Gambino Named Acting President of DCC

DUTCHESS COUNTY – The Board of Trustees of Dutchess Community College, with the endorsement of the State University of New York, has appointed Ellen Gambino, Ed.D., acting president. Gambino has served the College in various academic leadership roles since 2006, becoming Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs and Students Services in 2015. Prior to joining DCC, the Hudson Valley native held academic leadership positions at private colleges in downstate New York.

Gambino brings to the role extensive experience in curriculum design, student success and retention, strategic planning, budget management, academic assessment and workforce development. She led the development of the College’s new associate degree program in Public Health, and two offerings awaiting state approval — Hospitality and Tourism and Aviation Maintenance Technician.

Gambino earned an associate degree from DCC, bachelor’s from SUNY New Paltz, master’s from Pace University and doctorate from Saint John Fisher College. She was a 2017 Aspen Presidential Fellow and in 2013, received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service. In recognition of her leadership in establishing the Think Ahead program – a multi-agency collaboration for developmentally disabled young adults – she was awarded the 2019 Arc of Dutchess Peggy Martinko Trailblazer Award.

“I am extremely proud and honored to lead Dutchess Community College during this transition,” said Gambino. “With the support of our faculty, staff, alumni and board of trustees, I am confident that the College will emerge from these challenging times stronger and better positioned to continue to fulfill our mission to provide a high-quality education that is affordable, accessible, equitable and inclusive.” She added that the College’s tag line, “You Don’t Have to Go Far to Get Far,” is reflected in the accomplishments of the College’s 45,000 alumni, and noted that as a DCC graduate herself, she is especially aware of the value of a DCC education.

A national search to fill the position vacated upon President Pamela Edington’s recent retirement will commence soon and is expected to conclude by spring.