Middlesex Community College is thrilled to announce Erika Corona as the new Assistant Dean of Advising and Pathways. Before joining Middlesex, Corona was the Associate Director of Pathways and Multilingual Programs at UMass Boston. At MCC, she looks forward to continuing to help students succeed by providing access to academic experiences and support services.
“This role allows the opportunity to educate our students on navigating the college experience and gives the ability to equip them with the tools to be successful, not only in college but as well as further educational opportunities and in the workforce,” Corona said. “Student success is the pillar to retention at the college, but also a way to make meaningful contributions to our local community. When our students succeed, we all succeed.”
After receiving a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from UMass Amherst, Corona worked as a student advisor to guide students through college and to teach them the tools available to them. Looking to grow in this field, she went on to pursue a secondary degree in Intercultural Relations from Lesley University.
While earning her master’s, Corona started working at UMass Boston and learned more about higher education. In her most recent role, she oversaw the Academic Success Advising Program, Immigrant Student Advising Program, and other programs serving pathways into the university.
Corona’s work at UMass Boston created access to higher education and supported students through their transition into college and beyond. After over 10 years at the state university, she decided to join MCC due to her interest in community colleges. In addition to wanting to offer increased opportunities to students, Corona has witnessed firsthand the benefits of starting at a community college.
“My husband launched his educational journey after the military at community college and proceeded to get his bachelor’s then master’s,” Corona said. “Both of my sisters went back to community college after completing other degrees as a way to enter the nursing field. My parents also met at community college. Community colleges give the opportunity of possibilities of knowledge, careers, and an endless future. Doors start opening with community college.”
Due to her husband’s military experience, Corona is excited to work with MCC’s veteran and military-connected students, as well as the college’s Veterans Resource Center. She also hopes to highlight the value of working with MCC’s academic advising staff available on both campuses.
Corona wants the community to understand academic advising is more than registering for classes. By working with students, advising staff are advocating for their success and putting them on the path to pursue their short- and long-term goals at the college, within their jobs, and in their personal lives.
In her new role, Corona and her team are prepared to help students reach their goals in the most efficient ways possible. This includes helping students use tools to find different resources, assist with career paths and development, manage different challenges, and advise students on their individual goals.
“I am committed to help students access public education and succeed through advising and the different pathways offered at MCC,” she said. “I am excited to continue the work I love in my own backyard. Taking the work and putting it into practice in my own community is an incredible opportunity.”