Meet Anne Kilby: Associate Dean of MBA Admissions

When Anne Kilby, associate dean of MBA Admissions, took her first position in higher education at 22, she knew she had found her calling. Now, Kilby has more than 16 years of experience in the higher education industry and has spent seven of those years at Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business. She recently served as the assistant dean of MBA Admissions and director of operations before accepting her current role as the associate dean of MBA Admissions, where she oversees admissions strategy, operations, and marketing for the Full-Time MBA, Flex MBA, and Flex MBA Online programs. 

We spoke with Kilby about her background, favorite Georgetown experiences, and advice to prospective students.

How did you choose your career path?

My mother worked in education for more than 20 years and my parents always instilled the value of education in me. While I wasn’t interested in a teaching capacity, I was curious about other options to work in education. The opportunity came when I followed my big sister to New York City for her pursuit of graduate school. In advance of our move, I started applying to positions at local universities. It was a dream to be selected to interview at NYU Stern School of Business in the summer of 2008, a couple of months after finishing my undergraduate program and immediately before the recession hit. Fortunately, there was a mutual fit in the Global Programs office where I started as a program coordinator. Not knowing how long I would be in New York City and how I would find my first real job out of school, I was eager to cultivate a career in higher education. 

My career has been filled with incredible mentors, supervisors, and colleagues who offered me great opportunities to learn about admissions, create new programs, and recruit candidates worldwide. I’ve also been inspired by the countless candidates I’ve been able to support throughout their admissions and program journeys. Unbeknownst to me when I was 22, it turns out that higher education is my calling. 

If you could describe the Georgetown MBA program in one word, what would it be and why?

Diverse. Georgetown is well-known worldwide and we are fortunate to receive applications from a diverse range of candidates across global representation, industry representation, types of schooling, and more. There is no particular type of person who fits in at Georgetown, as long as they can thrive in a culture of diversity. 

Can you share a favorite memory or experience of yours from Georgetown?

One of my favorite days each year is MBA commencement. It is a full-circle moment to see the students proudly waiting to be called across stage in their cap and gowns – I always have many flashbacks to their interviews or video essays or meeting them at a fair. I typically get emotional with a wave of pride for their milestones, but I also, honestly, get a bit sad in realizing I won’t get to see them every day on the Hilltop. Such is the circle of (education) life – onto the next batch! And I hope that alumni return (they do!). 

What are you most looking forward to in your new role?

I am really looking forward to a role that focuses primarily on the people (managing the admissions team), as well as our team’s strategy for recruitment, marketing, and operations. After seven years in operations, I’m used to being in the weeds around reading workflows, pacing for admit targets, year-to-date scholarship spend, etc. While I will always value knowing that data, I now have the opportunity to come out of the weeds and think more big-picture about our team and our goals. Also, I love working with each member of our team. Now I have the opportunity to work more closely with all of them and get to know each of them on a deeper level. 

What is your personal philosophy?

It’s all about the people. If my key people are “good,” if my key relationships feel “good,” I am “good.” My well-being is directly connected to the status of relationships and how the individuals around me are doing. 

What can we find you doing outside of Georgetown?

I am a big swimmer. I grew up swimming in summer leagues and turned into a year-round league swimmer, open-water competitor, and now, a public pool veteran. Swimming involves deep breathing and rhythmic movement. It gives me peace, makes me feel strong, and is something I do just for me. 

I am also elated by my 10-month-old baby boy. I’ve never laughed and smiled as much as I do on a daily basis with my extremely expressive, curious, and loveable baby.

Lastly, I am an avid reader. I usually read two books at a time, mainly fiction. It is another way for me to get to know people on a deeper level. I love books heavy on character development. 

What is one thing you recommend to prospective MBA applicants before they apply to the program?

Be among us. Come visit Georgetown to sit in on a class, meet with an admissions advisor, and attend an info session. Even just being in the common area with students will help you feel the vibe of Georgetown. We have a beautiful campus but an even more beautiful culture. Come see for yourself! 

Where is your favorite place to visit on the Hilltop?

UnCommon Grounds. It is the best, noble cup of coffee you’ll have. It is a student-run coffee shop whose proceeds go towards funding philanthropic work. Also, their chai latte is delicious!