MCC Appoints Dean of Institutional Advancement

Leia Bell

Manchester, CT – (August 23, 2012) . . . Manchester Community College is pleased to announce that Leia Bell, a resident of Wethersfield, has been selected as the Dean of Institutional Advancement following a national search with other top candidates. Previously, Bell was Director of Advancement at Goodwin College where she managed the development of the Goodwin College Foundation, including a 14-member board of directors, the annual fund, major gifts, events, alumni relations and advancement services programs. Prior to her position at Goodwin, she was the Associate Director of Annual Giving for the University of Saint Joseph (USJ).

Bell has 10 years of experience in development and higher education. Her experience includes fundraising, major gifts, annual fund, grants, sponsorships, advancement services and board development. In her new position, Bell will have oversight of all aspects of institutional development, community engagement, legislative affairs, marketing, communications, new media and public relations.

She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and the American Association of University Women.

“How could I pass up this opportunity?” says Bell. “I knew as soon as I began visiting campus that I was at a premier institution that was paving the way for community college education. I’m thrilled to be here and to share with others all MCC has to offer.”

She holds an M.S. in Management from USJ where she was a member of Phi Beta Kappa; an M.A. in English from National University in San Diego; and a B.A. in English from SUNY Binghamton University, graduating cum laude, and was a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society.

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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