Next to the stairwell on the eighth floor, a large office sits parallel to a wall of sunny windows.  Inside the office, college banners proudly hang, displaying college choices of former NAHS students, everything from Georgia State to Georgetown. Sitting at the desk is a young man, who could be mistaken for an extremely well-dressed senior. Don’t be deceived: that man is actually Austin Lyke,  North Atlanta’s college advisor and the director of the North Atlanta College and Career Center.

Austin Lyke can often be found talking with anxious and excited seniors about the college admissions process or hosting a college admissions representative. This year, colleges such as Northwestern, Georgetown, Georgia, and South Carolina, all made stops to Rm. 8141 to meet with NAHS students and Mr. Lyke.

The NAHS College and Career Center is collaboration between the Institute of Higher Learning at the University of Georgia (UGA) and Atlanta Public Schools. Centers are designed to improve college access for all students, including those from population subsets that are currently underrepresented in collegiate ranks.

Lyke took on the directorship post at the start of the 2013-2014 school year. At just age 23, he is well suited to give advice juniors and seniors advice about how to get and then navigate the whole post-secondary scene. Lyke is well-versed in college admissions, partially because the college experience is fresh in his mind.  In May, Lyke graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree.

“I had such a good experience during college. I know how important college is and I’m super excited to help students here get there and to thrive there,” said Lyke.

The San Antonio, Texas native initially figured he would attend college in the Lone Star State, but a desire to study out of state led him to Athens, Georgia, home to UGA. At UGA, he was a history major, and minored in environmental law. Eventually, Lyke wants to study law, in order to pursue a career in politics, focusing on educational policy.

Lyke comments on his work at North Atlanta, “There is such a talented group of students here and I enjoy seeing first-hand the multitude of higher education aspirations they all have,” he said.

All students, particularly seniors, are advised to visit the College and Career Center. With Lyke’s guidance, students can access a vast stockpile of information about colleges along with financial aid information detailing exactly how college can be financed. Lyke will explain procedures and even help students with the all-important college application essays. Students should stop by to make an appointment or – with teacher permission – come by during an elective class. “Whatever they need, I’m here to help,” he said.