Leadership
Mount Board of Trustees welcomes three new members
Mount Saint Mary College is proud to announce the appointment of three distinguished leaders to its Board of Trustees. They began their tenures during the Fall 2025 semester.
Raja R. Amar
An accomplished entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience, Amar is the founder and CEO of The Portables Choice Group, LLC, one of the nation’s largest T-Mobile distributors. He also serves as President of the Hudson Valley Country Club. A dedicated community leader, Amar sits on the boards of the Rockland County Industrial Development Agency and Meals on Wheels, and previously served as a trustee for Nyack Hospital.
Charles L. Flynn, Jr., PhD
Flynn serves as President Emeritus of the University of Mount Saint Vincent, where he led a transformative era of growth from 2000 to 2021. During his tenure, enrollment more than doubled, and the institution’s endowment grew from $3 million to nearly $50 million. A distinguished historian and author of White Land, Black Labor, Flynn has been recognized with the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for his extensive community service.
Michael Oates
As President and CEO of the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation (HVEDC), Oates drives economic strategy across seven counties. Currently in his second tenure leading the organization, he is credited with creating the BIOHUD Valley consortium and the Hudson Valley Food and Beverage Alliance. A recent appointee to the New York State Tourism Advisory Council, Oates also serves on the boards of Scenic Hudson and Pattern for Progress.
VP for Student Affairs Honored with 2025 ATHENA Award
Photo by Lee Ferris
Alisha Williams-McCorvey, Vice President for Student Affairs at the Mount, has been named a 2025 ATHENA Award honoree by the Chamber Foundation of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The prestigious award recognizes leaders who demonstrate professional excellence, community service, and active mentorship of women. Williams-McCorvey has been a driving force for inclusivity and support at the Mount, notably creating the PACT (Persist, Achieve, Connect, and Thrive) program to help students navigate anxiety and the rigors of higher education.
Beyond campus, her impact on the Hudson Valley is profound. For 15 years, she administered the McKinney-Vento Homeless Grant to support local families and designed mental health programs for the underserved through the Mount’s Desmond Center for Community Engagement and Wellness.
“Receiving the ATHENA Award is a profound honor, not just for me, but for the community of women and students I serve,” said Williams-McCorvey. “My goal has always been to build environments where people feel seen, safe, and supported enough to reach their highest potential. To be recognized alongside such incredible leaders...motivates me to continue opening doors for the next generation of women leaders.”
OC Chamber Business Expo sparks connection, local growth
Photos by Lee Ferris
The Orange County Chamber of Commerce’s Business Expo and Mixer, held at Mount Saint Mary College on Thursday, October 30, drew hundreds of business owners, professionals, and community leaders.
The annual event served as a marketplace and networking hub, providing a platform for local businesses to forge new partnerships and explore business development opportunities.
Attendees had the opportunity to meet with exhibitors, discover innovative services, and enjoy a dynamic mixer atmosphere designed to build lasting relationships.
