Higher-Ed Leader to Speak at Simon's Rock Commencement
 |
A leader in higher-education policy and practice, Wilson has devoted her career to expanding educational opportunities. As former president and chief executive officer of the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, she oversaw one of the nation's largest public charities dedicated to improving academic achievement for underserved communities. During her seven-year tenure, the foundation distributed more than $80 million in grants to educational institutions and nonprofit organizations to improve access to college for low-income and underserved student populations.
"I am honored that Doctor Wilson – an individual who has dedicated her life to providing educational opportunity – has agreed to be our commencement speaker," said Provost Mary B. Marcy in a press statement. "Her leadership has changed lives for the better; her presence as our speaker on this important occasion recognizes that Simon's Rock is also involved in the work of providing opportunity and educational excellence."
Wilson, acting president of Cedar Crest College, of which she is also a board member and alumnus, began her career at Rutgers University in New Jersey. She also was senior associate dean at the Harvard Graduate School of Education for 10 years.
She received her master's in education from Seton Hall University and her doctorate in higher education administration from Boston College.
For her humanity, her dedication to education and her commitment to providing opportunity to underrepresented students, Wilson has received honorary degrees from more than 25 colleges and universities, including Rutgers, the University of Massachusetts, Brandeis University and Boston College.
She is former chancellor of the University of Michigan at Dearborn and former president of both the California State University at Northridge and the American Association of Higher Education. She is chairman of the board of Higher Education Resource Services and serves on the boards of Boston College, National Center for Higher Education Management Systems, Union Theological Seminary, Western Governors University and Medco Health Systems. As a former executive director of the Colorado Commission on Higher Education, Wilson served as an officer in the governor's cabinet.
Wilson will address the graduating class of 2008 on the Blodgett Lawn on the campus, 84 Alford Road.
