Reporting to the president and serving as a member of her senior staff, McGann will be responsible for all aspects of admission and financial aid, including student recruitment, selection, and the financial aid process. He will serve as a highly visible advocate for the College’s mission and offerings, as well as the principles of access and need-blind admissions. McGann will join the College on July 23, 2018, and will manage a staff of approximately 32. He succeeds Katharine Fretwell ‘81, who has served in the role for the past four years, has been at Amherst for nearly 30 years, and is retiring at the end of this month.
“I am delighted to welcome Matt to Amherst,” said Martin. “He brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for integrity and creativity in his approach to the crucial work of recruiting, selecting, and supporting students. Matt is himself a first-generation college graduate, dedicated to ensuring access to the best possible education for talented students, regardless of means. I look forward to working with him and having him as a member of the senior staff.”
McGann, in collaboration with Dean of Admission Cate Zolkos and Dean of Financial Aid Gail Holt, will lead a strong and dedicated team charged with communicating Amherst’s academic strengths and distinctive culture and offerings to prospective students, their families, high school counselors, and others, while recruiting, enrolling and aiding a diverse and talented student body. In concert with the president, the board of trustees, and engaged faculty, McGann will shape, manage, and continuously evaluate the College’s admission and financial aid policies to continue bringing exceptional classes to Amherst, both now and into the future. He also will work in close partnership with the chief student affairs officer and others to ensure a successful transition for students to the Amherst community. Amherst offers one of the most comprehensive and ambitious financial aid programs in the country, is fiercely dedicated to access, and is need-blind at every step of the admission process, including for international and transfer students.