Marc Harding, vice provost for enrollment and chief enrollment officer, who has guided the University through an era of steep increases in applicants and enrollment, has stepped away from his current role, as of Feb. 12, and will retire on July 17.

An announcement on Feb. 10 from Provost Joe McCarthy said Harding was stepping away from his current role now “to ensure as smooth a transition as possible and to maintain continuity while sustaining the same incredible energy that has characterized the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid under Marc’s guidance.”

Kellie Kane, currently associate vice provost for enrollment, will serve as interim vice provost for enrollment. She earned both her bachelor’s degree and MBA from Pitt, and began working full-time in OAFA in 1999.

Harding came to Pitt in July 2012, after 29 years in college enrollment at University of Massachusetts Amherst, Virginia Tech, University of South Florida and Iowa State.

“It is no overstatement to say that by any measure Marc’s leadership has truly transformed enrollment at Pitt and has positioned our institution for continued success,” McCarthy’s message said. “OAFA has recruited the most academically talented and ethnically diverse classes in the University’s history, driven dramatic growth in applications, welcomed a record number of international students, strengthened financial aid operations, and launched model programs steeped in state-of-the-art best practices. A culture rooted in creativity, collaboration and service has enabled OAFA to consistently meet the University’s enrollment goals under Marc’s stewardship.”

In the months ahead, Harding will serve as special assistant to the provost for enrollment strategy. In this role, he will advise Pitt EDGE as they build a campus-focused ecosystem in support of master’s and professional enrollment and continue to work closely with our regional campuses on enrollment strategies, while also remaining an active partner to OAFA leadership and the Academic Leadership Team.

“I am deeply grateful for the superb operation Marc is leaving in our hands and for his record-setting contributions to the University,” McCarthy said. “His tireless efforts have positioned Pitt’s enrollment enterprise exceptionally well for the future. Without doubt, his positive and profound impact will be felt for years to come.”