March 31, 2026

How Aquinas College Is Rethinking the College Experience with Brian Matzke

What is block scheduling and how is it a beneficial model for first year college students? Why is it important to take a wide variety of classes in college? How should students go about finding financial aid? Brian Matzke answers all these questions and more in this week's episode!

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About this episode

In this episode, Brian Matzke, Vice President for Enrollment Management at Aquinas College reaffirms the purpose of admissions counselors; to help students find the best possible fit for college. He encourages students to visit schools and pursue classes and topics that interest them.

Brian also dives deeper into the culture of Aquinas college, the four pillars of the Catholic Dominican tradition, and how modalities like their block schedules for first year students help facilitate a smooth transition into college life.

Mentioned in this episode

Host

Will Geiger

Will Geiger is the co-founder of Scholarships360 and has a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. He is a former Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Kenyon College where he personally reviewed 10,000 admissions applications and essays. Will also managed the Kenyon College merit scholarship program and served on the financial aid appeals committee. He has also worked as an Associate Director of College Counseling at a high school in New Haven, Connecticut.Will earned his master’s in education from the University of Pennsylvania and received his undergraduate degree in history from Wake Forest University.

Guest

Brian Matzke

Brian Matzke is the Vice President of Enrollment Management. He has spent almost 30 years in higher education including approximately 10 years in academic affairs, 10 years in student affairs and 10 years in enrollment. He has taught in the communications and the first year seminar departments for 20+ years. He has lead the enrollment, student success and student affairs teams at Aquinas College. Brian leads the strategic management team and efforts that start with the recruitment of students and supports student persistence efforts through graduation