recruiting role in WSU’s College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences.
GRANDVIEW, Wash. — Firsthand farming experience and a desire to be out in the community rather than sitting at a desk make Junior Gomez a perfect fit for his recruiting role in Washington State University’s College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS).
“It brings me a lot of joy and pride to see students succeed,” said Gomez, a student services coordinator and advisor for CAHNRS Student Success and Academic Programs. “I enjoy interacting with students, and I love how the recruiting aspect of my job aligns with my passion for agriculture and the sciences. It’s the best of both worlds.”
A WSU alumnus, Gomez earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in educational leadership. After contemplating a career first in law enforcement and later as a school principal, he pivoted to student outreach. Gomez was hired by WSU in 2005 to work with GEAR UP, a program that helps students from underserved middle and high schools succeed in college. He later worked for more than a decade as a WSU Office of Admissions recruiter, joining CAHNRS in 2022.
“Junior is an outstanding student recruiter,” said Miguel Inzunza, CAHNRS director of student recruitment and retention. “He is deeply engaged with students and the community, building strong connections that drive growth in new student enrollment. His student-focused approach, wealth of knowledge, and innovative recruitment ideas make him an invaluable asset to our team and the future of our college.”
Gomez is remotely based in Grandview, Washington, but frequently travels to recruitment events at high schools, community colleges, and convention centers, where he meets with prospective students and WSU applicants. Through it all, he prioritizes a down-to-earth approach.
“I think I easily connect with students because I’m always 100% honest with them,” Gomez said. “I make sure they know I have their best interests at heart, and I explain how we’ll support them if they decide to join CAHNRS. I also tell them about our industry partnerships and how rewarding it is to be part of our college.”
As a first-generation college student, he is well positioned to reach high schoolers with similar backgrounds.
“It’s about finding common ground,” Gomez said. “I meet a lot of students who are like me, and I always start by sharing my journey and why I chose WSU. Many students don’t have a chance to hear from someone who has gone through similar life experiences. I wish I’d had someone to tell me about these different opportunities when I was that age.”
Gomez, who grew up farming alongside his dad, also meets many students who come from agricultural communities. Now, as the proud owner of one farm and co-owner of a second, he uses that passion for agriculture to connect with students and help them realize the industry’s value.
“CAHNRS and the ag world are a way of life,” Gomez said. “There’s a lot of honor and pride that come from working the land. I love showing students the many wonderful opportunities this industry has to offer.”
As someone who has always been interested in human behavior, Gomez also works hard to recruit students into CAHNRS’ human sciences programs.
“I’ve always been intrigued by the diverse perspectives of different cultures, communities, and races,” Gomez said. “I try to help students understand what their passion is, then connect that to something at a more professional level and introduce all the different opportunities of CAHNRS majors.”
A self-proclaimed nature lover, Gomez was immersed in the natural resource sciences from an early age, helping his father plant trees in regions of western Washington where forests had been burned or cut down. He sees value in the firsthand experience that many CAHNRS natural resources faculty bring to the table.
“Our natural resource sciences students are learning from professors who have lived it, experienced it, and are currently doing it,” Gomez said. “Those opportunities are hard to find, and they provide a perspective that isn’t in a textbook.”
The chance to participate in impactful, cutting-edge research is another perk that Gomez highlights when meeting prospective students.
“This is a great time for a student to go into a STEM field, especially if they have a lot of passion, ideas, and a creative mind,” he said. “They can be part of a movement and contribute to something that helps the world. If they want to make a difference, CAHNRS is the place to do it.”
When he’s not on the road, Gomez is brainstorming innovative ways to reach students more effectively, whether it’s through text message campaigns, posters, marketing materials, or social media channels (he’s even been known to make the occasional CAHNRS TikTok appearance).
But he’s also quick to emphasize that it’s not a one-man show.
“This is truly a team effort,” Gomez said. “I value working with a group of genuine, passionate people who are open to flexibility and creativity. There’s something special about CAHNRS, and I believe our college is headed in a beautiful direction. We’re equipped with resources to better serve our students, and the important role we play in Washington state is becoming more evident each day.”