A loyal alumna and long-time Illinois State employee has been chosen to lead the University’s Office of Alumni Engagement. Kristin “Kris” (Meseth) Harding began as executive director in the spring following the retirement of Doris (Liefer) Groves ’81. Harding, far left in front row, leads a staff of nine.
Appears InShe completed her master’s degree in educational administration and foundations in 1994. She has worked at Illinois State for nearly 20 years, beginning as an academic advisor in University College.
In 2005, Harding joined the Office of Admissions staff. She served as a transfer coordinator and communication specialist before being promoted to assistant director and later associate director. Harding transitioned in 2014 to the College of Education, where she became the director of constituent relations.
Her endeavors on campus include serving as the co-chair of Transfer Coordinators, the Illinois Association for College Admission Counseling’s Project Reach, and the Teaching in the 21st Century Conference. She also served on the planning committee for the New Teacher Conference in the College of Education.
Harding is honored to lead Alumni Engagement efforts for the University’s more than 215,000 graduates. “I look forward to meeting many proud Redbirds and sharing in their memories of Illinois State, as well as learning of their accomplishments as graduates,” Harding said.
She is a 2015 recipient of the University’s Administrative Professional Distinguished Service Award. Earlier this year she received the Crystal Award for service from the Association for Women in Communications. She is president of the Bloomington-Normal chapter.
An alumna of Leadership Illinois, Harding was a member of the 2018 class of Leadership McLean County. She is an active community volunteer, and has worked several years with The Baby Fold’s Festival of Trees.
Harding and her husband, Jamie ’94, M.S. ’96, met at ISU. They have two children, Kaleb and Emma.
