(Rochester, NY) – A new dean for technical education has joined the faculty and staff of Monroe Community College. Dianna G. Phillips, Ph.D., will oversee precision machining, construction technology and optical systems technology, among other technical programs.


“As the manufacturing industry in the Rochester area evolves, MCC offers students a broad choice of technical careers. Our programs allow students hands-on training for careers with job opportunities, like the optics field,” said President R. Thomas Flynn. “Dr. Phillips will help ensure that our technical programs are aligned with area employer’s needs.”


Phillips (of Greece), a seasoned academic administrator and leader with more than 10 years experience working in technical education and workforce development, most recently served as director of the Center for Workforce Development at Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES. Her creation of the only One Stop Career Center in a BOCES facility was awarded best in the state by the International Association of Workforce Professionals. The one-stop centers serve as a central location where people can receive assistance searching for employment.


“I am honored to have the opportunity to work with the talented faculty, staff and students at MCC,” said Phillips. “I’m excited about serving as dean for a division so essential to the college, the community and our region’s vitality.”


Before joining BOCES, Phillips taught and served as program coordinator at SUNY Brockport and Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and served in the U.S. Navy as a communications specialist,
achieving the rank of petty officer first class. Phillips earned her doctorate in social foundations of education/higher education from the University at Buffalo, an M.S. in student personnel administration/adult education from Buffalo State College, and a B.B.A. in business administration/legal studies from National University in San Diego.


She currently is a member of the American Association of Adult and Community Education, New York Association of Training and Employment Professionals, Rochester Business Alliance and the Greece Chamber of Commerce, and serves as a board member of the Rochester/Monroe County Workforce Investment Board.


Phillips will oversee MCC’s technical education programs that include automotive technology, civil and construction technology, electrical engineering technology, heating/ventilating/air conditioning, hospitality management, office and computer systems technology, optical systems technology, precision tooling and machining, and travel and tourism.