Contact: Chris Chesrown
Media Relations Manager
480-731-8503

For Immediate Release
To download photo: www.dist.maricopa.edu/marketing/download/hesse.tif

MARIA HESSE NAMED PRESIDENT OF CHANDLER-GILBERT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
New Leader Says Student Success is a Top Priority

April 30, 2002 – As Dean of Instruction for Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Maria Hesse has been a guiding force behind the mission and focus of the college. After 18 years with the Maricopa Community Colleges, as a faculty member, manager and administrator, Hesse will now lead one of the district’s fastest growing colleges.

Chancellor Fred Gaskin appointed Hesse President of Chandler-Gilbert Community College this afternoon, concluding a rigorous search that included 61 applicants.

“Maria Hesse understands the educational needs of the growing East Valley,” said Dr. Gaskin. “She has a proven collaborative leadership style, and we’re proud to have her serve as president.”

Hesse has been with the Maricopa Community Colleges since 1984. She has held several positions including Associate Dean of Student Development, Supervisor of Admissions and Records, and Manager of Employment at the district office.

“When we first opened the college, we talked as a group about the values that were important to us… student centeredness, respect for one another and each others skills, and a focus on our local communities,” said Hesse. “I continue to be committed to those values and dedicated to the students and educators who make it all possible.”

Hesse has an extensive leadership and business background. She earned her Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science degrees from Arizona State University. She is a graduate of the Harvard Institute for Educational Management and is currently completing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. Hesse has also taught numerous business courses during her tenure. She began her education career at The Judson School, where she served as a teacher, dormitory counselor and high school principal. Hesse has received several honors for her work and is active in a number of community projects.

Hesse will take office in early July, succeeding Arnette Scott Ward, who announced her retirement earlier this year.

The Maricopa County Community College District is one of the largest community college districts in the nation. It includes 10 colleges – Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Estrella Mountain Community College, GateWay Community College, Glendale Community College, Mesa Community College, Paradise Valley Community College, Phoenix College, Rio Salado College, Scottsdale Community College and South Mountain Community College. The District also includes the Maricopa Skill Center, Southwest Skill Center, several satellite campuses and business/industry, technical and customized training institutes and serves more than 277,000 students annually. For more information: 480-731-8000 or www.maricopa.edu

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March 13, 2002