Sterling College Names Scott L. Thomas as Their Next President

Scott L Thomas, John P “Jack” Ellbogen Dean of the College of Education at the University of Wyoming, has been named the 12th president of Sterling College(link is external) in Craftsbury Common, effective July 1. He brings to his new position more than 25 years of teaching and leadership experience at private and public institutions.

A first-generation college student, Thomas has devoted his career to advancing programs and policies to expand access to quality college opportunities, ensure student success and build diverse organizations. He holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a PhD in educational policy, leadership and research methods, both from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

“I have long admired the ways in which Sterling is steadfast to its mission,” Thomas said. “It has a special history that reflects its commitment to dynamic and engaging learning environments. I was stopped in my tracks upon seeing the job posting, was further inspired by my conversations with Sterling alumnx and current students, and am deeply honored to be invited into Sterling’s story.”

Allison Hooper, chair of the college’s board of trustees, said Sterling is poised for new leadership to invigorate a revised competency-based curriculum focused on environmental studies.

“We are not only humbled by Dr Thomas’ credentials, but also moved by his enthusiasm for Sterling’s ethos of community, the Work College model and experiential learning,” Hooper said. “Furthermore, he stepped onto the Craftsbury campus in March and immediately connected with faculty, staff and, most importantly, students.”

Onondaga Community College Names Warren Hilton as Their Next President

The State University of New York (SUNY) Board of Trustees today approved Dr. Warren M. Hilton as the next President of Onondaga Community College. When Hilton takes office July 1 he will become OCC’s 9th President and the College’s first Black President. He succeeds Dr. Casey Crabill who is retiring after 9 years at the College.

Hilton comes to OCC from Kutztown University in Pennsylvania where he is Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. He has also held administrative roles at the Community College of Philadelphia, Drexel University in Philadelphia, Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health in Baltimore, Stevenson University in Stevenson, MD, and University of Maryland-College Park. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and a doctorate at Drexel University.

“Thanks to the extraordinary work Dr. Crabill did during her tenure, and the incredible support we’ve received from our County and State partners, Onondaga Community College has an outstanding reputation nationally. That was evident in both the quality and quantity of exceptional administrators who expressed their desire to become the next President of OCC. Our Board of Trustees was proud to unanimously approve Dr. Warren Hilton as OCC’s 9th President, and we thank the SUNY Board of Trustees for doing the same. We look forward to working with Dr. Hilton to serve students as Central New York’s partner in education for success,” said OCC Board of Trustees Chair John P. Sindoni, Esq.

“I am humbled and honored to be selected as Onondaga Community College’s next President. Everyone with whom I have met has demonstrated that OCC is a student-centered institution and poised to have an even greater impact upon current and future students and economic growth in the region. I look forward to collaboratively planning for and working toward OCC’s bright future,” said incoming Onondaga Community College President Dr. Warren Hilton.

Mercer County Community College Names Deborah Preston as President

West Windsor, N.J. – After an extensive search, Mercer County Community College (MCCC) is proud to announce the appointment of Deborah Preston, Ph.D., as its new President, the seventh in its history.

With a career spanning 30 years of dedicated service, Preston joins MCCC with a proven track record that illustrates her steadfast commitment to ensuring students receive a quality education in a welcoming environment, equipped with the proper resources needed to succeed.

“I am proud to welcome Dr. Preston as Mercer County Community College’s incoming president and look forward to her leadership as we move the college forward,” said Mark Matzen, Chair, MCCC Board of Trustees. “Dr. Preston’s experience and reputation as a leader who brings people together to ensure student success is exactly what we need. I am excited about the future of the college.”

“It is my honor and privilege to be selected as the seventh president of Mercer County Community College,” said Preston. “MCCC is an institution that is passionate about serving students and the residents of Mercer County, and I am thrilled to join the dedicated faculty, staff and administrators on both campuses as we work together to provide inclusive, high-quality education for our community.”

Prior to joining MCCC, Preston served as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC), where she was responsible for the executive coordination of all campus operations in direct collaboration with the President. She also oversaw RVCC’s academic affairs as Chief Academic Officer. A supporter of meaningful change, Preston developed and implemented college-wide initiatives for student equity and success, advocated internally and externally for campus resources and provided innovative leadership throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Previously, Preston served in various roles with Montgomery College and Georgia Perimeter College (now Perimeter College at Georgia State University). In these roles, she spearheaded the revision of statewide general education requirements and served on the Academic Issues Committee sub-group to update statewide program approval processes.

Preston earned a Ph.D. in English from Tulane University. She earned her undergraduate and post graduate degrees from Florida State University. She succeeds outgoing President Dr. Jianping Wang, who recently announced her retirement.

“Addressing a post-pandemic world will not be easy, but Mercer County Community College will lead the way with the appointment of Dr. Preston. As chair of the Presidential Search Committee, I believe we hit a trifecta: a great search firm in RH Perry, engaged colleagues on the search committee, and the selection of the best candidate to assume the role of Mercer County Community College president,” said Kevin Drennan, Treasurer, MCCC Board of Trustees.

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