MCC Appoints Dean of Student Affairs and Dean of Administrative Affairs

Manchester, CT – (March 12, 2010) . . . Manchester Community College is pleased to announce the following appointments among its staff:

G. Duncan Harris, of Windsor, has accepted the position of dean of Student Affairs. Dr. Harris was formerly the acting dean of Student Affairs at MCC.

Dr. Harris has worked at MCC for 14 years. Previously, he was the associate dean of Academic Affairs, and a counselor and coordinator of academic advising for the college’s Counseling Center. As the dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Harris reports to the president and provides college-wide vision, leadership and strategic direction. Additionally, he is a member of the President’s Executive Council, and is responsible for the following areas: Counseling and Career Services; Enrollment Management; Student Life and Student Affairs’ Operations.

Dr. Harris has been involved in various aspects of the college, including teaching in the communications and the computer information technology departments. He currently serves on the Governing Board of Great Path Academy, MCC’s middle college high school, and is affiliated with several state and national organizations, serving as an advisory board member for the Central Connecticut State University Student Development in Higher Education Program, board member of the East Hartford Chamber of Commerce, and board member for the National Council on Black Academic Affairs Northeast Region. He is also a member of the Beta Sigma Lambda Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and a member of the University of Connecticut African American Alumni Council.

Dr. Harris holds a doctorate of education degree from the Fischler Graduate School of Education at Nova Southeastern University in Florida, a master of science degree in counseling from Central Connecticut State University, and a bachelor of science degree in economics from the University of Connecticut.

James McDowell, of South Windsor, has recently been appointed dean of Administrative Affairs. McDowell was formerly the director of Finance and Administrative services at MCC.

In his new role, McDowell will report to the president and serve as a member of the President’s Executive Council. He also will provide college-wide vision, leadership and strategic direction and is responsible for the following areas: Environmental Health and Public Safety, Facilities Management and Planning, Finance and Administrative Services, and Information Technology.

McDowell has worked at MCC since 1988, and has been involved with various college committees including the Environment Health and Safety committee, and Connecticut Community College system-wide committees including the Finance and Administrative Services Council, the Bookstore Advisory Committee and the Audit Advisory committee. McDowell is also a member of the National Association of College and University Business Officers, and the Eastern Association of College and University Business Officers. Prior to his employment at MCC, McDowell worked as a controller and treasurer for the Southern Illinois University Foundation in Carbondale, Illinois.

McDowell holds a master’s degree in business administration from Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, and a bachelor of science degree in business from the University of Evansville, in Evansville, Indiana.

Students of any age who possess the desire to pursue higher education are welcome at Manchester Community College. MCC is proud of its academic excellence, new facilities, flexible schedules, small classes, low tuition and faculty with both academic and “real world” credentials. The College offers over 60 programs, transfer options, financial aid and scholarships, as well as access to baccalaureate degrees through guaranteed admissions programs with several universities. MCC is situated on a park-like campus and is easily accessible from I-84.

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