Five questions with incoming TC3 president – Ithaca Journal

Matt Weinstein , mweinstein@ithacajournal.com | @SteinTime44 Published 1:24 p.m. ET May 4, 2017 | Updated 58 minutes ago

Orinthia Montague, incoming president at Tompkins Cortland Community College, discusses the concerns students have raised during her previous visit to the college. Matt Weinstein / staff video

Orinthia Montague poses for a photograph on Thursday at Tompkins Cortland Community College. Montague will be the school's fourth president and begins her new role on July 5.(Photo: Matt Weinstein / staff photo)Buy Photo

Orinthia Montague gained plenty of experience working various roles in higher education for the past 18 years, and now she is ready to use that knowledge in her new role as president of Tompkins Cortland Community College.

The college's Board of Trustees selected Montague to succeed retiring President Carl E. Haynes following a national search, which was narrowed down to three finalists in March. Montague has been serving as vice president of student affairs and chief diversity officer at Normandale Community College in Bloomington, Minnesota.

Montague's appointment is effective July 5, which allows for a transition before Haynes retirement on Aug. 31.

We spoke to Montague about her accomplishments, goals and the "culture of love" she is striving to create within the Ithaca City School District.

Q: How excited are you to start your new position and what was the reaction to the news by your current employer?

A: Very excited. I would start tomorrow if I could but I need to give notice and do my due diligence with my current institution for that handoff. Nothing but good from Normandale. Theyve supported me in this journey. Its recognizing growth for individuals. Whether its to attain a presidency, attain a certificate or degree, whatever it is, thats what Ive gotten from my institution. Theyre very supportive of me and dont want me to go. My president did text me last night, hes like Oh I cant believe youre leaving me but congratulations. Now I have another set of colleagues that I can draw upon and use knowledge and skills. Its another way for people to be connected across our nation.

Q: You have had success at your current university in increasing enrollment. What is the key to addressing the issue?

A: There is no one specific fix for increasing enrollment, but I will say that I have been very intentional at my current institution connecting to the community. Figuring out what their needs are, figuring out ways to connect to students, different populations of students and understanding what drives them. We ask what their goals are, what they need from us as a college. Whether its to get their certificate, diploma, or get some retooling for their current job, its figuring out that mix and having an environment where people feel, Yeah, this is where I belong. Whether its a group connection or one-on-one individual connection, thats the piece that draws people in and keeps them.

Orinthia Montague, incoming president at Tompkins Cortland Community College, discusses the concerns students have raised during her previous visit to the college.(Photo: Matt Weinstein / staff photo)

Q: Have you had a chance to talk to students, and what issues have they talked about?

A: I talked to students during my time here in the forums. Childcare space was a concern for some of them but thats being addressed and were moving forward on that. Easy win right there. The students brought up making Tompkins Cortland known as a destination rather than just another option. Marketing and branding our institution as a place you want to come to first and I think thats very important, the spirit of the community. So that was very eye-opening to hear that from the students. Thats their belief and thats what Im going to do when Im here.

Q: How important is diversity, among staff and students?

A: Extremely important to me. I always stressed as my additional title of Chief Diversity Officer at my institution, diversity is just not what we can see its not simply race, perceived gender, socioeconomic status. It is everything someone brings with them to that table and so its our lived experiences and recognizing that those who are different from us are very much similar as well. Its very important and that is what holds communities together.

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Q: Any comparisons between Normandale and Tompkins Cortland?

A: Welcoming of the folks, very open. Eager to move forward as an institution and as a community. Every place Ive stopped and talked to people on the way, theyre always willing to engage. Thats a little bit better than where Im coming from. In Minnesota, everyone grew up there and its like a where did you go to high school? thing. I think here, its kind of a melting pot of everyone coming in whether its to go to college or to work in the area and thats a different kind of diversity that is brought forward.

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Five questions with incoming TC3 president - Ithaca Journal