STCC names two new academic deans
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College announces the appointments of two new academic leaders: Dr. Mary Lou Vredenburg as Dean of the School of Liberal and Professional Studies (LAPS), effective July 7, and Dr. Miah Dreger as Dean of the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), effective Aug. 4.
Both deans bring extensive experience in higher education and a shared commitment to student success, equity and the mission of community colleges.
Dr. Mary Lou Vredenburg, most recently Associate Dean of Faculty at Connecticut State Community College’s Manchester campus, brings a strong background in academic leadership.
Dr. Mary Lou Vredenburg
Prior to her role in Connecticut, she served as Associate Dean of Arts, Humanities, Mathematics, and Social Sciences at Brightpoint Community College in Virginia. She was also a full-time faculty member at SUNY Oneonta, gaining valuable insight into the teaching and learning experience that she now applies to her leadership role.
A proud community college graduate, Vredenburg began her academic journey at SUNY Orange. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Binghamton University and earned her Ph.D. in humanities from Florida State University.
“Dr. Vredenburg brings a wealth of experience to the School of Liberal and Professional Studies,” said Dr. Christopher Thuot, Vice President of Academic Affairs at STCC. “Her work across multiple states has exposed her to a broad range of student success strategies and national best practices. That experience will be invaluable as STCC continues to develop and implement initiatives aimed at improving student retention and completion. Dr. Vredenburg is an equity-minded leader with a deep commitment to students and to STCC’s mission.”
Dr. Miah Dreger joins STCC following a distinguished career in Connecticut, where she held a variety of academic and administrative roles.
Dr. Miah Dreger
She most recently served as Interim Associate Dean of Engineering, Science, and Technology at Central Connecticut State University. She previously served in key leadership roles within the Connecticut State Community College system, including Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at the system level, and as Dean of Academic and Student Affairs (Chief Academic Officer) at Capital Community College in Hartford.
Dreger brings to STCC a broad range of expertise, including accreditation, strategic planning, grant leadership, equity and inclusion initiatives, and assessment and planning. Before transitioning into administrative roles, she spent more than a decade as a full-time faculty member at the community college level.
She earned her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Hartford, holds a master’s degree in Technology Education from Central Connecticut State University, and received her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Houghton University.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Dreger to the STCC community,” said Dr. Thuot. “Her deep experience in both academic leadership and the classroom, combined with her proven commitment to student-centered, equity-focused practices, make her an ideal leader for our School of STEM.”
Both new deans will play a critical role in advancing STCC’s mission of access, equity and academic excellence.
Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.
About Springfield Technical Community College
STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu