Former ND Defensive Back, LeShane Saddler, Named VP of Enrollment Management at St. Ambrose University

In a press release last Friday, former Notre Dame defensive back LeShane Saddler was announced as the new Vice President for Enrollment Management at St. Ambrose University (in Davenport, Iowa).

LeShane Saddler, a native of Waterloo, Iowa, and the current director of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of California-San Diego, has been selected as Vice President for Enrollment Management at St. Ambrose University, effective July 1.

A 1994 graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Saddler was hired following a national search led by Sister Joan Lescinski, CSJ, PhD, who will retire in August as St. Ambrose president, and conducted in coordination with President-Elect Amy Novak, EdD.

Prior to assuming his current position at the UC-San Diego, Saddler served in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at Notre Dame. He was associate director from 2013 to 2018, assistant director from 2010 through 2013, and an admissions counselor from 2008 through 2010.

“Given his extensive experience in the field of Enrollment Management and his deep understanding of what motivates students and their families to pursue higher education, we are pleased to welcome LeShane home to his native Iowa,” said Sister Joan. “I am confident he will lead and serve St. Ambrose well.”

Saddler’s brother Ryan Saddler ‘96, ‘06 MEdT, is the University’s associate vice president for the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as well as the director of the Accessibility Resource Center.

President-Elect Novak said Saddler’s synergy and LeShane Saddler’s leadership of the Enrollment Management Department will serve St. Ambrose well as the university continues to build a more diverse and inclusive campus.

“LeShane Saddler brings a deep commitment to supporting first-generation, low-income students, students of color, and students who otherwise may not see a potential pathway into higher education,” said Dr. Novak. “His belief that higher education has the power to build stronger communities will help St. Ambrose further enhance Davenport and the Quad Cities.”

LeShane Saddler earned a Master of Arts in Education degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 2007 in addition to his Bachelor of Sociology, American Studies and Education from the University of Notre Dame.

He said his history in Catholic higher education and his familiarity with St. Ambrose University’s historic commitment to the Catholic Intellectual Tradition and social justice makes his new assignment a comfortable fit.

“I am excited to join the St. Ambrose family. My commitment to students aligns with the mission and vision of St. Ambrose,” he said. “I am looking forward to working with all of the campus, alumni, and the many friends and campus partners who support the Fighting Bees.”

Prior to his entry into higher education admissions, Saddler taught at Iowa City West High School and then Waterloo East and West High Schools. He was the head football coach at his alma mater, Waterloo East, from 2001 through 2004.

At Notre Dame, Saddler was a member of the Fighting Irish football team. He played in the defensive backfield under Coach Lou Holtz, including on the 1993 team that went 11-1 and finished a unanimous second in the national polls.

Congratulations, LeShane!

Cheers & GO IRISH!