Strickland met his wife Jennifer, ’18 while at Hillsdale. They have two kids, Marianne and Frankie.
Courtesy | Ben Strickland

In this Quick Hits interview, Associate Director of Admissions Ben Strickland ’16 talks raiding Galloway, tacos, and “Bluey.”

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Like many young boys, I wanted to be in the Army.

If you had to be a professor instead of working for admissions, what subject would you teach?

Theology would be awesome.

What’s one of your favorite college memories?

We raided Galloway during Feast once. I remember looking back at the army of Simpson boys behind me. It was basically straight out of “Braveheart.” We had flags fluttering in the wind, war paint, and a buddy of mine was even playing the bagpipes.

What’s one of the funniest things your kids have ever said?

When looking at a Van Gogh painting, my daughter Marianne asked, “Is that a house that got punched?”

What is the best piece of advice you have received?  

“Live in the spectacular now.”

If you could play any sport at Hillsdale for one game, which sport would you choose?

Since we don’t have men’s volleyball, then maybe football. 

If you could swap lives with a cartoon character for a day, who would it be?

Maybe Bandit, the dad in “Bluey,” though he probably lives a pretty similar life to me now. So let’s go with Captain Rex from “The Clone Wars.” 

What’s the most useless skill or talent you have?

I’m pretty good at disc golf and board games. Both are pretty fun and equally useless.

Are tacos sandwiches?

Flour, yes. Corn, no.

What’s your favorite part of working for Admissions?

I love talking to the best high schoolers in the nation. It gives me hope.

What’s the weirdest difference between Hillsdale in 2016 and 2026?

That some of my classmates are now professors. 

What’s the best dorm on campus? 

Simpson, easy. They are the most involved on campus. 

What’s your wildest hot take? 

Every Star Wars movie (minus “Rogue One”) is actively bad. 

What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you in a professional setting?

It’s not the most professional thing, but I do a roast of prospective students during the scholarship weekends. It’s a good time.

What’s the most annoying thing students do?

For some, taking things too seriously. For others, not caring more.