Story originally appeared in Post-Bulletin.
Michael Lester has been hired as the athletic director at Rochester Community and Technical College.
Lester comes to RCTC from St. Mary's University in Winona where he had worked more than 20 years in varying roles. His jobs at the Winona-based school included assistant athletic director, director of eligibility and compliance, director of the recreational athletic facility and head volleyball coach.
"Michael is going to be a transformational leader for our athletics department," said Dr. Michael Anthony, the vice president of student affairs and enrollment management at RCTC. "His breadth and depth of experience, combined with his deep commitment to student success on and off the field greatly excited the search team. We are so fortunate to have him join the Yellowjacket family."
"This is very bittersweet for me," said Lester, who has spent the last 21 years at Saint Mary's — two as an assistant volleyball coach, and the last 19 as the team's head coach. "I have absolutely loved my time here at Saint Mary's — this place has been home for over two decades."
During his time at Saint Mary's, Lester led the Cardinals to the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference playoffs 11 times in the 16-year history of the post-season tournament, including each of the last four seasons. In his final season in 2016, the Cardinals finished 24-5 overall, including an 8-3 showing in conference play.
"It was not an easy decision to step down," Lester said. "I just felt that, at this time in my life, the time was right to take on a new challenge."
Under his tutelage, the Cardinals made the first two trips to the NCAA Division III National Championships in program history. In 2000, Lester led Saint Mary's to its first-ever MIAC regular-season championship, a team-record 27 wins, and an NCAA berth. In 2009 the Cardinals went 22-10, and once again earned an NCAA post-season berth.
"I am looking forward to working with, and for, the students, coaches and staff at RCTC," Lester said. "The challenge to make positive and lasting changes in the student-athlete experience is one I am excited about tackling head on with the help of the RCTC students and staff."
Brian LaPante has been the interim athletic director at RCTC this year. Lester begins the job April 24.