Powercat Financial announces Sara Ray as director

Powercat Financial, Kansas State University's student financial counseling program, will be led by Sara Ray, effective Aug. 2.

“I am thrilled to welcome Sara to K-State and our team,” said Kathleen Hatch, Morrison Family associate vice president for student well-being. “She brings national higher education leadership in advancing financial skills, confidence and well-being.”

For more than a decade, Ray has advanced collegiate financial wellness through research, instruction and peer program management, while contributing to national conversations on university students’ financial well-being.

“Powercat Financial is a groundbreaking leader in student outreach and peer financial counseling," said Ray. "I’m delighted to continue that work and help students grow in their financial capacity and holistic well-being."

Ray has a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Texas-Pan American and a master’s degree in human development and family studies, with a focus on family finance, from Iowa State University. Most recently, she served as the associate director of financial wellness and education at Indiana University.

Powercat Financial is an interdisciplinary universitywide program supporting the financial well-being of students and the K-State community. As a core partner in K-State’s Institute for Financial Education and Prosperity, Powercat Financial works to equip students with the tools and knowledge to make informed financial decisions in college and beyond.

“As a next-generation land-grant university, we’re prepared to support the financial literacy of Kansans," said Hatch. "Ray’s expertise in scaling peer counseling programs is a crucial step in leveraging our resources and continuing to be a positive force for Kansas."

— Submitted by Morgan Greene