Values the Village
Dr. Annesa Payne Cheek became the 11th president of Frederick Community College (FCC) on July 1, 2022. Her experience, passion for education and equity, and dynamic energy yields a highly engaged leader. Demonstrating the FCC Seal motto, Dr. Cheek fosters moving forward with progress, utilizing a teamwork approach. Recognizing the benefits of the “village” who aided her success, she harnesses the power of the interconnectedness and responsibility of College resources to create the right conditions for employee and student success alike.

Magnet for Innovation
Prior to FCC, Dr. Cheek served four years as president of St. Cloud Technical & Community College in Minnesota, and over 12 years in various leadership positions at Sinclair Community College in Ohio. Evident is her laser focus on enhancing student outcomes through commitment to institutional transformations that optimize the student experience and relationships that foster transparent and strategic dialogue.

Continuous Learner
With a bachelor’s degree from Tennessee State University, an MBA from the University of Dayton, and a doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Cheek was chosen by the Aspen Institute for its inaugural Presidential Fellowship and is a member of the Alliance for Innovation and Transformation – a pacesetter for community college CEOs.

Energy for Others
Dr. Cheek prioritizes listening and learning from students, colleagues and community members. The hospitality shown in those interactions prompted her frequent remark and a t-shirt stating, “#everydayifindanewreasontofallinlovewithfrederick”.

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