Saint Anselm College

Dr. Jo-Ann E. Nester served as the Director of Athletics at Saint Anselm College on two separate occasions, from October 2009 through August 2011 and October of 2013 through May of 2014. During her time on the Hilltop, Dr. Nester helped restructure the athletics staff by moving several part-time head coaching positions into full time head coaching status.

She also helped improve women's sports in the department by getting approval to provide athletic scholarship for all teams eligible. She was also instrumental in seeking and obtaining corporate sponsorships to help enhance the athletics budget as well as to jump start the Anselmian Athletic Club, which had been defunct for decades. Through her work in fundraising, the College was able to install the turf field at Grappone Stadium, provide Nike uniforms and shoes to every team, while also providing live video broadcasts for basketball, hockey, lacrosse and football home games.

Dr. Nester also focused on the student-athlete experience as she advocated for additional staff in the areas of Sports Medicine, Strength & Conditioning, Sports Information as well as adding and improving facilities. She also established the Faculty/Staff Team Advisory Program to bring the faculty, administration and the monastic community directly in touch with student-athletes and their programs.

Dr. Nester graduated from West Chester State College in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science degree in health and physical education, as well as a Master of Science degree from West Chester in 1976. In addition, Dr. Nester earned her doctorate in education from Temple University in 1985.