(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - July 19, 2018) - - - Columbia State Community College recently announced Dr. Mary Lou D'Allegro as the new vice president for academic affairs. D'Allegro assumed responsibilities July 1.

"We are excited that Dr. D'Allegro has joined the college and will provide leadership for the continued development of our academic programs," said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. "Her knowledge, vast experience and caring attitude for students and colleagues makes her a good fit for Columbia State."

D'Allegro has a rich history in higher education. She has been in the field for more than 28 years and most recently served as the associate provost at Paul Smith's College in New York where her primary responsibilities included the facilitation of curriculum development, assessment, accreditation, faculty development and evaluation, and the college catalog. D'Allegro has an extensive background with assessment processes, grant and contract writing and facilitating, workforce development processes and implementation, academic leadership, strategic planning, curriculum restructure and design, accreditation, institutional research, campus and university service and teaching.

As the vice president for academic affairs at Columbia State, D'Allegro will provide strategic leadership for the development and implementation of academic and career programs, team building, community partnerships and assists with recruitment, development and retention. In addition, D'Allegro will provide continuous development of academic curriculum and instructional programs, will work to determine staffing needs and develop faculty programs and opportunities, will ensure compliance with the Tennessee Board of Regents, accreditation agencies, will facilitate the articulation of courses and programs, and will assure the integrity of the academic information in the college catalog.

"I am so excited to be a part of the Columbia State family," D'Allegro said. "When I first came to the college the commitment to the success of Columbia State students was palpable. Now that I am meeting more faculty and staff, I feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to work with such a talented team of educators."

D'Allegro earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Scranton, a master's degree in management from the Stevens Institute of Technology, a master's degree in mathematics from Montclair State University and a doctorate in education from Nova Southeastern University.

Photo Caption: Dr. Mary Lou D'Allegro, Columbia State vice president for academic affairs.