Learn Why Admissions Counselor Muhle Dlamini Describes Westminster as “a Salad Bar”
Admissions Counselor Muhle Dlamini, ’15 ΚΑ, has a booming voice and exudes enthusiasm for soccer, international travel, and all things Westminster College, which he intriguingly refers to as “a salad bar.” Read further to see what his description of the College means and how prospective students can make the most of a Westminster education, with or without croutons.
Where are you from originally?
I claim both Mhlume and Simunye in the Kingdom of Eswatini. Mhlume raised me, and Simunye made me. There’s also Mankayane, Eswatini, where my dad is from, but I don’t know if we’re ready to deep dive into all of that at this time.
What made you decide to attend college in the United States?
The college decision in Eswatini was (and maybe still is) decided long before a student’s senior year, as is the case typically in the United States. It was largely determined by what high school I attended, and out of a desire to not spend any more years in the same school as my two older sisters, my curiosity drove me to join others who attended colleges in the United States. I wanted to see and experience some of the things I saw on television growing up but also present myself with a challenge no one in my family had taken up quite yet — I come from a very competitive family.
What made you choose Westminster?
Westminster largely fit most of my preferences for the American colleges I applied to. I was looking for a liberal arts education and a small campus environment with a community atmosphere, as well as collegiate athletics at a level I could compete at. I had one big school on my list because they’re in Florida, and why not?
What was your major at Westminster?
International Business and Business Administration (with a concentration in Finance).
What is your admissions territory?
I’m transitioning into being the admissions counselor for the greater St. Louis area. I used to do international admissions. I’ll be a regional admissions counselor and will move out to St. Louis once we are at a point, because of COVID-19, where high schools will have us visit their buildings.
What do you tell prospective students about Westminster?
That Westminster is like a salad bar. Ask the families that have met with me! It’s a very customizable experience: You decide what goes into it based on what you’d eventually like to get out of it. You feel like kale, spring mix, romaine, or all three? If you want to triple major, that’s on you. Put them all in there! Our extracurricular offerings are designed to complement the academic experience — they’re essentially the croutons, pecans, Craisins, etc., to the salad you’re building. Graduation is the dressing.
What’s your absolute favorite aspect of Westminster College?
The men’s soccer program. They took me in as an unrecruited walk-on at age 19 and ushered me off campus as a team captain and proud ambassador of the program at 22. There are people and experiences that program has introduced me to that are critical to who I became at Westminster College. Going to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament helps, by the way! I now work with the program on the other side of things. I moonlight as the recruiting coordinator and assistant men’s soccer coach when Coach Galla will have me.
What are your hobbies and interests?
Playing sports, craft beers (ciders in the summer and winter), being outside, and traveling.
Favorite TV shows and movies?
TV: Premier League Sundays, Kingdom, The Blacklist, Last Chance U, Ozark, and House of Lies. Favorite movie: The Town (trust me).
Favorite food?
Oxtail. Trust me … again.
What is something about yourself that nobody at Westminster knows?
I represented Eswatini in youth basketball at both U17 and U20 levels.
To speak with Muhle or another admissions counselor at Westminster, please call 1-800-888-9266 or email [email protected]. Or take a virtual visit by visiting our website.
