Welcome to the Office of the President

Recent Communications from Dr. Christine Mangino, President

February 22, 2021

Dear Colleagues:

I am pleased to announce that Ms. Ellen Hartigan will return to Queensborough Community College as Interim Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management while we conduct a national search for a permanent, innovative leader with a diversity of experience and a demonstrated commitment to equity, academic excellence, and student success.

Ellen will bring nearly 40 years of higher education experience and deep knowledge of the CUNY system to the role effective March 8. While Ellen will not be returning to Queensborough permanently, as Interim Vice President she will enable us to move forward, timely and efficiently, and achieve our goals during these challenging times.

Following her retirement from Queensborough in 2014, Ellen served as Interim Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs at John Jay College from 2019-2021. During this time, she established John Jay’s first LGBTQ+ Resource Center and was known for her “students first,” philosophy which includes inviting students to call or text her directly about their college experience. She oversaw 21 student support offices including: Admissions & Recruitment, Financial Services, Dean of Students, Counseling Services, the Center for Student Involvement & Leadership, and more.

Ellen served as Queensborough’s Vice President of Student Affairs for 10 years, overseeing 18 student support departments, the integration of enrollment processes, the simplification of financial aid processes, and contributing to the establishment of the Freshman Academies. At the same time, she introduced new technologies designed to streamline communication with prospective and current students.

Previously, Ellen spent 15 years at Polytechnic University where she served for 10 years as Vice President for Student Affairs and Alumni Development and directed the opening of the institution’s first residence hall, athletic facilities, and dining areas at its new MetroTech Center. Earlier in her career, Ellen served in similar capacities at Adelphi University, Fairfield University, and Marist College.

Ellen holds a bachelor’s degree from Marist College, a master’s in educational administration from Fairfield University, and an advanced certificate from the Institute on College Admissions at Harvard University.

Search Process

In the coming days, we will launch a nationwide search for the permanent leadership of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. The search committee will be chaired by Ms. Amaris Matos, Executive Adviser for Equity, Office of the President. Members will include:

• Mr. Stephen Atkins, Affirmative Action Representative, ASAP Student Career Senior Advisor
• Dr. Beth Counihan, Faculty Executive Committee, Associate Professor, English
• Dr. Nidhi Gadura, Professor and Chairperson, Biological Sciences and Geology
• Ms. Veronika Lucas, Dean of Enrollment Management, Student Affairs
• Dr. Timothy G. Lynch, Provost and Senior Vice President, Academic Affairs
• Ms. Tikola Russell, Assistant Dean for Student Development, Student Affairs
• Mr. Arnab Sharma, President, Student Government Association

As part of the search process, will create opportunities in the spring for the entire Queensborough community to meet the finalists for this role and to provide feedback.

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, Dr. Brian Kerr, and his team for their support during this period of transition. Brian will work closely with Ellen throughout the changeover.

I am very much looking forward to working with Ellen as we take the time to conduct a comprehensive search for this role, which is critical to the success of our students.

Please join me in welcoming Ellen back to Queensborough!

Thank you,
Dr. Christine Mangino
President