After more than 22 years, Sandy Kelley, Associate Director of Admission is planning to retire from Ithaca College in the beginning of June.
Sandy joined the Ithaca College community in November of 1999 to lead our efforts in recruiting and enrolling transfer students. Although not originally from central New York, Sandy quickly acclimated to life and work in a community that she identified as engaged, environmentally aware, culturally rich, and beautiful.
Sandy has been an integral part of our South Hill community and has worked closely with thousands of prospective students and families and built strong relationships with alumni and parents. A consistent leader in putting students at the center of her work, Sandy has contributed to our success in many ways, including yet not limited to:
- Coordinating graduate admission and liaising with each of the graduate program chairs as programs have been developed and new admission applications have been created internally and in partnership with CASPA.
- Leading our student recruitment and enrollment strategies for international citizens including enrolling a record-breaking enrollment for the fall of 2021, despite the pandemic.
- Leading and coordinating our partnership with the Next Genius Scholar Program.
- Coordinating our partnership with the UWC Davis Scholar Program.
- Coordinating our partnership with both the Upstate New York School Counselor Tour and the Upstate New York International School Counselor Tour.
Sandy has been a part of the transformation of the admission profession and helped direct many changes in our initiatives at IC. An honest and true colleague, leader, and friend.
“I have appreciated the opportunity to learn from Sandy as she has been a strong mentor and tireless advocate for transfer students, keeping their best interests at the forefront of her work. Her contributions will be greatly missed.” – Joan Hurley
“Sandy was the person who coordinated the search for my position 12 years ago. She was my first impression of Ithaca College and evolved into a lasting mentor. I cannot imagine the office of admission without her and will miss her dearly.” – Jessica Kowalewski Dietrich
“When I think of my time at Ithaca College, it is filled with memories of Sandy. She always gave support and guidance, leading with kindness and warmth. I will always remember, when the pandemic first started and campus had shut down, an office meeting where we were sharing what we had been doing to keep ourselves busy during the early weeks of lockdown; Sandy shared that she had purchased coffee beans online, not realizing they were raw and needed to be roasted before use! True to Sandy's willingness to remain flexible and to go-with-the-flow, she embraced the challenge and shared with the team that she was engaged in her own coffee roasting outdoors. Her reaction gave me such joy during such an uncertain time. I will forever remember her humility, openness, and advice to always plan accordingly (especially when breakfast pizza is involved). She has my best wishes for this new and exciting chapter!” – Lisa Searle
Sandy will be greatly missed. She is simply irreplaceable. Despite the loss, I am very excited that Sandy will now have more time for her family, reading for pleasure, time with her beloved dog Bags, and hiking the natural lands.
I know you will join me in thanking Sandy personally for all her contributions to the college and wishing her well. Sandy will begin this new chapter on June 10.
Nicole Eversley Bradwell, Executive Director of Admission
