Evan Montague Named Admissions Director
Evan Montague hopes to secure a fall 2006 freshman class of 400 students and
develop initiatives to further enhance recruitment efforts as Alma College’s new
director of admissions.
Montague, whose appointment is effective Feb. 20,
will oversee a 13-member admissions office staff.
He replaces Anne Monroe, who recently accepted a position as national marketing manager for the Interlochen Center for the Arts.
"My long-term goals include evaluating current recruitment efforts and developing initiatives to further grow and enhance the Alma College experience," said Montague. "Efforts will include looking strategically at current recruitment activities, working with faculty, staff and students, and aligning efforts with emerging technologies. It is my goal to balance the 'Only One Alma' theme with 'Only One Choice' in student recruitment."
Montague comes to Alma with more than 16 years experience in enrollment and student affairs programming at Michigan State University, Albion College and Lansing Community College. "Evan’s knowledge of private, public and community college education will help support our outreach efforts," said Karen Klumpp, vice president for enrollment. "His knowledge and experience in admissions combined with a solid background in financial aid, enrollment management and student system implementation will significantly strengthen our recruitment efforts."
"Evan will work side-by-side with our admissions representatives, empowering and helping them. He will help Director of Financial Assistance Chris Brown and his staff make financial aid options visible. He also will collaborate with coaches, faculty, staff, alums and other groups to help identify ways to work together to further Alma’s recruitment efforts," she said.
Fall 2005 enrollment at Alma reached 1,284 students, representing a 1.3 percent increase over 2004. "Evan is coming to Alma at an exciting time," said Klumpp. "We have seen an increase in new student applications; prospective students are excited about the opportunities, programs and scholarships Alma College offers. Over the past year we also have launched residence hall improvements, a new honors program and an innovative Center for Responsible Leadership."
Since 1997, Montague has held several positions with Lansing Community College, including director of student financial aid and veteran services, director of enrollment services, director of enrollment management and academic support systems, and recently, director of student systems.
Prior to LCC, Montague worked as director of financial aid at Albion College and as a financial aid officer with Michigan State University. He has a bachelor’s degree in social science/psychology from MSU, a master of public administration degree from Western Michigan University, and a Ph.D. in educational administration from MSU.
Q & A with Evan Montague
What attracted you to Alma? Why did you accept this job?
Alma College has a great reputation as a leading liberal arts educational institution. When I saw the position posting I thought it would be a good fit given my background and experiences throughout all the sectors of higher education. I am a mid-Michigan native and know the area and the state. After meeting with the faculty, staff and students at the campus I can say I really felt a connection with Alma College. There is no question that Alma is a special place, and I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to represent and lead the recruitment efforts.
What are your immediate and longer term goals at Alma?
My immediate goal is to contribute in any way to recruiting and securing a Fall 2006 freshmen class of 400 students. This will give me a great introduction to the campus and the enrollment and marketing goals. My long-term goals include evaluating current recruitment efforts and developing initiatives to further grow and enhance the Alma College experience. Efforts will include looking strategically at current recruitment activities, working with faculty, staff, and students, and aligning efforts with emerging technologies. It is my goal to balance the "Only One Alma" theme with "Only One Choice" in student recruitment.
What challenges do you foresee in recruiting students to Alma?
In my discussions with faculty and staff across the campus I really got the sense that Alma College is a best kept secret. In that, I mean that you don’t really realize how great it is until you are here. I think that this is a key opportunity and challenge for the College as we recruit students. In addition, I think that investment in higher education is a message that we must continue to share. An Alma College education prepares you for, and contributes to you, throughout your lifetime. This focus will assist us as we confront the issues of costs and results in higher education.
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Posted: Fri, February 10th, 2006 at 9:32AM
