Press release:
From as far away as Connecticut and as close as Monroe County, Genesee Community College welcomes a class of new administrators and directors to its main campus in Batavia. These leaders bring fresh ideas and extensive experience to help GCC continue to meet the needs of students and the community.
Kathleen (Kate) Schiefen, Ph.D., joined the College July 1 as provost/executive vice president for Academic Affairs. Schiefen will oversee all academic programs. She has more than 20 years experience in higher education and comes to GCC from Monroe Community College in Rochester where she served as dean of Academic Services at the Damon City Campus for the past four years. Previously, she was a department chair, tenured teaching faculty member and adjunct instructor at MCC and dean at Pima Community College in Tucson, Ariz. She earned an A.A.S. in Radiologic Technology from Trocaire College, a bachelor of science degree in Organizational Management from Roberts Wesleyan College, a master's in Adult Education from the University at Buffalo and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership from Capella University.
GCC is pleased to welcome back to campus Kristen Clark Schuth, who became director of Athletics May 1. Schuth was head softball coach at GCC from 2005-2010. She returns to Batavia after serving as assistant director of Athletics at Finger Lakes Community College. A native of Hilton, Schuth starred in basketball and softball at SUNY Brockport where she was named female athlete of the year and earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. She earned a master's in Sport Management from California University of Pennsylvania. She resides in Spencerport with husband, David, and sons, Gavynn and Austynn.
Michelle Slawiak joined the GCC family July 8 as the new director of the Campaign for the Genesee Community College Foundation. Slawiak, of Buffalo, comes to GCC from the Botanical Gardens of Buffalo and Erie County where she served as an event and wedding coordinator. She previously served as the annual giving director for the Buffalo Niagara YMCA and as a development associate for the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Canisius College.
Reid Smalley began his position as executive director of Workforce Development in The BEST (Business Employee Skills Training) Center April 15. Prior to GCC, he served as dean of Workforce Development, Continuing Education and Community Services at Middlesex Community College in Middletown, Conn. He has also worked at community colleges in Harrisburg, Pa. and Johnstown, NY. He holds a bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation Resources from Michigan State University and a M.Ed. in Training and Development from Penn State University.
A graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy, Stephen Wise took over as director of Public Safety at GCC May 1. Wise served as director of Safety and Security for the Churchville-Chili Central School District for the last three years. He retired in 2009 from the Greece police department. A resident of Rochester, Wise holds a bachelor's degree, from SUNY Brockport and a master's degree from Keuka College.
Finally, the new Dean of Distributed Learning, Craig Lamb joins the College Aug. 12 from SUNY Empire State College's Center for Distance Learning (CDL) in Saratoga Springs. Lamb has worked as an assessment specialist in CDL's Office of Academic Review and, for the past six years, as director of Academic Support Services. He will continue to build the dynamic online learning program at GCC, where online enrollment now accounts for 15 percent of total enrollment. Lamb is a recipient of the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service. He holds a bachelor's degree from St. Lawrence University, master's from SUNY Plattsburgh and is completing a Ph.D. from SUNY Albany.
