Dr. Mary Dawson

Dr. Mary Elizabeth Dawson, a Brooklyn native, joined the KCC faculty of biological sciences in 1993. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a full professor and eventually chairing the department.

Over her 30 years of teaching, she has been dedicated to student success and public education. Notable contributions include her involvement in KCC Learning Communities since 2004, participation in the Writing Across the Curriculum Program, and conducting formal biology review sessions for the clinical nursing program's entrance exam. She has also been a faculty advisor to Phi Theta Kappa, the two-year college international honor society, for over a decade.

She transitioned to a new role as associate provost and dean of health programs in February 2024. In this position, she will lead efforts to enhance existing healthcare programs, develop new ones, and oversee compliance with educational standards.

Dr. Dawson holds a B.S. in chemistry from Brooklyn College and a Ph.D. in neuroscience from SUNY Downstate Medical College School of Graduate Studies. She brings a wealth of experience to the table, including having served as a trustee at St. Francis College and contributing to health economics research.