UTICA, N.Y. — Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) announced it has appointed Esmilda Abreu as VP for student affairs.
In this role, Abreu provides collaborative leadership for matters related to student support and serves as a member of the community college’s president’s cabinet. She also recommends goals, policies, and strategies to ensure accomplishment of MVCC’s mission.
“Our world and our community are changing in accelerating fashion, and Dr. Abreu brings a range of experiences, both personal and professional, that will allow her to provide the leadership we need to continue evolving the student experience at MVCC,” Randall J. VanWagoner, college president, said in a release.
Prior to joining MVCC, Abreu served as associate VP for student life and dean of students since 2020. Before that, she was the assistant VP for student affairs and Title IX coordinator at the Pratt Institute from 2016-2020. She also previously served as chief diversity officer for S2N Consulting and executive director for the Women’s Rights Information Center in New Jersey. Abreu also held multiple positions at Montclair State University in New Jersey, where she led five areas within student affairs including diversity and inclusion, women’s center, LGBTQ center, a center for faith and spirituality, and bias response.
Abreu has taught as an adjunct instructor for more than 20 years, has an array of community leadership experience, holds several association memberships and awards, has been involved in research and grants committees, has published works, and is a national presenter on a variety of topics.
Abreu holds a Ph.D. in organization and management from Capella University, a master’s degree in industrial/organizational psychology from Teachers College at Columbia University, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology, women’s studies, and dance from Hampshire College.
She succeeds Stephanie Reynolds in the role at MVCC after Reynolds retired in June following 12 years at the college.