We are pleased to announce that Kara Pitts has been named Director of Financial Aid at Clarkson University.
Kara started her career at Clarkson University in September of 2005 as an Assistant Director of Admission. As a first generation college graduate, Kara’s passion for helping families with the financial aid process became evident very quickly and she jumped at the opportunity to take on an additional role within New Student Financial Aid in March of 2006. Throughout her time in admissions, Kara worked closely with the Director of New Student Financial Aid while taking on more and more responsibilities. In June of 2011 she was promoted to Associate Director of New Student Financial Aid and eventually took on the role of Director of New Student Financial Aid in July of 2012.
Since taking on the role of Director of New Student Financial Aid, Kara has managed all aspects of the New Student Financial Aid Office and been an integral part and senior leader of the Enrollment Management Team. She has worked collaboratively with many departments across campus and has played a key role in several new financial aid initiatives such as the implementation of the Clarkson Lewis Income Share Agreement program and most recently Clarkson’s Ignite Presidential Fellowship Program. Kara actively participates in the development of new strategies for the recruitment and financial aid optimization for new incoming freshman and transfer students.
In January 2012, she was recognized for her commitment to diversity with the third annual Institutional Diversity Initiatives Recognition Award. The award is given to a faculty or staff member who works for social justice and equality beyond the scope of their job duties. Additionally, since May of 2017, Kara has served on the SAGE Scholars Advisory Council. The Advisory Council consists of college presidents, vice presidents of enrollment, directors of financial aid and other senior staff and works to promote SAGE’s programs to colleges and universities across America while advising SAGE on issues related to higher education. Kara completed Clarkson University Leadership Development Program as part of Clarkson’s 2nd Leadership Development Cohort in fall 2019. The program focused on communication, leadership and change management skills.
Upon the retirement of Pam Nichols September 8th, click announcement here https://announcements.clarkson.edu/2021/08/19/first-tuesday-september-7-at-the-royal-indian-grill/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=first-tuesday-september-7-at-the-royal-indian-grill, Clarkson is taking the opportunity to restructure Financial Aid by combining New Student Financial Aid with the continuing student Financial Aid department. Clarkson continues to look for ways to improve the overall student experience and we feel Kara’s student centered approach and commitment to the overall student experience will be an asset. Effective immediately, Kara will work closely with Pam Nichols over the next few weeks to make a seamless transition into this new role.
Kara received a Bachelor of Science Degree from SUNY Cortland in 2000 and has taken graduate level course work at St. Lawrence University in Educational Leadership.
Provost Robyn Hannigan
VP Brian Grant
Interim CFO, William McGarry
