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Megan Ryan has been named executive director of admissions and financial aid at Allegheny College, effective May 3. Ryan, who has more than a decade of experience working in higher education and customer relations, currently serves as associate director of admission at Carnegie Mellon University.

“We are very pleased to welcome Megan to the Allegheny College community,” said Cornell LeSane II, Allegheny vice president for enrollment and dean of admissions. “Her extensive experience in both admissions and financial aid, along with her commitment to strategic decision-making and creative problem-solving, will be a tremendous asset to the college as we continue to build strong connections with prospective students and families.”

At CMU Ryan has been promoted twice — from assistant director of admission to senior assistant director and then to associate director. She previously held positions with Villanova University International Study in Galway, Ireland, and Banana Republic.

“The sense of community at Allegheny College is so strong,” Ryan said. “I’m excited to join a team of admission and financial aid professionals who are passionate about the students they work with and the work they do.”

In 2013, Ryan received the James McKeever Promising Professional Award, given to individuals who have demonstrated both outstanding job performance and meaningful professional services beyond their institutions, from the Pennsylvania Association for College Admissions Counseling. She serves as an at-large delegate to the association’s executive committee, has chaired sub-committees during its annual conferences, and presents frequently to colleagues and prospective students through the organization.

Ryan also is a member of the National Association of College Admission Counseling, Chi Omega National Fraternity, and SafeZone.

Ryan earned a Bachelor of Arts in communication, with minors in history and Irish studies, from Villanova University, a Master of Arts in Irish studies from the National University of Ireland, Galway, and a Master of Public Management, with highest distinction, from CMU.