, are all ways to get career experience. 

"Apply for positions and step out of your comfort zone," Makayla said. "It's great for getting experience in different fields, and building interview skills. I didn't want to be a Host originally, but the Admission Counselors who ran the program really helped me get comfortable in the position and build the skills that I use today.” 

At SU, students can find campus jobs, clubs and organizations that expand their experiences and can open doors to countless career opportunities.  

"Just be yourself," Makayla said. "Put yourself out there and have fun with the opportunities that come to you."