Leslie Moreno she/her

Admissions Counselor

• Phone: 309-794-7275
• Email: lesliemoreno@augustana.edu
• Office: Seminary 107

Hometown: East Moline, IL

College attended: Augustana College

Major(s): Political Science and Spanish

What do you most love to tell prospective students about Augustana?

I love telling students that at Augustana, there is something for everyone, and you truly can find your community. Augustana is a place where you can grow both personally and academically. My favorite part is sharing my own experience and telling students how much Augustana helped me grow, find my community, and discover opportunities I never expected when I first started college.

Why did you decide to work in this field and/or at Augustana?

Working in higher education is truly a dream come true. I love supporting students and guiding them through the admissions process to make it feel a little less stressful and a lot more exciting. Before becoming an admissions counselor, I worked as a student ambassador for two years, where I had the opportunity to talk with prospective students and families, share my own experience, and give tours of Augustana. I loved being able to connect with students, which ultimately inspired me to continue working in admissions after graduating.

What's great about the Quad Cities?

Growing up here in the Quad Cities, I’ve always felt like it offers the best of both worlds: a small-town feel with plenty of things you would find in a bigger city. There are always events happening and new places to explore. Mercado on Fifth is one of my favorite spots to shop small, try a variety of Latin American food, and listen to live music on Friday nights. Overall, the Quad Cities has something for everyone, whether it’s visiting the farmers market, watching a movie at The Last Picture House, exploring the Figge Art Museum, or spending time along the Mississippi River.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work, I love checking out local restaurants and cafés like Rozz-Tox (which has the best bánh mì!) and Coya’s Café. I also enjoy walking along the river with my dog, exploring new places around the Quad Cities, and enjoying a good book with an iced coffee.

What advice do you have for students who are searching for the right college?

Trust yourself throughout the process! It can be easy to get caught up in what everyone else is looking for in a college, but what matters most is finding the right fit for you. Visit campuses, talk to current students, explore different opportunities, and pay attention to how you feel when you’re there. Don’t be afraid to ask questions along the way, and most importantly, find a place where you can see yourself growing, getting involved, and truly feeling like you belong.

Specializations: Admissions