Bethany College Announces New Leadership in Enrollment and Athletics

BETHANY, W.Va. (Oct. 3, 2024) – Bethany College announces the appointment of Brian Sansom as vice president for enrollment and athletics and Jen Windmiller ‘23 as interim athletic director. These leadership roles reflect the College’s ongoing dedication to advancing both enrollment and athletics through cohesive and forward-thinking management.

Sansom, who has successfully led as director of athletics for the past two years, will now oversee both enrollment and athletics. This appointment follows a cabinet-led restructuring process aimed at improving administrative efficiency and advancing the College’s overall goals. The decision to combine enrollment and athletics into one division reflects a growing trend among small colleges, fostering greater alignment in recruitment efforts while optimizing institutional resources.

“Brian Sansom’s appointment represents an important step forward for Bethany College,” says Bethany President Dr. Jamie Caridi. “His leadership has been integral in aligning our recruitment strategies with the College’s broader objectives. With his extensive experience in managing various aspects of our athletic and recruitment efforts, Brian is exceptionally well-suited for this expanded role.”

Sansom’s leadership has been pivotal in advancing both student engagement and recruitment at Bethany College, leading to record-breaking results. Over the past two years, his initiatives have contributed to the largest incoming classes in more than a decade. His strategic approach has significantly bolstered the College’s enrollment efforts, including securing the funds to install a state-of-the-art video board that showcases Bethany’s programs and highlights its unique offerings. Sansom also played a key role in the recent renovations of Bethany’s athletic facilities, further enhancing the College’s appeal to prospective students. Prior to his time at Bethany, Sansom gained valuable experience at Montclair State University, where he coordinated and executed all admissions events, enriching the campus visit experience and boosting recruitment efforts.

Bethany extends its sincere gratitude to Dana Bearer for her leadership and impact during her tenure as vice president for enrollment management. “Dana’s guidance has helped us navigate through periods of meaningful change and growth. We are thankful for her dedication and wish her great success in her next chapter,” states Caridi.

As part of this restructuring, Jen Windmiller will take over as interim athletic director. Previously serving as senior associate director of athletics and senior woman administrator (SWA), Windmiller has been a key figure in the department’s development.

Windmiller has also been instrumental in fostering academic success among student-athletes, driving improvements in GPA and classroom engagement. She introduced policies to support academic performance, while personally mentoring student-athletes in need of additional support. Her comprehensive approach ensures that Bethany continues to excel both academically and athletically.

“Jen Windmiller’s contributions to the College and her dedication to our student-athletes have been remarkable,” said Sansom. “Her leadership will continue to guide our athletic department toward achieving new heights.”

With the appointments of Brian Sansom and Jen Windmiller, Bethany College looks forward to a future of continued growth, collaboration, and success for its students and community.

About Bethany College:

Founded in 1840, Bethany College is a private liberal arts college in Bethany, West Virginia. With a commitment to academic excellence, a strong sense of community, and a rich history of tradition, Bethany College prepares students for lifelong success through a comprehensive education that emphasizes critical thinking, leadership, and service.