Dr. Sharon DeVivo will be installed next Friday as Vaughn College’s seventh president. Photo Courtesy of Vaughn College
Call her the Pioneer President.
Flushing’s Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology is set this Friday to install Dr. Sharon DeVivo as its seventh president—the first female to hold the office in the history of the 82-year-old institution.
DeVivo, who succeeds Dr. John Fitzpatrick and has been serving in the role of president since July 1, has been with the school since 1996, most recently as its senior vice president. According to Vaughn, during DeVivo’s 18-year tenure she has been responsible for an array of areas including academic affairs, development, admissions, financial aid, student affairs and public affairs.
“Dr. Fitzpatrick has served the last 17 years as president of this institution and brought us to this moment in our history where we have experienced a transformation that will ensure our long-term growth,” DeVivo said. “I am thrilled to be selected as president to continue the dynamic transformation of this institution and work with our wonderfully engaged community to achieve the goals set forth in our strategic plan.”
DeVivo was unanimously selected by the school’s Board of Trustees after an “extensive national search,” according to Board Chair Thomas McKee.
“The search committee spent countless hours over the past several months reviewing candidates and ensuring that the applicants met the criteria necessary to spearhead the institution and move Vaughn College forward,” McKee said. “We know Dr. DeVivo fully understands the college’s dynamics and has the vision and leadership skills necessary to achieve the community’s collective goals.”
In an effort to remodel Vaughn from primarily a training institution to one that offers a bachelor of science degree in engineering, management and aviation, and a master of science degree, DeVivo has, in recent years, been instrumental in helping the college earn more than $20 million in federal and state grants, as well as qualify for a $26-million renovation of the main campus building.
To that end, Vaughn will celebrate the completion of a $40 million renovation of the campus at a reception the night before DeVivo’s installation. The Vaughn Transformed Gala highlights what the school has said is essentially a “brand-new main building from the outside in, with a new roof, windows, mechanical systems and exterior, including a new glass entrance.”
Additionally, the school invested $15 million in a new library, and administrative and faculty offices. The administrative area is now in a central location that includes admissions, career services, financial aid, registrar, bursar and other functions.
By Michael V. Cusenza
