Apr 20, 2007 - Claremont, Calif. - Thyra L. Briggs, dean of enrollment at Sarah Lawrence College, has been chosen to serve as the vice president and dean of admission and financial aid at Harvey Mudd College (HMC).

Briggs succeeds interim Vice President for Admission and Financial Aid Peter Osgood and joins HMC at an exciting time of growth and advancement as its strategic planning initiative "HMC 2020: Envisioning the Future" is underway. It includes initiatives to expand and enhance student recruitment and diversity. While an exact date has yet to be determined, Briggs will likely begin her duties this summer.

"I know she is going to be a wonderful addition to our college," said HMC President Maria Klawe. "There was an unusually talented group of applicants for this position, and I could not be more happy that our top choice will join us. "

“I am honored and thrilled to be joining the Harvey Mudd College community,” said Briggs. “From my first introduction to the college through my decision to accept the position, I have been struck by the college's unwavering commitment to its mission, the rigor of its curriculum, and the dedication of the faculty, staff and students.”

“In a world of higher education when so many colleges try to be everything to all people, I was excited to find in HMC an institution that is unapologetically true to itself with astounding results,” Briggs added. “It is important that the college continue to attract a high level of committed and talented students while strengthening the depth and diversity of the applicant pool, and I look forward to leading this challenge.”

Committed to the value of a liberal arts college, Briggs comes to HMC with many years of experience in college admission and enrollment. In her 15 years at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, NY, Briggs moved up in ranks from admission counselor to assistant and associate director of admission to the college's dean of admission and her current role, dean of enrollment.

Briggs is a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling, the New York State Association for College Admission Counseling and the College Board. She is also an advisory board member of CITYterm, a New York-based college-preparatory program that brings together seven residential faculty and 30 high school juniors and seniors for a semester of intensive, experience-based learning. From 2004 to 2007, Briggs served as curriculum director of the New York State Association for College Admission Counseling Summer Institute, which trains new admission and guidance counselors. She earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in religious studies and child development (magna cum laude) from Connecticut College.

Briggs' selection was the result of a national search that was conducted with the assistance of the firm Lahti Search Consultants of Meadville, PA, and a search committee of faculty, students, staff and alumni from Harvey Mudd College and The Claremont Colleges.