Josh Levy ’94, Office of Admissions

Hello and greetings from Oberlin’s Admissions Office. My name is Josh Levy and I am one of the Associate Directors of Admission. I’m new to the Oberlin blogosphere but I’ve been at Oberlin for quite a while—I graduated in 1994 with degrees in history and Jewish studies and I’ve worked in the Admissions Office since July 1, 2003. In between graduation and returning to campus, I went to Brandeis University (MA in Near Eastern and Judaic studies) and New York University (PhD in Medieval Jewish history). While it’s true that the goal of working with college students wasn’t met in the way I anticipated, I love what I do every day—explain why Oberlin is the greatest college. How hard can it be to do this for your alma mater?

I grew up in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and moved to Pittsburgh right before high school. Four years later, I was moving into the residence halls at Oberlin. What was it about this place? Two things: 1) the diversity on campus; and 2) the music. What I found then, and what I’ve seen since I returned, was that our students get involved in a host of activities that make campus hum. The concerts to hear, the speakers to engage with, the athletic events to attend, the Art Museum to browse—there is never a dull or quiet moment around here.

When I’m not working, you’ll likely find me reading (Stephen King is the king but I’m branching out to all sorts of things—send me suggestions!), playing bridge with my wife, playing Simpsons Tapped Out! on my iPad (imagine SimCity crossed with The Simpsons), loving my Marvin the Martian mug collection that currently stands at 25+, or cooking/baking with some combination of my daughters (ages 15, 11, and 11).

I work most directly with students who attend high schools in Massachusetts, northern Ohio, and sub-Saharan Africa but I’ll talk to anyone and help them understand what makes Oberlin tick.

I look forward to hearing from you. I’d love to hear your thoughts/comments on my entries.