Dr. Mary Ellen Duncan has always felt the need to accomplish great tasks where help was needed. Drawing upon an extraordinary education, which includes a Bachelor of Science from St. John’s University and a Master of Arts and PhD from the University of Connecticut, she commenced her career at West Islip Public Schools in New York in 1963, where she served as an instructor of English and Latin for eight years. From there, Dr. Duncan served the University of Connecticut as a graduate research assistant from 1971 to 1975 before becoming an instructor at the Tri-County Technical College in Pendleton, South Carolina, for the following year. During her tenure at the technical college, Dr. Duncan also acted as an instructional associate for the ACCTion Center, the director of the eastern region, the director of institutional development and dean until her departure from the college in 1988.
Soon thereafter, Dr. Duncan relocated to Baltimore, where she served Catonsville Community College as dean of planning and development from 1988 to 1991 and interim president from 1989 to 1990. From 1991 to 1998, she subsequently became the president of the technical college of the State University of New York at Delhi before taking on her most recent role as president of Howard Community College, a role she held from 1998 until her retirement in 2008.
Noting the highlight of her career was her tenure at Howard Community College, Dr. Duncan stepped into her role when the college was in poor shape. Through hard work, compassion and a rigid determination, she took charge of campus activities and administration and helped shape the college into the prominent institution it is today.
As a testament to her success in the field, Dr. Duncan has received several accolades and honors. She was selected for inclusion in Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in American Education, Who’s Who in the East and Who’s Who of American Women. The proud mother of one daughter, Kathryn, Dr. Duncan enjoys golfing in her spare time.
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