PHILADELPHIA, PA - For the third year in a row, Dr. Mary Ellen Caro, Peirce president and CEO, has been honored by City and State PA for her steadfast commitment to championing programs that serve traditionally marginalized populations. This year, Dr. Caro was named a Pennsylvania Trailblazer in Higher Education, alongside other academic and political leaders shaping the future of higher education in the Commonwealth.

“Dr. Caro’s innovative approach and her continued focus on providing access to higher education for underserved communities are unparalleled amongst her peers in Pennsylvania,” said Toni Pergolin, Chair of the Peirce College Board of Trustees and President and CEO of Bancroft. “We are thrilled that City and State have once again recognized her leadership at the College and across the Commonwealth.”

Dr. Caro has been president and CEO of Peirce College since 2018, and is the first woman to serve in this role. Her leadership has been heralded for guiding the College through the COVID-19 pandemic; launching the innovative CareerBridge program; developing corporate partnership programs with national employers like JetBlue; and amplifying PLA and cost saving opportunities through the College’s partnerships with alternative credit providers like Study.com and Coursera. Previously, she held senior executive roles at Thomas Edison State University, in Trenton, N.J., and was the founding Dean of the School of Business and Management. Before joining higher education, Dr. Caro built an impressive 25-year career at AT&T, where she progressed through several executive positions, culminating in several VP and Officer positions managing a global P&L portfolio.

About Peirce College:

Established in 1865, Peirce College is Pennsylvania’s only college dedicated exclusively to serving adult learners. Based in Philadelphia, the private, nonprofit college is a pioneer in online education and a regional leader in the assessment of prior learning. Today, Peirce continues its tradition of serving the unique needs of working adults through career-focused, accelerated, online programs that provide students with academic excellence, affordability and personalized support. Peirce offers associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Learn more at www.peirce.edu.

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