Carrie Grogan Abbott appointed director of Office of First-Year and Transfer Programs

The Division of Student Affairs has announced the appointment of Carrie Grogan Abbott as the director of the Office of First-Year and Transfer Programs (FYTP). Abbott joined the office on Nov. 16.

“Given Carrie’s strong collaboration skills, rich experiences in student affairs and study abroad, and her sound understanding of student-development theory, Carrie has much to offer the SU community,” says Rebecca Reed Kantrowitz, associate vice president for the Division of Student Affairs. “She is a thoughtful consensus builder who cares deeply about our students and we are very excited to welcome her back to the Division of Student Affairs.”

Previously, Abbott served as the associate director of admissions and student services for Syracuse University Abroad, where she oversaw the Syracuse center-based admissions area, logistics of sending students abroad and managed student critical incidents abroad. In addition, Abbott collaboratively developed and implemented multiple initiatives to support the experience of high-need students abroad.

Prior to her role in SU Abroad, Abbott served as the assistant director in the Office of Orientation and Transition Services at Syracuse University, which is now the Office of First-Year and Transfer Programs. She managed the logistical planning and implementation of Syracuse Welcome, SU’s award-winning orientation program for new students. She has extensive experience building bridges between campus units to create policies and procedures that meet the needs of diverse student populations. Also, Abbott’s collaborative approach when listening to various perspectives has been an effective tool in bringing people together toward a common goal.

As the new director of the FYTP, Abbott is devoted to helping students make a successful and fulfilling transition to SU. Beyond hosting Syracuse Welcome, FYTP also coordinates a comprehensive first-year and transfer experience in partnership with a variety of stakeholders on campus and in the community.

“The first year is a brief moment in time, full of opportunity to help students feel like valued members of our campus community so that they can develop into the person and professional they are destined to become,” says Abbott. “I’m thrilled to join the Office of First-Year and Transfer Programs and the SU community in its efforts to maximize the Syracuse first-year experience.”

A native of Bedford, N.H., Abbott earned a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from Ithaca College and a master’s degree in higher education from SU.