Dr. Katherine Douglas Appointed as MCC Interim President
January 28, 2020
Her 40 years of experience as a community college educator and administrator will ensure continuity, innovation during search for permanent president
Jan. 28, 2020 – The State University of New York Board of Trustees today approved the appointment of Katherine P. Douglas, Ed.D., as interim president of Monroe Community College, as previously recommended by the MCC Board of Trustees.
Her appointment is effective Monday, Feb. 3, following the departure of former President Anne M. Kress, Ph.D., after 10 years of service to MCC.
“The great respect I hold for MCC is based on my previous years of SUNY leadership and service, at which time I have witnessed the numerous successes and innovations led by MCC faculty and staff,” Dr. Douglas said. “I look forward to working closely with the MCC community to deliver high-quality educational services that transform students’ lives, help drive regional economic development and open doors of opportunity for all who seek higher education.” (Dr. Douglas’ message to the college community, recorded following the SUNY appointment, was added to this release.)
Dr. Douglas brings more than 40 years of experience in community college education to MCC. Most recently, she served as president of SUNY Corning Community College for eight years until her retirement in June 2019.
“As a seasoned educator and leader in higher education, Dr. Douglas is uniquely suited to lead MCC as interim president. Her commitment to the community college mission and her familiarity with the Western New York/Finger Lakes region will be an asset to MCC,” said MCC Board Chair Barbara P. Lovenheim, Ph.D. “I thank Chancellor Kristina Johnson, Ph.D., and the SUNY Board of Trustees for their support of her appointment.”
In December 2019, reflecting MCC’s commitment to shared governance, the MCC Board of Trustees incorporated feedback from students, faculty and staff in its determination and recommendation of Dr. Douglas as MCC’s interim president.
Dr. Douglas is anticipated to serve in the position for 12 to 18 months, at an annual salary of $225,000, while the college conducts a nationwide search for a permanent president.
About Katherine Douglas
Dr. Douglas has spent much of her educational career at a community college. Prior to her appointment at SUNY Corning Community College, she served as vice president of academic affairs at Sussex County Community College in New Jersey. Dr. Douglas began her community college career as faculty at Greenfield Community College in Massachusetts, and continued her academic administrative career at Holyoke Community College, also in Massachusetts, as dean of the Division of Social Sciences.
She is a member of the New York Community College Association of Presidents.
Dr. Douglas holds doctoral, master’s and bachelor’s degrees, all from University of Massachusetts at Amherst.