by David Williams
April 17, 2025

Genesee Community College (GCC) welcomed its new Provost, Kathleen Landy, in late 2024. With an extensive background in both teaching and administration, Landy brings a unique perspective to the role and is eager to share her leadership philosophy with the GCC community.

Landy’s career spans both the classroom and administrative offices, having taught subjects ranging from math to theology and literature. Despite her diverse teaching experience, she found that her true passion lies in the act of teaching itself. “I couldn’t pick a favorite subject,” Landy explained. “It was the process of teaching that really resonated with me.” She later transitioned to teaching teachers, which, she said, allowed her to expand her impact on education.

After a decade of teaching, Landy pursued a degree in Educational Leadership while working nights, driven by her desire to better understand educational policy and administration. Her work in an inner-city school in Boston exposed her to the challenges students face, particularly those stemming from social strife and systemic limitations. “I saw the direct impact that effective administration can have on education,” she said. “It pushed me to pursue a deeper understanding of the system with the hope of improving it.”

This blend of teaching experience and administrative insight has shaped Landy’s leadership philosophy. She describes it as a Venn diagram, where her roles as both educator and administrator intersect. “Both philosophies are people-centered,” she said, emphasizing the importance of respect for students and faculty alike. She also values the creation of a safe, inclusive environment and encourages open feedback as part of her approach to leadership.

As provost, Landy sees her role as a balance between people and policy. “It’s about championing faculty while ensuring the needs of students are met, all while maintaining the integrity of our academic programs and adhering to institutional policies,” she explained. As GCC’s chief academic officer, she aims to highlight the success of the college’s programs and ensure they continue to evolve.

Landy’s decision to join GCC was influenced by the college’s mission and close-knit community. Before coming to Batavia, she worked at various colleges, including CUNY Queensborough and Cornell University. Though she enjoyed her time at Cornell, Landy was drawn back to her passion for teaching and supporting future educators. “GCC’s community is uncommon and special,” she said. “The connections here are real, and that’s something I wanted to be a part of.”

When comparing her experiences at large institutions like Cornell to her new role at GCC, Landy noted the difference in scale and personal connection. “At a large school, relationships aren’t as close,” she said. “There’s less familiarity. GCC’s smaller size allows for more meaningful connections, both among students and faculty, and there’s a greater sense of community.”

For students considering transferring to larger institutions, Landy offers this advice: “Embrace the opportunity to connect with people. Those relationships will help you stay on track.” She encourages students to seek out faculty and staff members who can provide guidance and support, whether they’re advisors, professors, or success coaches.

Landy expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve as provost at GCC. “It’s a genuine honor to be here and contribute to the college’s mission,” she said. “I’m excited to continue learning and working to make the student experience here as positive as possible.”