Interim Leadership Update

August 1, 2025

Dear Pitzer Community,

Following up on my message earlier this week, I write to update you on the leadership transition in our Admission and Financial Aid division.

After thorough consideration and consultation with Human Resources and senior leadership at the College, I have appointed Elisa Albán-Ashley as Interim Vice President for Admission, Financial Aid, and Enrollment, effective August 1. Elisa currently serves as Assistant Vice President for College Systems and Data Strategy and has been a key member of the College’s Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) team over the past year. She is also Pitzer’s lead representative for the intercollegiate Student Information System (SIS) project.

Elisa is well positioned to thrive in this new role and brings deep experience and a strong understanding of enrollment strategy, data systems, student services, finance, and the Claremont Colleges. Since joining Pitzer in 2021 as Executive Director of Operations, she has helped enhance our data-informed decision making and operational effectiveness across multiple areas. Prior to coming to Pitzer, she was the Registrar at Pomona College, where she served in several roles over more than a decade of total service. Elisa earned her bachelor’s degree at Claremont McKenna College and holds a master’s degree in information systems from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Elisa will bring steady, collaborative, and effective leadership to the division. With her leadership, the support of the SEM group, and the ongoing dedication of the Admission and Financial Aid team, we will continue to attract and enroll outstanding students who are a strong match for Pitzer’s values and community. I will share further updates about plans for filling the settled position at the appropriate time.

In the meantime, please join me in congratulating Elisa and welcoming her to this important new role. Thank you for your continued support.

Provida Futuri,

Strom C. Thacker
President