Engineering and Computer Science Staff Spotlight: Admissions and Recruitment

Get to know the admissions and recruitment staff at the College of Engineering and Computer Science!

Kathleen Joyce

Name: Kathleen M. Joyce 

Title: Assistant Dean for Student Recruitment 

Tell us about your role at Engineering and Computer Science (ECS):

I oversee undergraduate and graduate recruitment, managing operations and outcomes while focusing on recruiting students across all ECS programs. I have the privilege of leading a fantastic team, and together we create programs and initiatives that not only support students through the admissions process but that also contribute to the success of our college.

What is your favorite part of working here at ECS?

I have a lot of favorite aspects of working in ECS but top of my list is the opportunity I have had over the years to work with amazing students who inspire me. Engineering and computer science are so vital to society. It is wonderful to work with students, faculty, and staff who aspire to make the world a better place with their talent, innovative vision, and hard work! 

Jonathan Hoster

Name: Jonathan J. Hoster

Title: Associate Director for Undergraduate Admissions and Recruitment

Tell us about your role at ECS:

I connect with prospective undergraduate students and their families on campus, via Zoom, and in cities around the country. I host presentations for small and large groups, and I also meet with prospective students and families individually to highlight the outstanding opportunities that await them as an ECS student.

What is your favorite part of working here at ECS?

My favorite part is getting to know our students and celebrating their many successes. I meet many of them when they are in high school. I enjoy seeing them in our buildings and around campus as they are pursuing their degrees in ECS. I am very proud of all their accomplishments in academics, research, extracurriculars, and industry, and I am always grateful for the opportunity to congratulate and celebrate them at graduation.

Michaela Karcher

Name: Michaela Karcher

Title: Recruitment Specialist

Tell us about your role at ECS:

Meet with prospective students and families to discuss information about the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Work with the admissions team to host events on campus.

What is your favorite part of working here at ECS?

Since I started in July, I have grown to meet so many kind and passionate people. I love when I am walking families around Link or CST and someone stops to share more in-depth information, whether it be staff, faculty, or current students. There is a true welcoming feeling in ECS.

Nick Clarke

Name: Nicholas Clarke

Title: Associate Director for Graduate Student Recruitment and Administration

Tell us about your role at ECS:

I work with our recruitment team to promote the College of Engineering and Computer Science to prospective graduate students. Through travel, weekly information sessions, one-on-one meetings and direct email correspondence I help students to better understand our programs and admissions process. I also assist with graduate administrative training for new staff.

What is your favorite part of working here at ECS?

I love helping students and supporting them through the admissions process and their arrival on campus. My experience as a graduate coordinator allows me to field an array of questions that are unique to the graduate student experience. My favorite part of my job is having the useful information a student needs that solves a problem or just makes their day easier. 

Lilly Smolak

Name: Lilly Smolak

Title: Admissions Coordinator

Tell us about your role at ECS:

Provide daily operational support, including budget tracking, processing office requisitions, and assisting fellow staff members in the admissions department.

What is your favorite part of working here at ECS?

My favorite part of working at ECS is the welcoming and supportive community. From the moment I started in July, I was embraced with warmth and kindness, with everyone eager to offer help whenever I needed it. I’ve made many wonderful friends within the ECS community and look forward to building even more connections in the future.