After more than a decade at Carlow, Assistant Director of Enrollment Carla Anderson has guided hundreds of transfer students through the process of finding their next step. Known affectionately as “Carla from Carlow” at community colleges across the region, she’s built trusted partnerships that help students transition seamlessly into the University.
With a background in outreach and a deep understanding of people, Carla brings patience, empathy, and attention to detail to every interaction. She’s quick to return a call, answer a question, or connect a student with the right resource. That kind of responsiveness and care, she believes, is one of the biggest reasons transfer students choose Carlow.
For her, Carlow’s “small but mighty” spirit reflects the University’s mission to meet students where they are, support them through change, and help them see what’s possible.
Can you tell us about your role and how long you’ve been at Carlow?
I’m one of the Assistant Directors of Enrollment, and I’ve been with Carlow for almost 11 years now. It doesn’t seem that long because I really enjoy what I do, especially working with transfer students. I started out just with transfers, and now I handle programs across the board—social sciences, psychology, social work, criminology, business, computer science. I even help some of those students continue at the graduate level.
What originally drew you to Carlow and to working with transfer students?
My background isn’t in higher education. It’s in outreach. That experience really shaped how I approach my work. My main goal is always to make students feel at ease and to give them a genuine, personal experience. Transferring is a big transition, and I want them to feel like they have someone here who’s going to help them every step of the way.
What does that look like in practice? How do you make students feel supported?
Responsiveness is huge. Students appreciate it when you get back to them quickly and remember their questions. It’s about letting them know their concerns matter, no matter how small. If I don’t have an answer, I’ll connect them with the right person—faculty, student affairs, or even student clubs. It’s about showing them that Carlow cares enough to follow through.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
Seeing students grow. I always volunteer to work graduation because I love watching them walk across the stage. One of my former transfer students actually works here now, and seeing her confidence grow has been amazing. She came to me with questions early on, and I told her, “Use me as a resource.” Watching her blossom into a leader reminded me why I do this work.
You’ve mentioned that Carlow is “small but mighty.” What does that mean to you?
I think it’s who we are. We’re a small university, but we offer so many opportunities and resources for our students. We know them by name. Faculty notice when someone isn’t in class, and we reach out. We’re not just educating students—we’re helping them succeed in life, and that takes personal attention.
How does Carlow make the transfer process so seamless?
We accept up to 90 credits, which is a big deal for transfer students. It saves time and money, and we guide them through every step. We have strong partnerships with community colleges, and I’m known there as “Carla from Carlow.” I think they see us as true partners because we encourage students to finish their associate degrees first, then make a smooth transition here.
What do you tell students who may be nervous about transferring, especially those coming from schools that have consolidated or closed?
I reassure them that Carlow has been here a long time and will continue to be here. We’re not a university that settles for “good enough.” We’re always rethinking and improving for our students. The Sisters of Mercy started this institution with the idea of meeting people’s needs, and that mission is still alive. We’re warm, welcoming, and we’re not going anywhere.
How do Carlow’s mission and Mercy values show up in your work?
For me, it’s about empathy. I want every student to feel seen and supported, not just as a number but as a person. I tell students, “If something changes in your life, let your professors know, we’re here to help.” That’s part of the Mercy tradition: understanding that life happens and leading with compassion while holding students to high standards.
What keeps you motivated after more than a decade at Carlow?
The students. They’re resilient. Many have families or full-time jobs, and they keep going. When they tell me about their challenges, it reminds me to meet them where they are and help them move forward. Every success story keeps me inspired. It’s why I’ve stayed for 11 years.