DeAnna Burt-Nanna has been named the sixth president of Monroe Community College. She becomes the first person of color to lead the institution.
The SUNY Board of Trustees Tuesday approved Burt-Nanna’s appointment, which is effective May 21, 2021.
Burt-Nanna is vice president of student and academic affairs for South Central College (Faribault and North Mankato, Minn.), a unit of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. She has more than two decades of experience in higher education, including faculty and administrator roles. She is an Aspen Rising Presidents Fellow and a 2019 graduate of the Thomas Lakin Institute for Mentored Leadership.
“On behalf of the entire SUNY community, we are pleased to have Dr. Burt-Nanna take the helm of Monroe College Community—a integral part of the Greater Rochester area that will be central in training the workforce of today and tomorrow as we begin to turn the page on COVID,” said SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras in a statement. “With her student-centric focus, her advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as her keen business sense from both her academic and industry experience, Dr. Burt-Nanna will bring MCC to new heights. I congratulate her and look forward to a long and productive partnership.”
Burt-Nanna succeeds Interim President Katherine Douglas, who will assist with the transition. Douglas joined the college in February, following Anne Kress’ departure.
“Monroe Community College is a beacon of educational excellence and opportunity that is nationally known for its commitment to student success, innovation, and its significant impact on Rochester, Monroe County, and the Finger Lakes Region,” Burt-Nanna said.
Barbara Lovenheim, MCC board chair, called Burt-Nanna the next champion for MCC students. She hopes the incoming president will continue to reinforce the college’s position as an asset in the community, region and nation.
The other finalists for the position were:
■ Shawna Forbes, faculty member at Wayne County Community College District;
■ Ron Milon, chief diversity officer at the Fashion Institute of Technology; and
■ Kate Schiefen, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Genesee Community College.
Smriti Jacob is Rochester Beacon managing editor.