David Gravois begins his mornings adjusting the radio dial, either to an alternative or
classic rock station or the Walton & Johnson morning show. He doesn’t mind the drive – which is sometimes only a matter of minutes (E.D. White High School, Thibodaux) but other times can take over five hours (Richwood High School, Monroe).
“I’ve always wanted to travel, and working in the Admissions Office provides me with the perfect opportunity to do so for my job,” says Gravois, a Nicholls admissions counselor. “I enjoy seeing different areas of the state while trying to ensure that high school students have a bright future.”
Upon arrival, Gravois meets with students during their high school’s college/career fair or sometimes during their lunch break. He answers questions about admission requirements, campus life and financial aid.
At schools near the Nicholls campus, he tells students not to dismiss the university in their backyard. He didn’t. After graduating from E.D. White, Gravois began his freshman semester at Nicholls, where he became one of the founders of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity campus chapter and an Orientation Team leader. Before earning his bachelor’s degree in mass communication with a concentration in public relations, he served on Homecoming Court, worked in the Office of Student Life and helped plan events with the Student Programming Association.
“I enjoyed attending a small school where I was not overwhelmed and could make a name for myself,” he says.
Because of the addition of Gravois to the admissions staff, Nicholls can reach more schools – and introduce students, who may not have traditionally considered Nicholls, to the campus. He expects the university’s new residence halls will be a major factor in convincing students that Nicholls is the right place for them.
“It all pays off when I meet someone who is really interested in Nicholls and then see them walking around campus as a student,” he says.
In his spare time, Gravois enjoys the “usual stuff,” including hanging out with friends, watching TV, playing tennis and running.
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