Appointment of Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid

Hampshire College Community,

I’m writing to announce an exciting leadership appointment. Please join me in welcoming our new Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid Fumio Sugihara, who will join us on March 30 from Marlboro College where he serves in the same role. Fumio has more than 20 years of experience spanning enrollment, retention, financial aid, and marketing. In addition to his deep professional experience, he brings a demonstrated commitment to the mission of progressive, student-directed education. Previously he served as VP for Enrollment at Juniata College and in director-level roles for Bennington, University of Puget Sound, and Bowdoin. Fumio holds a master’s in higher education from Harvard University and a bachelor’s in women’s studies and environmental studies from Bowdoin College.

I appointed Fumio through an expedited search assisted by senior leadership and the admissions and financial aid team (including students working in admissions), who expressed confidence that Fumio is highly qualified to lead Hampshire in developing our long-term enrollment strategy and supported offering him this important role.

I am deeply grateful to Interim Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid Kevin Kelly who has led the office since last summer. Kevin took on the daunting task of rebuilding and restaffing our admissions and financial aid functions and successfully recruiting students for our spring and fall classes this year. Kevin has agreed to work alongside Fumio until mid-April and to help transition the office. Please join me in thanking Kevin for his leadership.

Two weeks ago, Hampshire sent letters to more than 250 Early Action applicants inviting them to enroll in our 50th anniversary class next fall. Our Admissions team is now reviewing our Regular Decision applications, and by April we’ll invite hundreds more students to our fall class. Now is the time to share with these students our excitement about the College, and I’m prepared to personally welcome every student we admit. I look forward to joining faculty, staff, students, and alums as we support our Admissions team in persuading new students to join us in the fall.

Ed Wingenbach
President