Wolverines bid farewell to Student Affairs VP

KresLynn Knouse, Assistant News Editor, @KresLynn, additional reporting Nicole Shepard, News Editor, @NicoleEShepard

After ten years of his role as Student Affairs Vice President, Cory Duckworth has accepted another position as the new president of Jamestown Community College in New York City.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to join the great team at JCC,” Duckworth said. “My wife Elva and I felt the very warm welcome extended to us by the college and community and are eager to become acquainted with the communities served by the college. We look forward to working with everyone to take student success to the next level.”

Duckworth, whose appointment is effective September 3, succeeds Gregory T. DeCinque, who has served as JCC’s president since 1994.

“Dr. Duckworth is an ideal fit for JCC, with decades of experience in several facets of higher education,” said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher. “His leadership will greatly benefit the more than 3,500 students who enroll at JCC each year and ensure that the college’s outstanding service to western New York is carried on with excellence and distinction.”

A member of the Utah Bar Association, Dr. Duckworth earned a juris doctorate at the University of Utah College of Law. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and psychology at Utah State University and a master’s degree in political science at the University of Utah.

Mr. Duckworth has served in his current post at Utah Valley since 2003. He previously served as vice president for university advancement and marketing at Ferris State University in Michigan, associate vice president for institutional advancement at Utah Valley State College, executive director of the St. Cloud (Minn.) University Foundation, executive assistant to the president for planning and development at Minot (S.D.) State University and assistant director of development, instructor of political science, and pre-law advisor at Southern Utah University.

President Holland and the university’s cabinet honored Duckworth and his 16 years at a farewell reception on July 31.

“I want to express my gratitude to Cory; he has been a valuable and loyal fixture on the UVU campus for 16 years,” President Matthew Holland said. “During this time, he has been an energetic advocate for students and extremely thoughtful about the institution’s broader mission.”

Michelle Taylor, who has been committed to the student affairs division for over 18 years, will replace Duckworth. She holds a doctorate in social work administration from the University of Utah, master’s degrees in social work and public administration from the University of Utah, and a bachelor’s degree in educational psychology from Brigham Young University.

“Cory played a key role in our move to university status and has been a vital advisor to me from the moment I stepped on campus,” Holland said. “He is well poised to take over the presidency at Jamestown Community College. On behalf of the UVU community, I wish him the absolute best in this endeavor.”