Dear students, staff and faculty:

It is my pleasure to announce that Joanna May, associate dean and director of undergraduate admissions at Columbia University, will become vice president for enrollment at Smith, beginning July 15. She will succeed Audrey Smith, who is retiring from the position in June after 21 successful years at Smith.

Joanna will serve as a member of my Cabinet, providing institutional leadership for recruitment and financial aid activities that support the college’s priorities of maintaining excellence and expanding diversity in its student body. She will be responsible for all aspects of undergraduate student recruitment, selection, enrollment and financial aid. Joanna will be a great partner as we work to equalize the student experience at Smith. I am so pleased that she will be a member of the Smith community.

In her current role at Columbia, Joanna directs the day-to-day operation of the admissions office and staff, from recruitment through enrollment, and works with the Financial Aid and Educational Financing Office on broader financial aid policy and strategy. She supported Columbia’s Undergraduate Admissions Office through critical transitions, including joining the Common Application process. Prior to her time at Columbia, she served in admission roles at New York University and at Stevens Institute of Technology.

I wish to extend my thanks to the search committee—David DeSwert, Kristin Hughes, Daniel Kramer, Denise Materre, Denise McKahn, Roisin O’Sullivan, Cate Rowen and Baishakhi Taylor—for their hard work and excellent counsel. Please join me in welcoming Joanna to Smith.

Sincerely,

Kathleen McCartney
President