The Admissions Team strives to recruit, admit, and enroll a diverse and academically accomplished student body who also excels in leadership and service. We hope that you'll take advantage of reaching out to us and utilizing the team as a resource. We look forward to working with you…Go Seawolves!

Mark A. Cortez joined Stony Brook University in May 2023. In his role he oversees Undergraduate Admissions, inclusive of international, transfer, and domestic recruitment in addition to campus visits and experiences, application review and academic partnerships, enrollment communications, and admissions operations and systems.

Katie McFarland joined the Undergraduate Admissions Office in July 2003 and while working as an Admissions Counselor, earned her Masters in Professional Studies from Stony Brook in 2007. As a native of Stony Brook, NY Katie takes great pride in sharing top-ranked SBU with students, families and counselors- especially highlighting the hidden gem that the North Shore of Long Island is.
Working in college admissions since 2008, it has been an honor to assist so many students, their supporters, and school counselors all over New York State with their next step in higher education. With my passion for providing as much knowledge and access as possible about the college process, it is my goal to see students thrive on our University and beyond. With my team of New York State counselors, we are there to help you understand why Stony Brook University is one of the top public institutions in America!
Having also taught history classes on campus, I am excited to continue to work with students and help them thought the college process!
Being able to work for a university such as Stony Brook has been amazing. The opportunities we are able to provide and see our student's thrive in is on another level!
Being able to work for a school like Stony Brook has been nothing short of spectacular. It’s inspiring to see all the talent and involvement our students bring to campus, and the pride they have in being Seawolves.
As the Long Island recruiter, I get the opportunity to help local students discover all the unique and life changing opportunities that Stony Brook has to offer.
A joy of being in this profession is to help share the pride and passion I have as an alumni of Stony Brook with new students. Come visit our campus and be amazed!
I enjoy working with families in the Southeast and introducing them to all that Stony Brook and Long Island have to offer. You may not find sweet tea and hear "y'all" quite as readily, but we assure you that you'll find a welcoming and supportive community full of the hospitality that you know.
As an Admissions Counselor here, I am excited to share the amazing opportunities and supportive community that makes Stony Brook a place all students can call home, just like I have been able to. We encourage you to come visit us and Go Seawolves!!!
Although I grew up in the midwest, and currently live in the midwest, I love sharing Stony Brook with students because there is truly so much to offer academically, and extracurricularly and SBU is in such a fun and unique location!
Being able to introduce students to Stony Brook University as an out of state admissions counselor and then seeing them take their first step toward their future and knowing I played a small part is what keeps me passionate about the work I do every day.
After graduating Stony Brook in 2023, I realized I wanted to continue my time here and help other students see how great this campus is by guiding them through the admissions process.
As a proud Stony Brook alumni, I have firsthand experience with all the opportunities this school has to offer. From performing on our dance team, to working at the Child Care Center, and being a research assistant, I'm really proud of my accomplishments here and I know you will be, too!
I love the opportunity connecting with students and helping them solve some of the same challenges I had when I was looking for colleges to attend. As someone who went away for college, I have first-hand experience on the complexities that students who go away for college face. My educational and experiential experience helps me find creative solutions for problems of any size.
Benjamin Dobbs joined Stony Brook University in October 2025. With an extensive background working with international populations including first year, transfer and graduate, he has traveled to many countries around the world to market the top-tier academic, professional and personal benefits of a U.S. college experience. He is excited to work to continue advancing the competetive, diverse and enriching value that a Stony Brook University educational experience has to offer international students.
I was born and raised in China and came to Stony Brook University as an international student. With my multicultural background and firsthand experience, I enjoy speaking with prospective students and their families from diverse backgrounds about the many opportunities and advantages SBU has to offer. I understand the challenges and opportunities that international students face, and I am passionate about helping them navigate their journey with confidence and support.
As a person who is open to new experiences, one of the things I like a lot about Stony Brook University is the diversity on campus from the majors to the clubs and organization to the student population, it makes for great mix of people and environment.
I have lived on Long Island my whole life and have been lucky to enough to meet so many great friends and peers throughout my time on the Island. I graduated from SBU with my bachelor's degree in 2021. It has been a dream of mine to come back here and build a career with this great university!
In line with our commitment to enhancing transparency in the international student recruitment process while supporting the expansion of international student recruitment, Stony Brook University has contracted with select companies to provide dedicated international support services in certain countries to assist prospective international students interested in applying to Stony Brook's academic programs. The individuals listed below are employees of the respective recruitment support service companies referenced. Stony Brook does not recruit students, wherever they are located, who may be eligible for U.S. financial aid.
I grew up on Long Island and have been at Stony Brook University in various Director roles since September 2016. I've been working in higher education for many years, both as an administrator and instructor, and I truly enjoy working with students. Supporting transfer students' transition during all phases of enrollment is essential to their success. From recruitment, to admission, to enrollment, all the way through graduation, transfer students need both academic and student services support to help navigate challenges that they may face. It is my ultimate goal that transfer students feel welcomed, valued and supported in their journey, not only to enhance their sense of belonging but ultimately to ensure their academic success in completing their degree.
Stony Brook's unique combination of excellent academic programs, affordability, and strong sense of community impressed me from day one. I knew I wanted to work in a university that places such value on inclusion and growth.
I became an Admissions Counselor at Stony Brook University because, as a native Long Islander, I understand the value of this institution firsthand. Guiding prospective students through their higher education journey is deeply fulfilling to me. I'm passionate about helping students discover their potential and connect with the transformative opportunities that Stony Brook offers, shaping their academic futures.
I joined Stony Brook University in the fall 2002. I have lived on Long Island for 33 years and my favorite part of living here is the BEACH! I have loved working in higher education for the last 37 years. The students keep me energized and young. As an Assistant Director for Transfer Services I work primarily with Suffolk County Community College and Nassau Community College students. I assist them with their class schedules, their Associate and Bachelor degree requirements and how to seamlessly transfer to Stony Brook University. My current position as the Coordinator for the Seawolves at Suffolk program allows me to be at the community college campuses advising students on a regular basis. The program also provides a numerous opportunities for our community college students to participate in the many events on the Stony Brook campus.