Pete Colbert
Senior Manager of Business Development Strategy
AKA “Clever Colbert“
Pete Colbert arrived at Spark451 as a 13-year veteran of higher education enrollment, with previous leadership roles in the admissions offices of Roanoke College, Virginia Wesleyan College, and Centenary College of Louisiana. He is well versed in student search, recruitment, and retention strategy. He also possesses an intricate understanding of the many demographics of college admissions, including students, administrators, and guidance counselors.
At Spark451, Pete calls upon these skills to forge strong, productive relationships with our partners. His guiding philosophy is a high standard of customer service, which he meets by adopting partner goals as his own.
Pete is also an accomplished actor and singer, having performed in community theaters, regional operas, and even cathedrals in eight different countries!
What do you enjoy most about your position at Spark451 and why?
The diversity of my role means that no two days are alike. Whether I'm introducing new institutions to Spark451 or helping our existing partners to make the most of their recruitment and marketing efforts, I'm constantly thinking, strategizing, and collaborating on something new and exciting!
What do you love most about working in higher education and why?
Having worked in college admissions for many years, I've seen firsthand the life-changing impact that is made when a student finds the right school. Although our work at Spark451 is done "behind the scenes," I take great pride in the fact that we are enabling our partner institutions to connect with those right-fit students, enabling thousands of transformative experiences to take place every year.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given and why?
Before I left for college, my best friend's dad told me, "No matter how busy you get, always make time to just sit under a tree and think. It doesn't matter what you think about, just allow yourself to pause and reflect." To this day, I struggle with finding that time, but when I do, it's always enlightening.
Where is the place that you want to visit most in the world and why?
I'm a pretty nomadic person, so the list of places I want to go and things I want to see can't be boiled down to just one place. I guess the most specific destination I can give would be Earth!
