Issa DiSciullo, Associate Dean for J.D. Admissions and Financial Aid
Can you share a little bit about your career path? What was your journey to William & Mary Law?
I began my career in undergraduate admissions in 1994 before switching to law admissions in 2001. I’ve had the privilege of working at colleges, universities, and law schools across the East Coast. While I enjoyed my time in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states, I’m grateful to have had the chance to move south for a slightly slower pace and warmer weather and still continue my meaningful law school admissions career.
What is your favorite part about working in admissions here at W&M?
Working with and interacting with the students has been my greatest joy!
Do you have any advice for prospective students as they go through the application process?
Don’t go it alone! Know that we are here to help you, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions and concerns!
What’s your favorite part about living in Williamsburg?
The community… oh, and Virginia Peanuts! 😊
Where are you from originally?
I was born in the Philippines and raised on a small island in the Pacific called Saipan. I came to the mainland (Boston, to be exact) when I was 18 for college. This explains why my office is always 80 degrees… you can take the girl out of the island, but you can’t take the island out of the girl.
What do you do for fun?
I have been dancing all my life, so when I’m not at work, you’ll likely find me on a dance floor, competing, teaching, or just dancing for the joy of it. I began my dance journey with the Polynesian dances of the islands before moving into Ballroom and Latin. Williamsburg introduced me to West Coast Swing, which quickly became a new love, and more recently I’ve added Country Ballroom to my competitive dance journey. I also love sharing my passion for movement by teaching Zumba at the William & Mary Rec Center. From the competition floor to the fitness studio, dance continues to be one of the great constants in my life.
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Jaime Welch-Donahue, Assistant Dean
Can you share a little bit about your career path? What was your journey to William & Mary Law?
My journey to W&M Law Admissions started in higher education communications. I was the law school's director of communications before I joined the J.D. admissions staff.
What is your favorite part about working in admissions here at W&M?
It's a pleasure to talk with prospective applicants because I don't feel I have to "sell" the school. I've worked here for 20+ years and have seen the great things our graduates do with their W&M educations. Law school has been likened to a marathon and I've seen over the years how much our students support and care about each other. Students and graduates have told me how tremendously supportive our faculty is.
Do you have any advice for prospective applicants?
Plan to allow enough time to study for the LSAT! While test-taking philosophies vary from school to school, I suggest you approach the test well prepared and with an optimistic attitude. That said, allow time just in case you don't do as well as you hoped and need to prepare to take it again. I'd add that many colleges and universities have pre-law advisors who can offer excellent guidance to students and graduates preparing to apply.
Do you have a favorite story about W&M Law?
In spring 2023, miniature (truly tiny!) duck figurines appeared all around the Law School: perched on office nameplates, on shelves, on and whiteboard ledges. I was in the Hixon Center when I saw one for the first time on a windowsill, and it made me smile. It still brightens my day when I see them from time to time around the building.
Where are you from originally?
My hometown is Fitchburg, Massachusetts. It's about 50 miles west of Boston and is a historic industrial city that grew up along the Nashua River. While Williamsburg is a beautiful place to live and work, I think nothing beats the hills of Fitchburg and New England in the fall!
What do you do for fun?
Whether on Zoom or in person, I love spending time with my kids and siblings, extended family, wonderful friends (many of whom I have known for 30+ years), and my meditation circle. My colleague Matt and I share a love of all things vintage. I must confess I was over the moon when I learned there'd be a fourth season of Ted Lasso!
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Matthew Hedrick, Assistant Director
Can you share a little bit about your career path? What was your journey to William & Mary Law?
My path is a little all over the place, as I like to say—from working in community colleges in libraries and special projects to arriving at W&M Law as an alumnus working on events, and now law admissions. Each of these experiences, as I like to say, has given me vantage points to see the beginning, middle, and end of the trajectory more efficiently so I can be more relatable throughout the life cycle, from students applying to graduation.
What is your favorite part about working in admissions here at W&M?
My goal is to help students understand the technicalities of a graduate program while contrasting it to listening to their story and understanding their exploration of self, who they are, their passions/dreams, and what they want to gain from the program. That is my favorite thing about admissions. I love being personable to students and being excited for them in this self-discovery, which I think they will see when they interact with me.
Do you have any advice for prospective students as they go through the application process?
- Be you! Be your natural, authentic self as you apply and write how you, as a person, with all your talents, abilities, and passions, will be an asset to our community. I think applicants forget that because they want to impress the admissions committee and lose their voice. I want to hear your voice and story because your unique story makes you.
- Read the directions carefully and thoroughly.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions; I love to say to everyone I meet, please pepper me with questions because asking questions means you want to ensure you are in the right direction.
What’s your favorite part about living in Williamsburg?
I appreciate the sense of past and present while intertwining with this great mixture of a small college town in the 21st century. Williamsburg has certainly grown over the years, but it has respected a lot of its traditional roots to fit who we are today.
Where are you from originally?
I grew up in Old Town Alexandria and the Belle Haven area of Northern Virginia. I moved to Williamsburg in 2004 and haven’t left. I feel like I have lived here longer because it used to be our weekend escape while growing up, so I feel that have grown up here, so to speak.
What do you do for fun?
I do a mixture of things, from working with my Alumni Chapter at Christopher Newport University, embracing my love of interior design through antiquing all over the Virginia coast, and working on my circa-1790 colonial that was rebuilt in 1986 piece by piece from Farmville, Virginia.
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Kathryn Foisy, Admissions Specialist
Can you share a little bit about your career path? Why Higher Education?
My background is in history and education, and my career initially began in K–12 education, where I taught history at the middle and high school levels, as well as in alternative education settings. While I truly enjoyed teaching and have always had a passion for history, I knew that I ultimately wanted to transition into higher education and find new ways to support and guide students.
I am excited to begin this new role [in August 2026} and continue helping students navigate their educational journeys, now in a different setting. I look forward to bringing my experience in education and my passion for student success to this new position.
Where are you from originally? What's your favorite part about living in Williamsburg?
I am originally from Massachusetts and grew up just south of Boston. My family and I frequently visited Williamsburg while I was growing up, so I am especially happy to now call Williamsburg home.
Since moving here, some of my favorite aspects of the area have been its rich history, natural beauty, and welcoming community. As a history enthusiast, I particularly appreciate the incredible amount of history throughout the area, as well as the community’s dedication to preserving and celebrating its historical heritage. I have also enjoyed exploring the many parks, natural spaces, and outdoor areas that make Williamsburg such a beautiful place to live. Most of all, I have loved getting to know the people and becoming part of the community I once visited as a child.
What do you do for fun?
Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, skiing, and finding new adventures to share with my dogs. One of my biggest goals is to visit all of the national parks across the United States—and, once I accomplish that, to continue exploring and adventuring beyond the U.S.!
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