Tabor College has selected Martin “Marty” Ziesemer as its new athletic director. He will take the reins from interim athletic director, Shawn Reed, July 8, 2019.
Ziesemer comes to Hillsboro from Salem, Ore., where he works for Whelan Event Services. He works closely with Oregon State University in event management, helping to provide a positive fan experience.
Ziesemer received a Master of Arts in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University – Irvine.
While working at Corban University, Ziesemer was the head women’s soccer coach and received multiple coach-of-the-year honors. When active in coaching soccer, he ranked in the top 10 in wins among NAIA women’s soccer coaches. His teams reached post-season play and placed in the top half of the conference in 18 of his 20 seasons.
Ziesemer also served as Corban’s vice president for enrollment management from 2006-2013. During his stint, Ziesemer was responsible for five departments with a staff of 40 employees. Among his accomplishments were increasing enrollment and net tuition revenue by developing an athletic scholarship-leveraging program that helped to consistently increase institutional enrollment during his time there.
“In researching Tabor’s philosophy and vision, it became clear that we would appreciate being part of the college and its surrounding community,” Ziesemer said about his decision to apply at Tabor.
Ziesemer said a deciding factor was that “throughout the interview process, it was readily apparent that Tabor is very intentional about integrating faith and athletics. I found it refreshing to see and hear that they are deliberate about their philosophy.”
As for his vision for Tabor College athletics, Ziesemer said teamwork will be a key element to build on an already strong athletic tradition.
“I am excited to come alongside the coaches and athletic staff to help mentor and build them up with encouragement, challenge and faith development,” he said. “In line with my coaching philosophy, I desire coaches to lead with confidence, let them do what they do best and help them become the best coaches they can be.”
As a committed follower of Jesus, Ziesemer said, “I value the opportunity to use Christian faith to help Tabor athletes and coaches succeed in more than just competition. While winning and losing are a significant part of athletics, it’s a part of the greater goal that our programs have in a Christian college environment.”
Rusty Allen, executive vice-president for operations, said, “Marty brings significant leadership experience in athletics and enrollment management. The combination of having been a coach as well as a vice-president at a Christ-centered institution of higher learning uniquely qualifies him to not only lead our athletic department, but to serve on our operational leadership team.
“We are excited to welcome Marty and wife Cindy to the Tabor family,” he added. “We believe his focus on excellence and Christian ministry will enhance the Tabor College mission, vision and values.”
Ziesemer said he was both humbled and honored to accept this position.
“Thank you to Dr. Glanzer, Rusty and the selection team for the opportunity to serve in this capacity,” Ziesemer said. “It is important for me to thank our family and friends who have supported and prayed for us in this process. Most of all, we give thanks and glory to God, who is faithful in many more ways than we expect or deserve. I look forward to being a part of the Tabor community.”