For the first time in 26 years, Pitt has named a new director of the Office of Admissions and… For the first time in 26 years, Pitt has named a new director of the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid.

According to a press release from the University, Marc Harding assumed the title of Chief Enrollment Officer on July 15. Harding succeeds Betsy Porter, who is retiring at the end of the month after serving in the position since 1986.

As Chief Enrollment Officer, Harding is broadly responsible for “attracting and retaining highly talented, diverse classes of students.” His specific jobs include “enrollment planning and policies, student financial aid, the PittStart summer orientation for new students and undergraduate admissions.”

Prior to his appointment at Pitt, Harding worked at four different universities over the course of 30 years. He most recently served as assistant vice president for enrollment and director of admissions at Iowa State University, a position he held since January 2011.

According to the press release, Iowa State has experienced a 50 percent increase in applications and a nearly 30 percent increase in freshman enrollment since 2006.

“Mr. Harding’s vision for the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid is well-matched to our overall vision for the University of Pittsburgh,” Pitt Senior Vice Chancellor Patricia Beeson said in the press release. “He is committed to recruiting and retaining a talented and diverse population of students who are poised to take advantage of all the University has to offer. I am confident that his student-centered approach, passion for working with people and emphasis on service and innovative thinking among his colleagues will help him advance these goals within the culture of the University community.”

Harding earned his undergraduate degree in communication studies from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies degree from Iowa State. He is currently working toward his Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy study at Iowa State.