Randolph-Macon’s David Lesesne will leave his position as Vice President for Enrollment and Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid in September after a successful 13-year tenure at the College. Lesesne’s departure is the beginning of a new professional journey for the enrollment leader, who will assume a regional director role with Encoura, a national firm that uses technology, data science, analytics, and research to help college recruitment strategies evolve. 

Lesesne’s leadership at the helm of Randolph-Macon’s Admissions and Financial Aid offices has coincided with unprecedented growth in our student enrollment – from 1,246 students in Fall 2009 to 1,554 students in Fall 2021.  That level of growth – a 25 percent increase in a little more than a decade – enabled Randolph-Macon to be ranked consistently among the fastest-growing private colleges and universities in Virginia. 

Lesesne also helped bring new technologies to the RMC Admissions process as a new generation of students adopted new ways of communication.  He also helped lead several significant transitions in the College’s Admissions practices.

“I am deeply appreciative of David’s leadership in the Admissions and Financial Aid areas,” said President Robert R. Lindgren of Dr. Lesesne’s departure. “His knack for making meaningful personal connections with prospective students and their families brought us much success over the years.  And his Financial Aid acumen has had a student- and family-centered focus which helped ensure that students from all backgrounds were given the opportunity to attend Randolph-Macon.

Lesesne’s time at RMC has also been a family affair. His wife, Dana Lesesne, started as a volunteer at the College before joining part-time and then ultimately became the successful Director of RMC’s highly acclaimed Equestrian program.  The Lesesne’s twin daughters attended RMC, starting in high school, with Madlen graduating from RMC in 2019. 

“These last thirteen years at RMC have been some of the most meaningful of my career in higher education. I have enjoyed being a part of enrollment success, while also experiencing the transformative impact of the RMC experience as a professional, a husband and a parent. I am grateful to my staff, everyone that works at RMC and all the alumni and friends of the College that have supported me and our family. We will always be Yellow Jackets.”

The Lesesnes will remain in Ashland with Dana continuing her leadership of the RMC equestrian program.

President Lindgren indicated that the College will announce transition and search plans at a later date.