Alumni Spotlight: Juan Camilo Tamayo ’95, ’98
Clarke: What have you been up to since your time as a student at Clarke?
Juan: I never really stopped being a student – I love to learn! I not only worked for Clarke after graduation in the Admissions Office but then I moved to Boca Raton, FL to work at Lynn University. I was in Admissions there for 12 years and was the Director of Undergraduate Admissions there for 5 years before starting my own business, JCT4Education.
Clarke: Wow, starting your own business is a huge undertaking! What motivated you, and what inspires you now?
Juan: Absolutely, deciding to leave Lynn University and the cushy, comfortable job I had to go out and venture into the unknown and start from scratch was a challenge. I wanted a change, and this decision came to me as I was pedaling through Iowa on the RAGBRAI Bicycle Ride.
For me, higher education isn’t just a job, it’s a passion. I founded JCT4Education in 2011 and we have worked with hundreds of families and students as they navigate the college admissions process. Community service is also tied into my organization, and we hold a social entrepreneurship summer program for teenagers called Inspire which takes place in my home country of Colombia. Although I am still based in Florida, I have traveled to 89 countries and JTC4Education is advising in 49 of them!
I have a responsibility to students and families from around the world. I know we can contribute as an organization and would love to continue leading and providing access to education not only in the United States but globally. My goal is that 10% of families – at least! – in the Americas and Spain will know about JCT4Education in the coming years.
Clarke: Can you share how you’ve contributed to the world of higher education outside of your organization?
Juan: In 2015, I created the first Regional Institute in China for the International Association for College Admission Counseling and was later elected the Vice President of Government Relations for the organization. I am also a proud recipient of the Council of International Schools T. Michael Maybury Award, which honors a member of the university admissions community who has made significant contributions to the field of university admission and recruitment. I continue to serve on boards and travel in the name of education.
Clarke: How do you feel Clarke contributed to your passion for education?
Juan: I owe my education and where I am today to Clarke University. I am proud of my two BA degrees: Communication and Marketing. A Liberal Arts education is, for me, the most complete of all, as its power makes you stronger – the discipline, honor code, and set of values it instills in you. My professors prepared me to keep up and stay in tune with what the world is looking for in a professional. Clarke also allowed me to participate in so many activities: Spanish tutor, working in the cafeteria, being part of the cross-country team, and majoring in what I loved – advertising and marketing. The diversity for me was pivotal – it prepared me for the challenges ahead.
Thinking back, my professors inspired me to do and exceed my best. The power of education that Clarke gave me strengthened my personality and provided me with incredible opportunities to navigate the ever more complex world we are in. I love Clarke, the power of a Liberal Arts education, and above all, I love Iowa. God bless!
Thank you for sharing your story with us, Juan! Do you know a member of the Clarke alumni community we should highlight? Submit your nominations for a future Alumni Spotlight by emailing alumnirelations@clarke.edu.
Website www.JCT4Education.com
Social Media: Search for “JCT4Education” on your favorite platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn and more!