After graduating from Wayne State University in 1987 with a degree in psychology, Catherine Kay of Warren accepted a job at her alma mater in business operations. Shortly thereafter she moved into a position as a financial aid officer. Over the next 30 years, Kay progressively climbed the ranks of the department from assistant director to associate director. She has now been named director of financial aid.

In her new role, Kay will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of aid and scholarships which consist of institutional, state, private, and federal programs totaling more than $350 million annually to prospective and returning students. Approximately 70 percent of Wayne State students receive some form of financial aid.

“I love the mission of Wayne State,” said Kay. “As a first generation college student myself, I know that Wayne State has the ability to not only impact a student and their life trajectory, but the future of that student’s children and their children. It’s a generational impact and that’s exciting.”

Kay will serve as a key advisor and member of the senior enrollment management leadership team in the areas of enhanced student experience, enrollment planning and management.

“I couldn’t be happier to have Cathy leading our Office of Financial Aid,” said Dawn Medley, associate vice president of Enrollment Management. “I look forward to working with her to explore new financial aid models to best serve our students.”

Kay, a mother of two adult sons, also has a master’s in instructional technology from Wayne State.