Admissions director to leave KU; Pinamonti named interim director

LAWRENCE -- The University of Kansas has named Lisa Pinamonti as interim director of admissions and scholarships to succeed Alan Cerveny, who will become dean of admissions at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Pinamonti, currently associate director, will become interim director at KU beginning April 1.

A national search for a permanent director will begin immediately, officials said.

Jim Carothers, interim associate provost, issued the following statement:

"Since coming to the University of Kansas in the fall of 1996, Alan Cerveny has compiled a remarkable record. He has not only recruited in the past two years our largest freshman classes since 1989 but he has also recruited good students.

"KU freshman composite ACT scores have improved each year, climbing from 23.8 in the fall of 1996 to 24.5 in the fall of 2001 (The current national average is 21.7). The number of students with ACT scores of 29 or above has increased by 39 percent since 1996.

"We have enrolled classes of 100 or more National Merit scholars each of the past three years. We have ranked among the Top 10 public universities for National Merit scholars four of the past five years.

"Alan Cerveny has served us well. He leaves a fine staff, prepared to continue their good work. We wish him well in his homecoming to Nebraska."

Cerveny was named director on Oct. 21, 1996. He previously was associate vice president for admissions and enrollment services for nine years at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va. Cerveny began his career at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as an assistant director of admissions and advising and served as acting director for two years before moving to James Madison.

"I have enjoyed representing such a great university," Cerveny said. "I see Nebraska's interest in me as a real tribute to our recruiting program. People are noticing our success here."

Cerveny, who is a native of Fairbury, Neb., and earned bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Nebraska, said "Accepting Nebraska's offer is returning home."

Pinamonti has been associate director since 2000. She joined KU in 1999 as assistant director after working in admissions offices at Wichita State University and Pittsburg State University. She earned a bachelor's degree at PSU and a master's degree at KU.