Dr. Anne M. Kress

As Monroe Community College’s fifth president, Dr. Anne M. Kress leads a nationally recognized, multi-campus college that enrolls more than 37,000 students each year. Since beginning her tenure at MCC in 2009, she has elevated the college’s role in several key areas— readiness for college, college completion, workforce development, diversity and sustainability—to better serve the needs of students and the community. 

New initiatives launched under her leadership include an enhanced honors program for the most academically prepared students; Early College High School, which gives students a jump-start on college; and the Division of Economic Development and Innovative Workforce Services, which is responsible for developing innovative, entrepreneurial and strategic initiatives to proactively respond to economic development and training needs. 

A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Dr. Kress earned a doctoral degree in higher education administration, master’s and bachelor’s degrees in English, and a bachelor’s degree with honors in ‑ finance from the University of Florida. Her career spans more than 20 years as an administrator and educator in higher education. Dr. Kress is a member of the American Council on Education, the American Association of Community Colleges, and the Council on Foreign Relations. She also serves as a State University of New York Innovation Team member focused on advancing the “Seamless Education Pipeline” initiative in SUNY’s strategic plan. In Rochester, she is also involved as a board member of the Rochester Business Alliance, Greater Rochester Enterprise and the United Way of Greater Rochester. 

In her short tenure at MCC, Dr. Kress has made a remarkable impact on students, faculty, staff­ and the greater Rochester community as a whole.