Curtis, Leister Assume New Positions at Alma College
Two prominent members of the Alma College Athletic Department have accepted new positions at the College effective Dec. 1.
Ellen Curtis, director of athletics since 2004, has been named
associate director of admissions, while John Leister, head baseball and
assistant football coach, has been named acting athletic director.
Curtis will fill a new position in the admissions office that will
focus on connecting faculty, alumni and current students with
prospective students and parents, said Karen Klumpp, vice president for
enrollment.
“Ellen brings an excellent set of skills to the admissions office,”
said Klumpp. “She is well connected as an alumnus, knows and enjoys
working with faculty, and is in touch with many students. Her position
will help us work more effectively and thoroughly to connect
prospective students in new ways. We are delighted that Ellen will
facilitate that effort.”
A 1999 Alma College graduate, Curtis was named director of athletics in
July 2004 and is in her fourth season as an assistant women’s
basketball coach. Previously, Curtis served as assistant director of
admissions and recruiting coordinator at Alma from 2000 to 2004.
“With her passion for students and athletics, Ellen will continue in
her role as assistant women’s basketball coach and will be very visible
with student athletes,” said Klumpp. “Her work in athletics will
complement her work in admissions.”
Curtis was a standout women’s basketball player for the Scots. She was
named the MIAA’s Most Valuable Player and a third team Kodak
All-American following the 1998-99 season.
Leister will continue his coaching responsibilities while serving as
acting director of athletics. The College will conduct a national
search for a permanent director, with the goal of filling the position
by July 1, 2007.
“This is a great opportunity for Ellen, and we are grateful for her
leadership and vision for the athletic department,” said Nick Piccolo,
vice president for student life. “We wish her the very best in her new
role in the admissions office but know that she will continue to coach
women’s basketball and be visible with our student-athletes.
“John Leister has experience in coaching two major sports, has a
passion for Alma College and the athletics program, and has the respect
of his colleagues,” said Piccolo. “He’s someone who can sustain the
momentum that Ellen has built.”
Leister joined the Scots in 1994 as an assistant football and assistant
baseball coach, eventually assuming the head baseball coaching position
in 1997. As baseball coach, he led the Scots to the 1999 MIAA title.
Prior to coming to Alma, Leister played professional football with the
Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL and the Michigan Panthers of the USFL
before pitching for the Boston Red Sox. He was a three-year starter at
quarterback for Michigan State University.
Posted: Wed, November 22nd, 2006 at 4:35PM
