 |
|
David Lesesne
Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid |
Randolph-Macon College President Robert R. Lindgren has announced that David Lesesne has been selected as the College’s new Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid.
Lesesne, who has over twenty years of experience in higher education, began his career at R-MC on August 31, 2009. He comes to R-MC from Sewanee: the University of the South, where he has served as the Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid since 2001. Under his leadership in the last eight years, Sewanee experienced a 47% increase in applications, a 13% increase in the freshman class size and a 21% increase in SAT averages. Minority enrollment increased to 12% and freshman retention rose to 92%.
“We conducted an extensive national search and are thrilled to have hired someone of David’s caliber,” said Lindgren. “He has an excellent track record of success with recruitment and financial aid strategies and understands the value and benefits of Randolph-Macon’s exceptional liberal arts education in preparing our students for success in today’s ever-changing world. I believe that his strong leadership skills combined with his inclusive approach of involving faculty, staff, coaches, parents and alumni in the recruiting and admissions process will help attract the best and brightest students to this terrific College. We are delighted that David has joined the Randolph-Macon family.”
Additionally, Lesesne created and implemented new financial aid strategies which successfully met ambitious enrollment and budget goals. He previously served as Dean of Admissions at Jacksonville University in Florida and Newberry College in South Carolina. Lesesne has also served as an adjunct faculty member of history and as an assistant varsity soccer coach.
“I am excited to have begun this wonderful new journey with Randolph-Macon,” said Lesesne. “I was initially drawn to R-MC because of its national reputation for providing an outstanding liberal arts education. The College affords so many opportunities for students to excel through innovative research, study abroad opportunities and internships. However, during this process, I was most struck by the quality and talent of the College’s faculty and their deep commitment and dedication to connecting with students to help them maximize their individual potential. This is truly a remarkable institution.”
Lesesne earned a B.A. in history and political science from Wofford College and a M.A. in history from University of South Carolina. He is currently completing his doctorate degree in higher education leadership, policy and organization at Vanderbilt University. He is a member of the College Board, the National Association of College Admissions Counseling (NACAC) and the Southern Association of College Admissions Counseling (SACAC). Lesesne has presented at national and regional conferences on various admissions topics including athletics admission and diversity initiatives.
“R-MC has so much to offer,” said Lesesne. “It’s located in a charming and unique town and is ideally situated between Richmond and Washington, D.C. off of Interstate 95. The College is also an excellent value and I’m eager to help families understand how affordable this education is, even in today’s economy.”
Lesesne and his wife Dana have twin twelve-year-old daughters, Madlen and Tess.
Lesesne replaces Dr. Steven W. Nape, who left R-MC in April 2009 to assume the position of Vice Provost for Enrollment Planning and Management at Radford University in southwest Virginia. Nape joined R-MC as Director of Admissions in 2000, was promoted to Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid in October 2006, and saw application and enrollment numbers reach an all-time high during his tenure.
For more information, please contact Pam Harris Cox at: (804) 752-3712, pamelacox@rmc.edu, or Anne Marie Lauranzon at (804) 752-7317, alauranz@rmc.edu