UTICA – Mohawk Valley Community College Executive Director of Institutional Advancement and Director of the MVCC Foundation Frank DuRoss is one of 28 college administrators nationwide to receive the Phi Theta Kappa Distinguished College Administrator Award, which recognizes administrators colleges working directly with student leaders to address issues on campus and in their communities.
Winners were selected from thousands of college administrators eligible to receive this award. “These college administrators are beloved on campus – they know students by name and by where they are,” says Lynn Tincher-Ladner, president and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. “Their nomination is proof of the gratitude their PTK students feel for supporting them and students like them through even the most difficult times.”
DuRoss’ nomination references the start of two scholarships he created for PTK members who were unable to cover the costs associated with honor society membership. A scholarship was created in 2012 to alleviate the contributions of the most needy students, who otherwise could not participate. The foundation also provides scholarships to member officers who spend many hours advancing Chapter activities and programming.
His appointment also highlighted his oversight of the Emergency Loan Fund that helps students overcome difficult and unforeseen challenges, and the administration of the Presidential Scholarship, a comprehensive scholarship awarded to students in Oneida County, who graduate in the top 10% of their high school. to classify.
Since assuming the helm of the MVCC Foundation in 2008, DuRoss has worked tirelessly to ensure that MVCC can continue its long tradition of providing an accessible, affordable, and high-quality college education to residents of the River Valley. Mohawk and beyond.
Through his leadership and efforts, the MVCC Foundation’s endowment nearly doubled, several social enterprises were established, the Presidential Scholarship was endowed, and the annual number of scholarships and recipients increased.
DuRoss has been instrumental in reaching out to community stakeholders and finding potential donors for the campaign, which has enabled MVCC to award more than $358,000 annually in scholarships to more than 200 students.
As acting campaign director of the college’s first full major gift campaign, he was instrumental in securing the largest donation in college history – $3 million. During his tenure, DuRoss helped raise $20 million to support MVCC initiatives and scholarships through grants, cash, and in-kind donations.
In January, DuRoss retired from his full-time position and transitioned to a part-time role as Special Advisor to the President, where he will continue his responsibilities with thINCubator, Small Business Development Center and Tea Leaf Ventures, as well as special projects for the college and the foundation.
He will be honored in April at PTK Catalyst 2022, the company’s annual convention.
To learn more about MVCC and its programs, visit www.mvcc.edu.
