John Ambrose, longtime senior associate director in the Michigan State University Office of Admissions, has been selected to be interim executive director for admissions and recruitment. Ambrose is now responsible for leading the team tasked with recruiting, admitting and enrolling undergraduate students as well as coordinating with academic leadership for scholastic achievement.
“The Office of Admissions is undertaking a set of sweeping changes that will allow them to address future challenges and more strategically recruit new Spartans,” said MSU Provost June Pierce Youatt. “I’m very pleased John Ambrose has stepped up to lead MSU admissions on an interim basis while they undergo the work of realignment.”
Ambrose joined MSU in 2008 as the senior associate director for inclusion, strategic planning and student success. In that role he developed recruitment initiatives for undergraduate students as part of efforts to promote a balanced and diverse community at MSU.
“For more than 10 years, Jim Cotter guided one of the most diverse groups of professionals I have ever worked with and the impact of his inclusive leadership style is not just local but national and global,” said Ambrose. “It is an honor to continue in this important work alongside such an incredible group of persons.”
Prior to joining MSU, Ambrose served in leadership roles at the national and state levels of the Michigan Association for College Admissions Counseling. He is heavily involved in community youth development programs such as the Michigan Youth Foundation and the Midnight Golf Program.
A native of Detroit, Ambrose is a graduate of Cass Technical High School and holds degrees from Western Michigan University and Marygrove College.
Ambrose replaces Jim Cotter, who is currently on paid administrative transition leave while he explores alternative opportunities being offered to him by the university.