Kristin McAndrew Vice President for Enrollment & Marketing (2019 – 2023), Saint Michael's College
Job Title & Employer: Vice President for Enrollment & Marketing (2019 – 2023), Saint Michael's College
In a few sentences, tell us about yourself.
I moved to Vermont in September, and I’m still blown away by the natural beauty of this place. I have always been happiest when I can sit and read a book, or take time to seek balance with yoga. Since coming here, I’ve been drawn more outdoors. I sing with a church choir and hope to find other music-related activities in the area as well.
Please tell us about your Saint Michael’s experience.
My brother John (McAndrew ’97) is an alumnus, and he loved the sense of community here. When I came to campus, I felt it immediately. My career has been on college campuses, and that has been a deliberate choice. It feels meaningful to work in a mission-driven environment like the one at St. Mike’s, and it’s a privilege surrounded by opportunities to go to concerts, lectures, and community events every day.
What advice would you give to women students?
You are surrounded by opportunities to learn, so take them. We live in a world where you can personalize your media to focus on your existing interests, which is great, but limiting. Take a class in a different discipline. Go to a lecture about a topic unfamiliar to you. Talk to someone who grew up in another country. Your own voice is stronger when it’s informed by a broad world view.
What are some strategies that can help women achieve a more prominent role in their organizations?
Connect. Ask questions and engage with the people around you. Volunteer for projects so that people in the organization can get to know you and see your talent.
What keeps you motivated and driven on a daily basis?
One passion that has driven my career is the desire to advance women through education. I am an alumna of a women’s college, and have worked for two women’s colleges. I also worked for a prominent business school, with the goal of encouraging more women to earn MBA’s. I feel fortunate to play a role in giving people access to education.
What woman most inspires you and why?
Oh my gosh, there are so many! The Notorious RBG, of course! Sr. Madeleva Wolff, Condoleezza Rice, Katharine Hepburn, Sheryl Sandberg, Margaret Atwood, Michelle Obama… I’m inspired by smart women who are confident in their own voices, and who use their voices to uplift others.
**Originally profiled in 2020**