POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. — OCT. 2, 2024 — Dr. Angela Flesland (’06), a member of the Dutchess Community College Board of Trustees since 2018, was elected chair on Sept. 24, succeeding Michael Dupree, who has held the position since 2019 and will now serve as vice chair. Dr. Flesland previously served as vice chair from 2021-24.
Dr. Flesland brings extensive leadership experience to her new role as chair, along with a unique perspective as a former student. A 2006 DCC graduate, Dr. Flesland went on to complete her BSN and MSN in Nursing Leadership from Western Governors University, and, in 2023, she earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Quinnipiac University. She was inducted into DCC’s Alumni Hall of Fame in 2018.
Currently the network director of Clinical Care Management for WMC Health, Dr. Flesland’s career spans both healthcare and public service. She has held leadership roles in clinical care management at Westchester Medical Center and previously served as a cardiothoracic nurse at Vassar Brothers Medical Center. Her public service includes a decade in the Dutchess County Legislature, where she served as assistant majority leader, majority leader, and chair of the Budget, Finance and Personnel Committee.
Dr. Angela Flesland expressed her enthusiasm for her new position, stating, “I’m excited to be embarking on this role as chair and collaborating with my fellow board members and President Jordan to advance our mission at Dutchess Community College. As a proud graduate of DCC, I know firsthand the immense value of the education we provide. While earning my doctorate was the most challenging educational hurdle I faced, I truly learned the most from my associate degree here. This foundation has shaped my journey, and I’m excited to build upon it as we continue to create a meaningful impact in our community.”
Michael Dupree, the outgoing chair, praised Dr. Flesland’s leadership and dedication, stating, “Angela’s consistent commitment to Dutchess Community College’s mission, along with her many professional accomplishments, will guide DCC in serving our community in new and innovative ways.” Dupree also expressed gratitude for his time as chair, saying, “It’s been an absolute pleasure to serve as chair for six years even during the pandemic and I appreciate the confidence my colleagues placed in me to oversee our responsibilities to the institution.”
President Peter Grant Jordan stated, “I look forward to working even more closely with Dr. Flesland to continue advancing the mission of DCC and serving this community. Her dedication to education, healthcare and public service uniquely positions her to lead our Board as we navigate the opportunities ahead of us. I also want to extend my gratitude to our now former chair, Michael Dupree, for his unwavering dedication to the community and his leadership as Board chair over the last nine years. I appreciate his support and collegiality tremendously. I’m glad he will continue his outstanding contributions on the Board as our new vice chair.”
The DCC Board of Trustees is led by Chair Dr. Angela Flesland, Vice Chair Michal Dupree, and Secretary Darrah Cloud, who will continue in her role. The Board also includes members Frank Castella Jr., Stephen Caswell, Lisa Ghartey Ogundimu, Ibis Guzmán, Evelyn Panichi, Linda Pratt, and student trustee Bobby Biersack. President Peter Grant Jordan serves as an ex-officio member. For more information about the Board, visit www.sunydutchess.edu/trustees.
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Founded in 1957, Dutchess Community College is a two-year community college that has earned a reputation for providing an outstanding education and offers one of the lowest tuition rates in New York state. The College currently has four locations including its main campus in Poughkeepsie, DCC @ Fishkill, DCC @ HVR Airport, and DCC @ the Partnership. For more information visit www.sunydutchess.edu.