February 10, 2026
Dear Colleagues,
This announcement is bittersweet as we pause to celebrate a remarkable career.
Marc Harding, Vice Provost for Enrollment and Chief Enrollment Officer—whose leadership, vision, and deep commitment to Pitt have shaped our enrollment strategies for more than a decade—has shared with me his plans to retire from the University of Pittsburgh on July 17, 2026. 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, Marc will be stepping away from his current role effective February 12.
As many of you know, Marc arrived at Pitt in July of 2012, bringing 29 years of enrollment experience, and since that time has led the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid (OAFA) with incredible distinction. 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. 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.
Because of the remarkable team Marc has built, we are exceptionally well positioned for a thoughtful shift which will allow for a meaningful and fortunate overlap in leadership within OAFA. I am pleased to share that Kellie Kane, currently Associate Vice Provost for Enrollment, has agreed to serve as Interim Vice Provost for Enrollment, effective February 12, 2026. Kellie is a two-time Pitt alum, earning both her bachelor’s degree and MBA from Pitt. She began working full-time in OAFA in 1999. Since 2012, she has played a vital role in helping OAFA become a national leader in college and university enrollment management by developing innovative, student-centered processes and practices. She will bring deep institutional knowledge, as well as seasoned and respected leadership to this role.
In the months ahead, Marc will remain closely engaged with Kellie and the OAFA leadership team. In fact, until his retirement date, Marc has generously agreed to serve the University 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. 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.
Please join me in thanking Marc for his remarkable leadership and in supporting Kellie and the entire OAFA team during the time ahead.
Regards,
Joe
Joseph J. McCarthy
Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor
William Kepler Whiteford Professor
University of Pittsburgh