Innovative Leadership
Celia Norcross
As an educator for over 23 years, Celia Norcross has been invested in making a life impact on students and their educational goals within the Higher Education setting . Through the years in her positions at Western New England University, MCLA for 18 years and now as the Dean of Students at Berkshire Community College, she has created foundational programs and enhanced student engagement efforts with a strong team approach, collaborating with partners from every division across a campus. She has served on many committees, boards and structures that take a deep look at the overall college experience, sifting through details to ensure quality and successful measures. Creating high impact experiences through academic and leadership opportunities is vital to a meaningful college journey.
She values her past athletic experience serving as a Division III role model and as a first generation student now embraces her own diverse background to champion equity for students ensuring that every student has a right to an education and minimizing the historical barriers. Mentoring college teams and groups through the years has been a highlight of additional joy as well as a passion within her volunteer roles. These roles have helped her learn more than she could ever teach in return.
Celia earned her undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Western New England University and a Master of Education in Higher Education from Springfield College.
Within the community, Celia works to keep that continuous educational and volunteer lens by being involved with youth sports programs including BCYSL, Adams Soccer Club and Adams Cheshire Savoy Youth Soccer, Hoosac High School committees and religious affiliates serving as a board member, coach and educator for over 15 years. Creating a supportive, engaging environment where learning can blossom both as individuals and as a group keeps her motivated to all the opportunities afforded to her through the Berkshires as she shares her time to build community. She values serving the community through involvement of organizations making a deep impact on those underrepresented focused on the creation of kindness, motivation and empowerment for a better tomorrow such as the 2nd Street Board and the Northern Berkshire United Way.