Marta Yera Cronin, Ed.D. began her role as president of Delaware County Community College July 1. She is the College’s fifth president since its founding 56 years ago. She was formerly president of Columbia Gorge Community College in The Dalles, Oregon.

She succeeds L. Joy Gates Black, Ed.D., who retired on June 30 after six years of service to the College. Dr. Cronin is the second woman and the first Latina to lead the College. 

Dr. Cronin has over 30 years of experience in education. She has served in community colleges for more than two decades. Prior to her presidency at Columbia Gorge Community College, she served in various administrative and faculty roles at Indian River State College in Fort Pierce, Florida, including vice president of Academic Affairs, dean of the School of Education, department chair and full professor. She also has more than a decade of K-12 teaching experience in Florida. 

“I am thrilled to finally be here in Pennsylvania to lead Delaware County Community College in the important work of educating and training students and members of our community,” Dr. Cronin said. “I look forward to meeting and working with our community partners as we collaborate to move the college forward.”

Under her leadership, Columbia Gorge Community College secured funding for a $16.4 million capital project, which led to the design and construction of the Columbia Gorge Regional Skills Center and Chinook Residence Hall on the main campus in The Dalles, Oregon.

Dr. Cronin served as co-chair of the Oregon Community College Association’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, co-chair of the Board for the Oregon League of Minority Voters and president of a bi-state organization dedicated to advocating for and empowering Latino women and youth in the region.

Dr. Cronin holds a Doctor of Education with an emphasis on curriculum and instruction from the University of Sarasota, a Master of Science degree in Reading from Barry University and a bachelor’s degree in French from the University of Miami.