CEO on the move
Anthony Cruz has been selected as the 11th president of Wisconsin’s Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC). He previously served for nearly five years as president of the Kendall Campus of Miami Dade College (MDC) in Florida.
During his 28 years in higher education, Cruz has focused on increasing educational opportunities, enhancing the student experience and bolstering student success, according to a release. He has held leadership roles such as campus president, vice chancellor, vice president and dean at several community colleges and universities. Before becoming a campus president at MDC, Cruz was vice chancellor of student affairs at St. Louis Community College. Prior to that, he was vice president of enrollment management and student affairs at Sinclair Community College in Ohio.
Cruz “works collaboratively with community partners to build pathways and initiatives to remove barriers to student success,” MATC said in its release. “He is committed to creating innovative approaches to reduce the skills gap and increase the number of college graduates. Moreover, he is a firm believer in a students first educational philosophy.”
Gregory F. Peterson will become the ninth president of Salt Lake Community College (Utah) on July 1. He is currently president at Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) in Arizona, a position he has held since 2018.
Over his career, Peterson — who is a first-generation community college alumnus — has led key efforts in student learning and success, including developing transfer partnerships and college promise programs at multiple institutions and launching the first community college artificial intelligence program in the nation, according to a release. He has worked closely with industry partners and community leaders in strengthening workforce pipelines for students into family-sustaining careers.
Prior to CGCC, Peterson served for 10 years as vice president of student services and/or instruction at three minority-serving institutions in California, including Golden West College, where he oversaw all instructional programs. Prior to that position, Peterson served at Long Beach City College, where he oversaw student services.
New CEO
Bryan Newton will serve as the next president of Glen Oaks Community College in Michigan, effective July 22. He is currently vice president for enrollment management and student services at Wor-Wic Community College in Maryland.
Newton’s 20-plus years of experience in higher education includes posts as vice president for enrollment management and student experience at Aiken Technical College in South Carolina and vice chancellor for student affairs at Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana.
Newton also has been an active participant in various professional and community organizations, including his recent service as chair of the Maryland Chief Student Affairs Officers Group and his ongoing involvement with the American Association of Community Colleges, according to a release from Glen Oaks. Locally, Newton is known for his leadership roles in community service, including his work with the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore and Shore Leadership.
Glen Oaks “plays a vital role in the educational and economic development of St. Joseph’s County, and I look forward to working with business and industry, government officials, secondary institutions and other partners to continue to grow the college and the region,” Newton said.
Kudos
Rosemary A. Costigan, interim president of the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI), has been named the 2024 Education Industry Leader for Providence Business News’ Business Women Awards. She was recognized for her transformative leadership at CCRI and distinguished career as an educator and administrator.
Costigan started her career at CCRI in 1976 as a nursing student and is now the first alumnus to lead the college. She has served as interim president since September. Previously, Costigan was the college’s vice president of academic affairs.
Appointments
Sheila Jones will serve as the new provost and executive vice president for academic and student affairs at Grand Rapids Community College. She joined the Michigan college in 2016 as dean of instructional support and in 2022 became associate provost for instructional support and institutional planning.
Rodney Meyers is the new police chief of the College of the Mainland Police Department, after serving in an interim role since March. Previously, he was lieutenant on the Texas college’s police department.
Daniel Troy will become the next vice chancellor of finance and business services at the San Diego Community College District on June 28. He currently is assistant superintendent/vice president of administrative services at San Luis Obispo County Community College District’s Cuesta College (California).
Kellie Ann Wright is the new director of marketing and communications at the Community College of Rhode Island. Over her 20-year career, Wright has served as chief marketing officer at the Rhode Island Airport Corporation and was Morgan Stanley’s first vice president of brand marketing.
