Mohawk Valley Community College Executive Director of Institutional Advancement and Director of the MVCC Foundation Frank DuRoss is one of only 28 college administrators nationwide to receive the Phi Theta Kappa Distinguished College Administrator Award, which recognizes college administrators working directly with student leaders to solve problems on campus and in their communities. 

Honorees were selected from among thousands of college administrators eligible to receive this award. “These college administrators are beloved on campus—they know students by name and by circumstance,” says Phi Theta Kappa President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner. “Their nomination is evidence of the gratitude their PTK students feel for supporting them and students like them—even during the most difficult times.”

DuRoss’ nomination referenced the start of two scholarships he created for members of PTK who were unable to cover costs associated with membership into the Honor Society. One scholarship was created in 2012 to alleviate membership dues for students with the greatest need, who would otherwise not be able to participate. The Foundation also provides scholarships for member officers who spend many hours advancing chapter activities and programming. His nomination also noted his oversight of the emergency loan fund that helps students navigate difficult and unforeseen challenges, and the administration of the Presidential Scholarship, a full tuition grant given to students in Oneida County, who graduate in the top 10% of their high school class.

Since taking the helm of the MVCC Foundation in 2008, DuRoss has worked tirelessly to ensure that MVCC can continue its long tradition of providing an accessible, affordable, high-quality college education to the people of the Mohawk Valley and beyond. Through his leadership and efforts, the MVCC Foundation endowment nearly doubled, multiple social enterprises were created, the Presidential Scholarship was endowed, and the annual number of scholarship dollars and recipients increased. DuRoss has been instrumental in reaching out to community stakeholders and in the cultivation of potential campaign donors, which has enabled MVCC to award more than $358,000 annually in scholarships to more than 200 students. As acting campaign manager of the College’s first comprehensive major gifts campaign, he was instrumental in securing the largest donation in the College’s history — $3 million. In his tenure, DuRoss helped to raise $20 million in support of MVCC initiatives and scholarships through grants, cash, and in-kind donations.

In January, DuRoss retired from his full-time position and transitioned to a part-time role as Special Advisor to the President, where he will continue his responsibilities with thINCubator, Small Business Development Center, and Tea Leaf Ventures, along with special projects for the College and the Foundation.

He will be honored in April during PTK Catalyst 2022, the society’s annual convention.