 Jason Zelesky has spent the past two decades helping students achieve academic, professional and personal success at colleges and universities in Massachusetts, Florida and Vermont. Recently appointed dean of students at Mount Wachusett Community College, the Gardner resident is elated to be working in a field he finds inspiring, in the community he calls home.
Raised by a single mother and the first in his family to attend college, Zelesky knows first-hand what it takes to overcome barriers to reach one's goals. And, through his experience and leadership as a college administrator and mentor, he is well aware of the myriad societal and health issues that can impede or derail a student's aspirations, as well as the steps and strategies students can implement to navigate around or through such challenges.
"It's inspiring and humbling to work in an environment that is student-centered and student-focused. I'm a first-generation college student myself, so working at a college that values access, excellence and success, and helps students aspire to achieve their goals, is a perfect fit. That's exactly what higher education should be about, especially when you do that in a way that is affordable and flexible and meaningful for students."
Working with MWCC's student services team, Zelesky will oversee the college's counseling services, TRIO programs, student life, disability services, and health services departments, have primary responsibility for the administration of the student code of conduct, and serve as student grievance officer.
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