Arts & Sciences names new director of admissions

The college of Arts & Sciences has named Irene Lessmeister MA ‘09, PHD ’12, its new director of admissions.

Lessmeister, who joined the college in 2013 as an assistant dean in admissions and advising, said she looks forward to leading the admission staff during a time of great change and challenges for university admissions offices.

“The pace of change in our field is staggering, and the past few years have seen the implementation of many new admissions practices in our office,” she said, including increased communication with prospective students and a greater emphasis on faculty involvement in attracting those students who have been offered admission. “Our charge to build a class is like putting together a puzzle, and each year we are presented with different puzzle pieces.

“It is a challenge that is rewarding, and one that prompts continuous self-reflection on the work we do to serve both our students and the university.”

Lessmeister earned a bachelor's degree in American studies and English language and literature and a master's degree in American studies from Radboud University (Nijmegen), along with her Cornell master's and doctoral degrees in history. She was born and raised in the Netherlands.

Rachel Bean, senior associate dean for undergraduate education in the College and a professor of astronomy, said Lessmeister brings with her a great depth of understanding of students and the admissions process in Arts & Sciences.

“I am confident that Irene will continue to enhance our success in recruiting and admitting the brightest students who will benefit the most from an Arts & Sciences education at the heart of this great research university,” she said.

Other changes in student services announced this month include the promotion of Ray Kim to deputy director of admissions and the promotion of Rich Keller to deputy director of advising. Kim and Keller respectively bring 15 and 8 years of experience in both advising and admissions in Arts and Sciences