The First Woman to Lead Miami Dade College

Amelia Pearson will be the first woman to lead Miami Dade College. A graduate of the college, she brings years of experience in higher education to her new role. Her goal is to partner with local businesses and accelerate students’ entry into the workforce. As a former student and long-time administrator, she is well-positioned to guide the college’s transformation.

The search for the new president began in January, but was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The College’s Presidential Search Committee, made up of 17 internal and external stakeholders, selected four finalists. The committee unanimously chose Pumariega. The school will begin formal recognition of the new president next month, at an event held at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts.

The President of MDC is responsible for developing a strategic plan for the college. The plan includes more than 1,000 stakeholder inputs and focuses on five key priorities: Reimagining for student success, accelerating academic excellence, innovation, valuing culture, and securing the College’s future. This plan has already inspired hundreds of leaders to engage in the process.

Despite the difficulties the college has faced, the college’s new president and executive team have outlined a new path. The college will focus on a hybrid model of teaching and will develop partnerships with industry. The college will also focus on health and technology, with a new focus on artificial intelligence and health care.