Staff Spotlight

Alida McKeeAlida McKee

Director, Special Programs and Administration
Office of Academic Innovation and Faculty Affairs  

What is your role at Stevens?
I am the Director of Special Programs and Administration, overseeing the Clark and Pinnacle Scholars programs. I also serve as an advisor to the Stevens Honor Board.

Why did you choose to come to Stevens?
In this role, I’ve gotten to combine some of my favorite elements of previous jobs, including advising students and program development, while also having the opportunity to help build the Clark program while it was still in its beginning stages at Stevens. It’s a unique opportunity to help shape a new program and to be able to see the student outcomes in a short period of time. I also have always enjoyed working with first-generation and low-income students, which is a target population of the Clark program.

What was your background prior to joining Stevens?
I come from a completely non-STEM background. I studied English and political science as an undergrad and worked for a few years in publishing in New York City before transitioning into higher ed more than 15 years ago. I started off working at Hudson County Community College as an advisor in a program that served first-gen, low-income students and then worked at Macaulay Honors College at the City College of New York, advising high-achieving students, many of whom were engineers. I’ve sort of accidentally become an advisor to engineering students, but I find that I enjoy learning about what they’re studying and researching. Over the years I have learned a lot about engineering through osmosis.

What do you like about working at Stevens?
It’s been exciting to see the growth and changes that have happened over the three-plus years that I’ve been here. Compared to other institutions, where change often comes very slowly, at Stevens it can happen quite rapidly. I also really enjoy working with Stevens students. I find them to be very motivated and supportive of each other, and I’m often so impressed by their accomplishments.

What is your favorite spot on campus? 
I like the green space that overlooks the tennis courts by the Ninth Street gate; it has such breathtaking views of the Hudson River, Hoboken and New York, especially on a sunny day. It really makes you appreciate what a special location we are in.