March 2 ~ 15, 2011 the Resident 860.599.1221
www.theresident.com residentWoman in Biz College’s First Woman President continued on page 5
make you most proud? Mary Ellen: Our successful transition from a junior college to one that offers bachelor’s degrees. And our status change from NJCAA to NCAA Div III. Lisa: What makes Mitchell seem like a special place
to you?
Mary Ellen: Mitchell fi lls a unique niche. We are a place where students with learning differences can be nurtured to achieve their full academic potential. Ninety percent of our students are on track for their bachelor’s. Lisa: Did you always know you wanted to pursue a career in education? Mary Ellen: I almost pursued a medical career. Medicine fascinates me, and during college summers I worked out of Albany Medical. But while earning my bachelor’s degree at the College of St. Rose in Albany, I tutored teenage mothers in an alternative high school and realized I preferred making a difference in a student’s life. Lisa: When did you realize you wanted to aim for the
Offi ce of the President? Mary Ellen: When I was working on my W.K. Kellogg Foundation National Leadership Fellowship from 1987-90, I examined the American college presidency and had the opportunity to write a curriculum to educate rural women outside of Mexico City. That’s when I real- ized I liked developing initiatives in education—because change means progress. Lisa: How do you stay inspired to forge ahead with all of your new initiatives at Mitchell? Mary Ellen: Well, for one, I keep a quote from the
book, “The Prince,” by Nicolo Machiavelli, framed on my desk: “There is nothing more diffi cult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things.” Lisa: There aren’t many female college presidents, are
there? Mary Ellen: That position used to be a white male
dominated fi eld, but that is changing because higher education is offering more leadership training programs to promote women leadership. Lisa: What is your advice to other women seeking to
have infl uential roles in their fi elds? Mary Ellen: Find a person who can mentor you and take the risk to strive for leadership positions. Lisa: How does a student fi nd a mentor? Mary Ellen: All a student needs to do is ask a staff or faculty member for help. I think anyone would be pleased
that they were asked and delighted to help. Lisa: What is your biggest challenge as president? Mary Ellen: Having enough budget money to meet requests across campus. I wish that in the not-too-distant near future there would be a major benefactor to the college. That would make a significant difference in the scholarships we could offer students. Lisa: What moments in your day are particularly meaningful to you? Mary Ellen: The other day, a non-English speaking student I taught a few years ago in freshman seminar called to ask if I’d write him a letter of recommendation. I was pleased that he had felt that student-teacher bond enough to contact me. When he was my student, I assured him that he had a lot of talent to offer despite being new to this country. It was very gratifying to watch his English compe- tency improve, and with that, his self-confi dence. Lisa: You are widely known for volunteering your
services on the boards of several organizations throughout the community and received the prestigious 2008 William Crawford Distinguished Service Award from the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut. What motivates you to serve and sometimes chair these boards such as your time as Chairperson of the Board of the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut? Mary Ellen: I feel that I can help improve an organiza-
tion by offering my leadership skills and my perspective as an educator who has worked at all educational levels with people from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds. Lisa: What gives you the greatest job satisfaction? Mary Ellen: I get to make a difference in a
student’s life by ensuring that they get the skills they need to be successful in a career and have an enjoyable life--something that comes as their self-confi - dence and self esteem increases. Lisa: As president, do you still have a chance to interact with the students, especially now that you no longer have time to teach? Mary Ellen: The students here know that I keep my
offi ce door open for them. They come in to tell me how things are going or just to chat. It’s important for me to know that their needs are being met. I also eat my lunch in the Dining Hall and sometimes ask a table of students if I can join them. Recently, a young man came up to me and asked, “You’re the president, aren’t you? Can I sit with you?” While we were eating, I asked him if he was glad he chose Mitchell College and he said, “Absolutely!” To post your comments, visit:
www.theresident.com
Women in Biz Deb Molina
Customer Service Manager Clinton ShopRite
Doing by Our Customers and Our Community
Deb Molina is a Customer Service Manager at the Clinton ShopRite store and she loves her job. Deb has over 38 years of experience in the industry. Previously, she worked at Shaw’s before the Capano Family purchased the property and opened the new ShopRite in June 2010.
“I can’t say enough good things about the Capano
Family. It is such a difference working for a family owned and operated grocery store versus one that is corporately owned,” said Deb. “The Capanos truly create a family atmosphere; kind, warm and comfortable. They are appreciative of your suggestions. It’s just wonderful.” Deb is very involved in the Clinton community and the Capanos help with many of her endeavors. “I am a Booster mom, as well as, a lot of the other employees at ShopRite and the Capanos are helpful with contributions to the The Morgan School Booster Club.”
Deb Molina
“The Capano Family is very dedicated and involved in the community as well. Whether it’s a food drive with the Clinton Police Department, Meals on Wheels or the Turkey Drive at Thanksgiving.”
Deb is happily married to Jose Molina, who also works at the ShopRite. They live in Clinton with their two children. Their daughter, Jordan, is a sophomore at Lasell College and their son, Reilly, is a senior at Morgan High School.
Clinton
266 E. Main St. 860.669.0107
Norwich
64 W. Main St. 860.887.0409
New London 351 Frontage Rd. 860.447.1424
Mildred E. Devine – CTFA, AEP® Trust Officer
Dime Bank
long with all the fancy high-tech equipment, we offer something more for our patients. Our office is located in a historic home with a bright and open atmosphere. We’re compassionate and friendly. And if you can imagine - even fun. The best dentistry available in a comfortable setting. Isn’t that what you’re looking for?
A
Visit Dr. Sally M. Vail and Dr. Linda J. Robson for all your dental needs from
regular cleanings to full mouth restoration. 64 Washington Street, Mystic, CT 860-536-7100
Millie Devine worked for the Trust and Investment Group of Hartford National Bank & Trust Company, retiring after 32 years as Vice President & Regional Manager of Fleet Bank’s Trust & Wealth Management Eastern Region. Millie established Devine Planning, specializing in planned giving, estate planning and grants advising. Today she is a Certified Trust & Financial Advisor (CTFA) plus an Accredited Estate Planner® (AEP®) as a Trust Officer with Dime Bank. As a Trust Officer, Millie created and administered private foundations, assisted in the creation of two community foundations, administered a wide variety of trusts for individuals and those that benefit non-profits. Additionally, Millie assisted individuals in the creation of special/supplemental needs trusts and settled estates.
Mildred E. Devine
Millie is a graduate of the American Bankers Association National Graduate Trust School at Northwestern University in addition to graduating from Upper Iowa University with honors. Millie is the founding mother of the Southeastern Connecticut Women’s
Network, which she organized more than 30 years ago. Today it has approximately 185 members representing very widely diverse vocations. Currently, she serves on boards such as the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Foundation, Catholic Charities and Waterford Education Foundation. She is a member and past (first woman) president of New London Rotary and she exemplifies Rotary’s motto: “Service Above Self” by being very much involved in the community and in service to others. Notably, Millie was the first female to become a member of The Thames Club located in New London. Millie was also the first recipient of the prestigious Athena Award from the Mystic Chamber of Commerce in recognition of her contribution of educating and promoting business and professional women.
290 Salem Turnpike, Norwich • 860.859.4308
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