Bettsy McKlaine, director of degree completion and graduate admissions, was honored by the National Association of Graduate Admissions Professionals (NAGAP) with the 2023 Future Leader Award at the annual conference on April 13, 2023, in New York City.
The award recognizes a NAGAP member who has exhibited leadership qualities and an enthusiasm for the graduate enrollment management (GEM) profession that distinguishes them as a rising leader in the field.
“I was extremely shocked but super excited. I made my husband read the e-mail asking him if I was nominated or receiving the award. I am very blessed, for sure, and grateful for all the opportunities that Neumann has given me,” she said.
McKlaine is no stranger to Neumann University. She is a double alum (’11’15) who began her career in the university’s undergraduate admissions office, rising through the ranks from admissions counselor to assistant director. Her career path led her to stints in transfer admissions and adult and professional studies at other universities. She returned to NU in 2019.
McKlaine is the president of the PAGAP, the state chapter of NAGAP. She had previously served as the membership chair for the state organization. NU Vice President Fran Reed introduced McKlaine to NAGAP and encouraged her to get involved.
“I give Fran a lot of credit for getting me involved in NAGAP and helping me fall even more in love with graduate enrollment management and not just admissions but student life, recruitment, marketing, and everything related to GEM,” McKlaine said.
“I love Neumann in general with my own experiences. I did one of my grad degrees here, and I really grew both professionally and personally through that program. I want to make sure that we’re providing that same experience to other grad students here at Neumann,” McKlaine said. “Life is hard, and we’re here to support our students to be successful both inside the classroom and outside of the classroom.”
McKlaine has a passion for her work and has developed several initiatives to enhance grad students at Neumann University. She was instrumental in establishing the graduate assistantship program, which has grown to 17 students working in various departments around campus. She created graduate ambassador and graduate orientation programs.
In an effort to show NU graduate students how much they are valued, McKlaine recognized them during Graduate Student Appreciation Week in early April.
“Bettsy has been the driving force behind creating a community that welcomes and supports adult and graduate students at NU. She also keeps their interests in the forefront and is often a mentor to many of them,” said Reed. “She continues to grow as a GEM professional and is an inspiration to her team and those that work with her.”
McKlaine is quick to deflect praise and pass it along to several coworkers who have helped support her graduate admissions efforts. Her team includes Curt Krouse and Jessica Yearwood, whom she describes as “awesome.” Throughout the past four years, she says that she has received unwavering support from Reed, graduate program directors and faculty, and key offices on campus.
McKlaine’s motto is to guide graduate students from “app to cap” from the moment they apply until they wear their graduation cap.