Knox Welcomes New Vice President for Enrollment and Dean of Admission

Nathan Ament will be joining Knox this summer to lead several key departments as Vice President for Enrollment and Dean of Admission. Ament was chosen from a pool of highly qualified candidates following a national search. “We have found the right person, at the right time, for this important role, and I’m thrilled to welcome Nathan and his family to our community,” said Knox President C. Andrew McGadney. 

Ament has Illinois roots and earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from Augustana College (IL). He also holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Saint Mary’s University (MN). Professionally, he is active in numerous admissions organizations and co-hosts “The Admissions Directors Lunchcast” podcast with his friend and partner, Teege Mettille. With more than 20 years of experience in the field, Ament’s expertise spans all areas of strategic enrollment management and execution, including financial aid, staff management, cross-campus relationship-building, and student visit experiences. 

“I am excited to have such an innovative, thoughtful, and fun leader join our community to help us make our great College even better. Nathan brings significant experience and leadership to support our bold and ambitious framework for growth,” said McGadney. Ament joins Knox from Loyola University New Orleans, where he served in a similar role, leading the enrollment management team. During his tenure at Loyola, he focused on improving access and equality for all students. He led the charge to move Loyola to a test-blind admissions policy, making it the first test-blind institution in the South. He is also a champion for affordability and financial literacy for both incoming and continuing students. 

He led his staff at Loyola through numerous challenges, including a global pandemic and a Category 4 hurricane that knocked out power to the campus for a month. He was also tasked with growing and stabilizing Loyola’s undergraduate population to provide a solid financial foundation for the University; he did so by utilizing a mix of new strategies and revamping current approaches.

Ament is eager to start his next chapter at Knox. “Having lived, worked, and obtained my degrees in the upper Midwest region, I have always respected the strong reputation of Knox College and admired its mission and vision for higher education,” he said. “I am looking forward to being part of this remarkable community.”

At Knox, Ament will be responsible for the offices of admission, student financial services, and communications. He will foster collaboration and creativity as his team works to boost enrollment and attract more students to Knox. “I pride myself on being a thoughtful listener and connector of people,” he said. “I really enjoy helping those around me use their skills to thrive and support the mission of the organization.”

Ament, his wife, Jaimie, and their two sons, Noah and Charlie are looking forward to joining the Knox and Galesburg communities. 

“I hope to be the right enrollment leader to bring innovation and creativity to build upon Knox’s tremendously impressive foundation, while also making a difference in the lives of young people for years to come,” he said.