Three Rivers Community College is excited to announce that President Mary Ellen Jukoski received the 2018 Distinguished Woman in Higher Education Leadership Administrative Award from the Connecticut ACE Women’s Network in Higher Education (CTAWN). The award was presented at the CTAWN spring conference, “Transformative Leadership: Enacting Change on All Levels,” on Friday, April 20.

These annual awards recognize and honor women who have distinguished themselves by providing outstanding leadership to women in their institutions, in their profession, and in society at large. The CTAWN Awards Committee was deeply impressed by President Jukoski’s record of mentorship and advocacy for women leaders in higher education.  Wanda Warshauer, State Chair Emerita of CTAWN, described her as “a great mentor and sounding board. We need more women like her. She uplifts other women around her and her whole life has reflected this commitment to empowering women.”

The award is sponsored by CTAWN in Higher Education, which is a member of the American Council of Education National Network of Women Leaders. Nominations for the award are solicited annually from senior leadership of Connecticut universities, colleges, and community colleges.

President Jukoski was also a member of the Presidential Panel, which discussed the conference theme, “Transformative Leadership: Enacting Change on All Levels.” The panel explored styles of leadership that cause change in people and systems, enhancing motivation, morale, and performance while working towards a common objective, goal or vision. Other panel members, all college presidents, included: Dr. Joe Bertolino of Southern Connecticut State University, Dr. Marc Camille of Albertus Magnus College, and Dr. Mark Nemec of Fairfield University.

President Jukoski has served as President of Three Rivers since 2014. Prior to that, she was President of Mitchell College for 20 years and held executive positions at Sacred Heart University, Loretto Heights College, University of Memphis, and World University.

Throughout her career, President Jukoski has received an impressive list of honors and awards, and has been appointed to numerous board positions. She has been published extensively, including “Understanding the Adult Learner: How Universities Get Rid of the Peter Pan Syndrome in the Classroom,” published in Proceedings of National Conference on the Adult Learner; and “Learning Styles: The Practical Implications of Current Theory,” published in Proceedings of the University of Chicago and National University Continuing Education Association Conference; among many others.