Longtime MCLA Staffer Degen Retiring
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NORTH ADAMS, MASS. — Charlotte Degen, the vice president of student affairs at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, will retire from the college next month after 40 years of service.
Throughout her career, Degen authored numerous federal, state and foundation grant proposals, and participated in many initiatives – such as MCLA’s educational enrichment program, which evolved into the Center for Student Success and Engagement (CSSE).
According to MCLA President Mary K. Grant, the college’s student affairs division grew under Degen’s leadership as she worked to advance the needs and interests of students. Her efforts, Grant said, will continue to have a lasting impact on the college, its students and the community.
“A proud alumna of MCLA, Charlotte created many programs and participated in many initiatives that have become part of the fabric and culture of the campus,” Grant said. “Charlotte is a dedicated and passionate student affairs professional, whose thoughtful and intentional approach to advancing student learning has resulted in a significant and meaningful body of work. It has been a pleasure to work with her.”
Degen said she will most miss working with various teams on campus to accomplish goals to contribute to student success.
“Who gets to have the great opportunities that I’ve had? It’s magic,” Degen said. “One year after another, I was always fortunate to be able to work with fabulous teams of people. The college is really a vibrant center of thought and action.”
In partnership with members of the faculty, staff, MCLA’s Board of Trustees and the student body, Degen created and supported numerous campus programs and centers, including the First Year Experience, Student Development Program, the Susan B. Anthony Women’s Center and the Multicultural Resource Center.
Degen also created MCLA’s Student Affairs Leadership Program, and played an important role in the evolution and professional development of MCLA’s Campus Police and Public Safety Department. In addition, she strengthened Division III athletics programs as they and the student-athletes became integrated into campus life and leadership roles.
She also brought leadership and direction to the MountainOne Wellness Center, and saw that the bookstore and campus dining teams play an equally important role to support students.
As an undergraduate at then-North Adams State College, Degen majored in elementary education. However, during her junior year she participated in a new program – the Residential Assistant (RA) Program, which changed the course of her career.
“I was one of the first RAs, and I feel in love with student affairs administration,” Degen said. “I didn’t even know the job existed, as it was a growing profession at the time.”
She next headed to graduate school at Springfield College, where she earned her master’s degree in psychological services, and then completed a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in education research and policy at UMASS-Amherst.
“I’m going to miss the benefit of changing people’s lives and empowering them to make smart choices,” Degen said. “To see things advance pretty much the way I thought it would was really cool.”
Following Degen’s departure in October, Associate Dean of Students Theresa O’Bryant ’86, an alumna of the college and a former attorney, will assume the role of interim vice president of student affairs.
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