Following the completion of a national search, John Ambrose has been appointed director of undergraduate admissions at Michigan State University.
Ambrose, a longtime senior associate director in the Office of Admissions, had been serving as interim executive director for the office. His new appointment was effective Nov. 15.
Ambrose will be responsible for leading the Office of Admissions’ team tasked with recruiting, admitting and enrolling undergraduate students as well as coordinating with academic leadership for scholastic achievement.
“The Office of Admissions continues to evolve and address MSU’s future challenges by strategically recruiting new Spartans,” Interim Provost Teresa Sullivan said. “I’m very pleased John Ambrose will lead MSU admissions as we engage members of the internal and external MSU communities in collaborative approaches to recruit domestic and international students.”
A renewed national search for the executive director of admissions and enrollment strategy will begin in early 2020.
Ambrose joined MSU in 2008 as 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.
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.
The Office of Admissions was previously led by Jim Cotter, a 35-year veteran of MSU, currently serving as Varsity S Club director in the Athletics Department. In recognition of his tenure, Cotter will be given the title of executive director of admissions emeritus upon his retirement. Emeritus status is awarded to individuals that have demonstrated a substantial period of distinguished service.
“For more than 10 years, Jim Cotter guided one of the most diverse groups of professionals I have ever worked with,” Ambrose said. “The impact of his inclusive leadership style is not just local but national and global.”
