Gail O. Mellow

President, LaGuardia Community College

Dr. Gail O. Mellow is president of LaGuardia Community College in New York City, one of the most ethnically diverse campuses in the United States.

LaGuardia, a two-year public college, serves over 50,000 students from 160 countries. Its students pursue baccalaureate education at over twice the national average, and LaGuardia is a leader in using e-portfolios for teaching and assessment. 

During her eight-year tenure as president, the college has won numerous awards. Dr. Mellow spearheads local economic development with LaGuardia’s Small Business Development Center and NY Designs, a business incubator for design professionals. 

Dr. Mellow is coauthor of three books and more than thirty articles. Her third book, Minding the Dream: The American Community College, was published in 2008. She received an A.A. from Jamestown Community College, a B.A. from SUNY Albany, and her M.A. and Ph.D. from The George Washington University.