Quinebaug Valley Community College is pleased to welcome Dr. Rose R. Ellis as QVCC’s Interim Chief Executive Officer. While Dr. Ellis is only six-weeks into her tenure, she sees the potential for growth here in Northeast Connecticut.
Appointed July 1, Dr. Ellis succeeds QVCC’s fourth president, Dr. Carlee Drummer. As campus CEO, Dr.Ellis assumes the role as President, overseeing the day-to-day operations at the College. Prior to coming to QVCC, Dr. Ellis served as Dean of Administration and Institutional Effectiveness at both Housatonic and Gateway Community Colleges. She has spent her entire career in higher education, getting her start at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, and has experience in a multitude of disciplines including library services, finance, information technology, instruction and many supervisory positions.
Dr. Ellis earned her doctorate in Higher Education Administration from Capella University (2013) and her Master of Library Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees from Wayne State University. She is a frequent evaluator for the New England Commission of Higher Education accreditation teams and belongs to the following organizations: NACUBO (National Association of College and University Business Officers), ECUBO (Eastern Association of College and University Business Officers), EDUCAUSE, Bridgeport Regional Business Council, along with many Connecticut State College and University System Office Committees.
Upon her first visit to QVCC’s Danielson campus, Dr. Ellis was immediately drawn to the area fondly known as the Quiet Corner. She commented, “It’s an extraordinary town with an unbelievable community. When I walked through the doors, I couldn’t stop dreaming about the potential for the College. I’m a collaborator and look forward to the start of the term and working with all faculty and staff towards improving this gem of a college.” When asked what drew her to QVCC, she answered, “I wanted to be at a place where I could make a difference; I wanted to be a part of a community. When I saw what was happening at QVCC, I said, ‘This is my dream.’”
Outside of her established career in higher education, Dr. Ellis enjoys to swim, hike and travel. In her spare time, she likes to read, but admits she is partial to hardcover books. She also loves to spend time with her spouse, David H. Ellis, and her three cats, Thomas, Roscoe, and Bob.