STCC Appoints Two New Academic Deans

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College announced the appointments of two new academic leaders, Mary Lou Vredenburg as dean of the School of Liberal and Professional Studies, effective July 7, and Miah Dreger as dean of the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), effective Aug. 4.

Both deans bring extensive experience in higher education and a shared commitment to student success, equity, and the mission of community colleges.

Mary Lou Vredenburg

Vredenburg, most recently associate dean of Faculty at Connecticut State Community College’s Manchester campus, brings a strong background in academic leadership. Prior to her role in Connecticut, she served as associate dean of Arts, Humanities, Mathematics, and Social Sciences at Brightpoint Community College in Virginia. She was also a full-time faculty member at SUNY Oneonta, gaining valuable insight into the teaching and learning experience that she now applies to her leadership role.

A proud community college graduate, Vredenburg began her academic journey at SUNY Orange. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Binghamton University and earned her PhD in humanities from Florida State University.

“Dr. Vredenburg brings a wealth of experience to the School of Liberal and Professional Studies,” said Christopher Thuot, vice president of Academic Affairs at STCC. “Her work across multiple states has exposed her to a broad range of student success strategies and national best practices. That experience will be invaluable as STCC continues to develop and implement initiatives aimed at improving student retention and completion. Dr. Vredenburg is an equity-minded leader with a deep commitment to students and to STCC’s mission.”

Miah Dreger

Dreger joins STCC following a distinguished career in Connecticut, where she held a variety of academic and administrative roles. She most recently served as interim associate dean of Engineering, Science, and Technology at Central Connecticut State University. She previously served in key leadership roles within the Connecticut State Community College system, including interim provost and vice president of Academic Affairs at the system level and dean of Academic and Student Affairs (chief academic officer) at Capital Community College in Hartford.

Dreger brings to STCC a broad range of expertise, including accreditation, strategic planning, grant leadership, equity and inclusion initiatives, and assessment and planning. Before transitioning into administrative roles, she spent more than a decade as a full-time faculty member at the community college level.

She earned her doctor of education degree in educational leadership from the University of Hartford, holds a master’s degree in technology education from Central Connecticut State University, and received her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Houghton University.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Dreger to the STCC community,” Thuot said. “Her deep experience in both academic leadership and the classroom, combined with her proven commitment to student-centered, equity-focused practices, make her an ideal leader for our School of STEM.”