Melissa Delaney

Melissa Delaney, KSOE’s new Director of Admissions

I joined KSOE just over a year ago and bring to Saint Mary’s more than 18 years of graduate admissions experience. I’ve worked in graduate and professional schools in the Bay Area and Los Angeles, most recently at The Wright Institute in Berkeley and the University of San Francisco. My experience in admissions includes leadership roles working with admissions teams on systems implementation and administration, strategic planning, international admissions, student recruitment and retention, and day-to-day operations. Additionally, I’ve served on committees and the board of directors of several higher education and community-based organizations.

One of the things that drew me to this position was that the Director of Admissions position never existed within KSOE before and that I would be able to help define the role based on the needs of the school. Having a creative nature, an adventurous spirit, as well as a strong interest in organizational development, the notion of embarking on unchartered territory, in which I might need to build some things from the ground up, was very appealing. I made the right choice!

My current role encompasses three areas: operations, recruitment and outreach, and marketing, all of which tie directly to goals within KSOE’s strategic plan. Within these areas, I’m working collaboratively with faculty and staff to streamline admissions processes and procedures to develop more efficient, consistent, and timely business practices; develop short and long term recruitment and outreach strategies aimed at increasing the quantity, quality, and diversity of KSOE students; and increase KSOE’s visibility and strengthen its brand through marketing and communication strategies. Having grown up in Lamorinda and graduated high school in Moraga, coming to Saint Mary’s despite having lived away for more than 25 years has felt a bit like returning to my roots. Saint Mary’s is an easy place to become attached to. I look forward to forging more collaborative relationships at the college, and being a part of KSOE’s future, contributing further to the schools mission and vision.