MCC President Honored as 'Woman of Distinction'

On Tuesday, May 24^th, Senator Joe Robach honored Monroe Community College president, Dr. Anne M. Kress as a 2011 Woman of Distinction. A ceremony will take place in Albany.

“During her time at Monroe Community College, Dr. Kress has made a remarkable impact on MCC’s students, faculty, staff, and the entire Rochester community,” said Senator Robach. “The ‘Women of Distinction’ program provides a special opportunity to honor successful women, such as Dr. Kress, for their achievements and to thank them for the pride they bring to the community.”

As MCC’s fifth president, Dr. Kress leads a nationally recognized, multi-campus college that enrolls over 37,000 students each year. Since beginning her tenure 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, 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. 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.

The Women of Distinction program was created as part of the Senate’s celebration of Women’s History Month.  In addition to recognizing present-day women, the Senate recently hosted a display that honored other distinguished women from New York’s past, from leaders of the 19^th Century suffragist movement to pioneers in education, science and the arts.

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