Pitt Recruiter Helps Rural Students Find Their Fit

Daryl Burleigh, a rural Pennsylvania native, connects prospective students to the University of Pittsburgh's resources and community.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Daryl Burleigh, a University of Pittsburgh admissions counselor, uses his rural upbringing in Wayne County, Pennsylvania to help prospective students from across the state determine if Pitt is the right fit for them. Burleigh spends much of his time on the road visiting high schools and college fairs, providing information and support to students who may be hesitant about the transition from a small town to a large urban campus.

Why it matters

Recruiting students from rural areas is a key priority for Pitt, as these students often face unique challenges in the college application and enrollment process. Burleigh's personal background and empathetic approach help him connect with these students and guide them through the decision-making process.

The details

As an only child of factory workers, Burleigh spent a lot of time on his uncle's dairy farm and is familiar with the tight-knit communities that many rural students hail from. He emphasizes that his role is not to "sell" Pitt, but rather to be a resource and help students determine if the university is the best fit for them. Burleigh also notes the diversity among rural students, with some being first-generation college attendees and others having more college-educated support, but all facing the potential culture shock of moving from a small town to a large city like Pittsburgh.

  • Burleigh has been a University of Pittsburgh admissions counselor for several years.
  • He spends four days per week traveling the state to visit high schools and college fairs.

The players

Daryl Burleigh

A University of Pittsburgh admissions counselor who grew up in the rural Wayne County area of Pennsylvania.

University of Pittsburgh

A renowned research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that is working to recruit and support more students from rural areas of the state.

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What they’re saying

“I fell in love with admissions because it gives me the ability to get out and meet and talk with people. It's my favorite part of the job.”

— Daryl Burleigh, University of Pittsburgh Admissions Counselor (pittwire.pitt.edu)

“Some people have a misconception that admissions counselors are trying to convince everybody to go to their school. What I tell students is, 'I am your go-to person for all things Pitt, and I'm here to help you determine if Pitt is the best fit for you.'”

— Daryl Burleigh, University of Pittsburgh Admissions Counselor (pittwire.pitt.edu)

What’s next

Burleigh will continue his extensive travel schedule across Pennsylvania, visiting high schools and college fairs to connect with prospective rural students and help them explore whether the University of Pittsburgh is the right fit for their educational and personal goals.

The takeaway

Pitt's dedicated rural recruiter, Daryl Burleigh, is using his own small-town upbringing to empathize with and support prospective students from Pennsylvania's rural communities, helping them navigate the transition to a large urban university and find the resources they need to succeed.