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MCC Daily Tribune Archive

MCC Advisor Chosen for National Leadership Program


Kelley Bennett, advisor in the Counseling and Advising Center, was recently chosen to participate in an international program for administrators and faculty in higher education called LEADERS.

Through the National Institute for Leadership Development’s LEADERS program, Bennett plans to develop a new initiative at MCC to increase and enhance volunteer participation in the community through organized activities.  “The project is designed to help people in the greater Rochester area while contributing to the professional and personal growth of MCC faculty and staff,” said Bennett of Irondequoit, who is active in community organizations.  Bennett will be mentored by Valarie Avalone, planning voordinator at MCC.

Currently serving as the vice president and the Service Committee chair of the American Association for Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC) chapter at MCC, Bennett is a member of many other boards.  She also participated in AAWCC’s Thanksgiving Food Drive for Wilson Commencement Park and YWCA’s Working Women’s Wardrobe.  “I believe there is nothing quite as important as the contributions of time and effort that are made by people who lend their hearts and hands to help others,” she said.

An MCC employee for four years, Bennett has worked in higher education for 11 years.  A native of Batavia, she received a bachelor’s degree from Nazareth College and a master’s degree from the University of Rochester.

This year-long program is designed to enhance the skills that participants need to assume major decision-making roles in their institutions.  Participants study institutional practice in supervisory and human relations skills, planning and budgeting, and organizational transformation and participate in discussions with national experts on issues confronting higher education.

The National Institute for Leadership Development is internationally recognized by colleges, universities, and businesses for its visionary, holistic programs that produce leaders who effectively challenge assumptions, eliminate barriers, and create new pathways to successful solutions.

Dr. Susan Salvador
Office for Student Services
01/04/2005