DR. ANNA WASESCHA TAKES HELM AS NEW PRESIDENT AT MXCC

Middlesex Community College deans, department heads, faculty and staff gave a warm welcome to Dr. Anna Wasescha who officially joined the college on July 1 as its newest president. The reception, which was held at the Middletown campus, was bittersweet as the college also said goodbye to Dr. Jonathan M. Daube who had been serving as interim president during the search for a permanent candidate.

Dr. Wasescha will oversee academic programs, faculty, administration and management of the Middletown campus, the college’s Meriden Center in downtown Meriden, and the programs in Old Saybrook. At both locations, she hopes to instill her deep commitment in environmental stewardship and sustainability. Dr. Wasescha officially succeeds Dr. Wilfredo Nieves, who held the office of president for 10 years before becoming president of Capital Community College in Hartford.

The Board of Trustees for the Connecticut Community Colleges selected Dr. Wasescha for the position based on her experience in academic and administrative leadership, and for her commitment to student success and meeting the needs of learners. The Trustees cited her astute academic leadership, experience in developing educational programs and services, and ability to build support for institutional priorities as primary reasons for her appointment. They also were impressed with her dedication to community involvement – particularly in the areas of community gardening and sustainability.

During his brief tenure at MxCC, Dr. Daube was a tireless advocate for the college, helping shine the spotlight on its many successful students, faculty and programs. Dr. Daube attended countless community and campus events that bolstered the image and profile of the college. He hosted the “Middlesex Minute” radio program that interviewed supporters, students and high-profile guests to the school. He paid particular attention to the achievements taking place at The Meriden Center, making a clear argument that “Meriden is a college town.” Each day, he lived the sentiments he expressed at the start of his term: “I am proud to be at MxCC.”

Founded in 1966 as a branch campus of Manchester Community College, Middlesex Community College (www.mxcc.commnet.edu) is an independent member of the Connecticut Community College System. The school offers more than 50 degree or certificate programs on its three locations: the main, 38-acre campus in Middletown, the downtown Meriden Center, and the shoreline in Old Saybrook. The college promotes understanding, learning, ethics, and self-discipline by encouraging critical thinking. Current enrollment exceeds 2,950 full and part-time students, and 1,600 continuing education students.

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