NOVA partners with universities across the Commonwealth to bring transfer expertise and support to our students. Our University Transfer Representatives (UTRs) are part of a unique collaboration with George Mason University, James Madison University (JMU), Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), and Virginia Tech (VT) that embeds university personnel from those institutions at NOVA. By maintaining office space at NOVA and visiting all campuses, UTRs offer students direct access to transfer advising and admissions assistance.
University Transfer Representatives
Meet Your University Transfer Representatives
Nick Mihaljevic
Assistant director of transfer admissions
Email: nmihalje@gmu.edu
Phone: 703-993-1827
Office: Annandale Campus, CA Building
How I can help
- Major exploration
- Academic advising
- Admissions support
- Financing your education
- Orientation and transition support
- Events and information sessions
Get to know Nick
What do you enjoy most about George Mason?
The diverse student body and faculty who have access to cutting-edge research and great career opportunities, all at in-state prices. Plus, we have more than 500 student organizations for you to get involved in.
What’s one piece of advice you would give NOVA students preparing to transfer?
Apply early, check your VCCS email weekly for updates and reach out if you have any questions.
What’s one resource or opportunity at your university that NOVA students should know about?
Our Career Center. George Mason University is consistently ranked No. 1 in Virginia for internships by U.S. News & World Report.
Learn more about transferring to George Mason
Jennifer Jackson
Transfer advising coordinator
Email: jacks3jk@jmu.edu
Phone: 540-391-0568
Office: Annandale Campus, CA Building
How I can help
- Major exploration
- Academic advising
- Admissions support
- Financing your education
- Orientation and transition support
- Events and information sessions
Get to know Jennifer
What do you enjoy most about James Madison?
I love that JMU is a campus and community that feels like home. The atmosphere is welcoming and inviting. And it’s true, we all hold the doors open for one another (it’s a JMU tradition)!
What’s one piece of advice you would give NOVA students preparing to transfer?
Be open to exploring majors and minors and take the time to figure out what it is you want to do – sometimes it’s helpful to try a new elective or course and see if it sparks a new interest!
What’s one resource or opportunity at your university that NOVA students should know about?
We hold a university-wide Student Organization Night at the beginning of every semester – this is a great time to check out all the ways you can get involved at JMU and really make the campus and community feel like home!
Learn more about transferring to James Madison
Larissa Anderson
Transfer admissions counselor
Email: andersonl5@vcu.edu
Phone: 804-628-1728 ext. 61728
Office: Annandale Campus, CA Building
Larissa Anderson is on summer leave from June 1 to August 3, 2026. During this time, please contact VCU’s Office of Admission with questions about the VCU admission process at 804.828.1222 or ugrad@vcu.edu.
How I can help
- Major exploration
- Admissions support
- Orientation and transition support
- Events and information sessions
Get to know Larissa
What do you enjoy most about VCU?
My favorite thing about VCU is its welcoming and supportive atmosphere! The staff and students are always ready to lend a helping hand.
What’s one piece of advice you would give NOVA students preparing to transfer?
I advise NOVA students to meet with an advisor or college representative at the beginning of their community college experience to better understand all the opportunities available to them.
What’s one resource or opportunity at your university that NOVA students should know about?
NOVA students should investigate our clubs and teams! We have more than 400 organizations and 27 teams. VCU is an epicenter for finding community and networking on and off campus. See our Handshake profile or the “Get Involved” tab on our website.
Learn more about transferring to VCU
Ester Portillo
Admissions counselor
Email: emiportillo@vt.edu
Phone: 540-744-5928
Office: Annandale Campus, CA Building
How I can help
- Major exploration
- Admissions support
- Events and information sessions
Get to know Ester
What do you enjoy most about Virginia Tech?
I enjoy the students’ excitement to be a part of the Virginia Tech community and the camaraderie among all who call themselves Hokies.
What’s one piece of advice you would give NOVA students preparing to transfer?
Check the Admissions Transfer Roadmaps to ensure that you will be meeting the required classes for your intended transfer major.
What’s one resource or opportunity at your university that NOVA students should know about?
For step-by-step support with the transfer application, the Transfer Application Checklist (opens in a new tab) is one of the most useful tools available to students.