July 8, 2024
Mielitz named Powercat Financial new executive director
Following a national search, Kansas State University announces the hiring of Kate Mielitz as the new executive director of Powercat Financial. Mielitz will start remotely on July 8 in a part-time capacity and will be full time on campus starting Aug. 5.
"Kate brings great energy and passion to the team and will be a tremendous new leader for our larger university efforts to equip every student with timely-relevant financial literacy and sense of well-being," said Kathleen Hatch, Morrison Family associate vice president for student well-being.
Mielitz received her doctorate from Kansas State University in personal financial planning in 2018, preceded by a bachelor's degree in broadcasting in 1999 and master's degree in communications in 2004 from the University of Wyoming. Mielitz comes to K-State as an award-winning financial educator, mentor and accredited financial counselor.
"My emphasis is on building relationships and identifying/constructing the right programming to meet the needs of the clients as well as the counselors on my team. The client comes first," said Mielitz. "I endeavor, and train my team, to meet the clients where they are, wherever they are, on the financial continuum. I will apply a culture of respect and belonging in continuing to advance an established, and reputable financial counseling and education program."
Mielitz will hold a faculty role in K-State's department of personal financial planning in conjunction with her executive director role in Powercat Financial.
"As a Health Promoting University, we have identified financial well-being as a critical foundation block in supporting personal and professional success," said Martin Seay, department head and professor of personal financial planning. "We are excited for Dr. Mielitz to marry her academic expertise and practitioner background to support this university initiative for the betterment of Kansans."
With her previous experience as an assistant professor in family financial planning at Oklahoma State University, and her industry experience as a financial counseling program manager for Beyond Finance and with the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education, Mielitz brings a wealth of experience to the team at Powercat Financial.
Learn more about the free financial services and resources provided to students by Powercat Financial. For more information, contact 785-532-2889 or powercatfinancial@k-state.edu.