Brenda Pongracz

Dr. Brenda Pongracz joined Lorain County Community College in August of 2018 as dean of arts & humanities. In March 2020, she took on the additional role of associate provost of the University Partnership. In both roles, Dr. Pongracz works to increase student success through new partnerships and opportunities as well as working with faculty on curriculum development and program improvements.

Pongracz previously held a range of positions in community college leadership focused on student success. As assistant dean for creative arts at Cuyahoga Community College, Pongracz worked closely with college leadership to support retention and completion and improve student learning. In this role, she promoted collaborative relationships between faculty within Creative Arts and other academic divisions, forged partnerships with local employers to grow experiential learning opportunities in the arts, and led an effort to assist students with degree planning and transfer options. She served as manager and then director of the enrollment center at the Tri-C Westshore Campus, providing her with a familiarity with student services, advising, and financial aid.

She earned her doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from Walden University and has a distinguished background in music and vocal performance. She has an M.A. in Vocal Performance from Temple University, an M.A. in Music History from Cleveland State University, and a BA in Music from Hiram College.