Parents: Is Your Teen College Ready?

From Athlete to Admissions Leader: John Frost on College Costs, Scholarships & Student Success

Episode Summary

🎙️ In this powerful episode, Shellee Howard sits down with John Frost, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing at Doane University, to uncover what really happens inside college admissions—and what families need to know. 🏀 From dreaming of the NBA to earning a college scholarship and eventually changing lives in higher education, John shares his journey and the moment he realized education is one of the most powerful tools for transformation. 💡 Parents will walk away with clarity on why college is an investment (not just a cost), how scholarships really work, and why starting early is the key to unlocking opportunities. This episode is both inspiring and eye-opening for any family navigating the college journey.

Episode Notes

• John Frost’s journey from athlete to college leadership
• Why exposure matters when choosing a major or career
• Helping students who feel lost or unsure about their future
• The difference between liking many things vs. committing to one path
• Why community service and purpose-driven work matters for students
• The true reason college costs what it does—and why it’s an investment
• Real talk: why a college degree pays off long-term
• The 4 major buckets of college funding:
• Why families should start planning for scholarships early (not senior year)
• How colleges decide which students receive the most money
• The importance of building a strong “student resume”
• Why students must take initiative—scholarships won’t come to them
• Addressing parent fears about sending kids to college
• Why college is a “transformational environment” for independence
• The role of engagement, clubs, and community on campus
• Final takeaway: students are 13% of the population—but 100% of the future