Skip navigation links

Sept. 19, 2007

James Cotter new director of MSU Office of Admissions

EAST LANSING, Mich. — James Cotter has been appointed director of the Office of Admissions at Michigan State University after the completion of a national search.

Cotter served as acting director of the Office of Admissions during the 2006-07 academic year. During that time, he worked to move fresh recruitment strategies and new admissions research projects forward. Prior to that position, Cotter had been the senior associate director of the Office of Admissions since 2000. He is an MSU alumnus. 

Cotter brings significant knowledge of the admissions profession and a commitment to applying his talents to new leadership challenges, according to Linda Stanford, associate provost for Academic Services.

"Known for his dynamic presentations and loyalty to Michigan State, Jim will expand the role of the Office of Admissions within the university and in relation to external partners,” Stanford said. “He is ready to engage others in collaborative approaches to domestic and international recruitment as he inspires admissions staff to continue planning and working together enthusiastically."

Recently, Cotter coordinated MSU’s participation in the pilot study for the College Board's Noncognitive Research Project. He has also participated in College Board, ACT and other professional venues.

"The director opportunity, although a tremendous honor, is not about me, rather it is about the university and the Office of Admissions and the job we will accomplish together," Cotter said. “It is the Office of Admissions responsibility, as it is each person’s at Michigan State, to reflect the university’s commitment to the principles of inclusion, access and excellence. These land-grant values, now world-grant values, will serve as our guiding force in the days ahead.”

Cotter’s appointment was effective Sept. 17.

For a podcast with Cotter, go to http://spartanpodcast.com/?p=324.

###

Michigan State University has been advancing knowledge and transforming lives through innovative teaching, research and outreach for more than 150 years. MSU is known internationally as a major public university with global reach and extraordinary impact. Its 17 degree-granting colleges attract scholars worldwide who are interested in combining education with practical problem solving.