Gloria Oikelome

Dr. Gloria Oikelome currently serves as Vice President of Academic Affairs at Montgomery County Community College. Over her 18-year career in higher education, she has focused on building innovative STEM and health science programming and curriculum, while helping students discover their passions and advance their careers in the sciences. Gloria is a committed educator with experience in academic leadership roles at Reading Area Community College, Lincoln University and the University of York (Hull York Medical School) in the United Kingdom. She also has extensive experience in the classroom, teaching biology, microbiology, nutrition, and biomedicine. She credits committed faculty who helped her see potential in herself during her college experience as a driving force in her decision to pursue a career in higher education.

This experience, combined with her passion for student success, gives her a unique perspective that she brings to her work as a member of the president’s executive cabinet. In her role as Vice President of Academic Affairs, Gloria oversees all academic programs, academic support, and assurance of learning including serving as the College’s Middle States Accreditation Liaison Officer. She’s proud of the spirit of collaboration and commitment to student achievement she shares with her colleagues at the College.

Gloria earned a Bachelor of Science in biology from Bethel University, a Master of Science in cell & molecular biology/science education from Long Island University, a post-graduate certificate in program & institutional assessment and a Doctor of Education in higher education administration, both from Immaculata University. In her spare time, she serves as a STEM ambassador for various organizations working to engage and mentor young women and underrepresented minorities in the sciences. She enjoys traveling and experiencing different cultures. She loves visiting family around the globe and frequently travels as part of mission trips and projects focused on education, advocacy and empowerment for youth and women in developing nations.

Her advice for students is to ask for help when they need it and recognize the possibility that lies in the future. “No matter what challenges you face in your educational experience, it’s important to remember that those challenges don’t have to define who you are or what your future will be.”