Leadership in Admission & Financial Aid

April 23, 2026

Dear Pitzer Community,

I am pleased to share that, following her successful service in an interim capacity for the past nine months, I have appointed Elisa Albán-Ashley Vice President for Admission, Financial Aid, Enrollment and College Systems at Pitzer, effective May 1, 2026.

Since stepping into the interim role in August 2025, Elisa has provided innovative and highly effective leadership during an important period for the College. She has guided the Admission and Financial Aid division with clarity and purpose, sharpening our enrollment strategy, advancing data-informed decision making, and supporting the recruitment and enrollment of outstanding students who reflect and contribute to Pitzer’s values and mission.

Elisa brings deep institutional knowledge and a strong background in enrollment strategy, data systems, student services, and finance. She joined Pitzer in 2021 as Executive Director of Operations and later served as Assistant Vice President for College Systems and Data Strategy, where she played a key role in advancing our Strategic Enrollment Management efforts and has served as Pitzer’s lead representative for the intercollegiate Student Information System project, work she will continue to be involved in going forward.

Prior to Pitzer, Elisa spent more than a decade at Pomona College in a variety of roles, including Registrar. She is a graduate of Claremont McKenna College and holds a master’s degree in information systems from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Throughout her interim tenure, Elisa has demonstrated a deep commitment to collaboration, transparency, and student-centered practices. Her steady leadership has reinforced the strength of the Admission and Financial Aid team and positioned the College well for continued success in a dynamic and evolving enrollment landscape. I am thrilled to have her continue in this ongoing role.

Upon accepting the position, Elisa shared the following: “As a first-generation Peruvian American, my journey in higher education began as an undergrad at the Claremont Colleges, where I discovered how transformative a liberal arts education can be. What makes Pitzer special is the way its community consistently shows up for each other and for students. I’m deeply honored to lead such a passionate team at an institution so clearly guided by its mission and core values that is committed to expanding access to the kind of education that changed my life.”

Please join me in congratulating Elisa on her appointment and in thanking her for her continued leadership and dedication to Pitzer.

Provida Futuri,

Strom C. Thacker
President