Mohawk Valley Community College has named Sheila Flihan to the position of Dean of the School of Public and Human Services, responsible for setting the standard for intellectual engagement, academic integrity, and accomplishment by providing strategic vision for and operational leadership of her academic school.

Flihan has 20 years of experience in higher education and will put it to use providing innovative and visionary leadership in the development of a strategic plan for her academic school that aligns with MVCC’s Strategic Plan, and inclusive and collegial leadership to support the needs of faculty, staff, and students.

“The College is tremendously fortunate to have Dr. Flihan join our team,” says Dr. Lew Kahler, MVCC Vice President for Learning and Academic Affairs. “In her previous role as Department Chairperson for Teacher Education at The College of Saint Rose, Dr. Flihan gained invaluable experience leading student success efforts, curriculum development, and assessment processes. I am confident Dr. Flihan will be an immediate value add to our academic leadership team, and I am excited to observe Dr. Flihan’s positive impact on students.”

Flihan joins MVCC from The College of Saint Rose’s Department of Teacher Education, where she served as associate professor, a tenured professor, and most recently as department chairperson. Flihan also was a research assistant at University at Albany’s National Research Center on English Learning and Achievement, focusing on theory and practice relating to the teaching and practice of English language and literacy. She also served as a teacher of English as a Second Language for the Utica City School District, and a teacher of Secondary English at Notre Dame High School. 

“I’m excited about returning to the Utica area as a member of the MVCC community,” says Flihan. “MVCC has a longstanding tradition of excellence in serving the community through high-quality programs that lead to community partnerships, workforce development, and academic advancement. I look forward to drawing on my experience in ways that contribute to MVCC’s future.”

She holds a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction with a language in education specialization, a master’s degree in English, and a certificate of graduate study in Latin American and Caribbean Studies, all from University at Albany. She also holds bachelor’s degrees in English and philosophy from Le Moyne College.