Mount Saint Mary College is proud to announce that Alisha Williams-McCorvey, Vice President for Student Affairs, has been named a 2025 ATHENA Award honoree by the Chamber Foundation of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The ATHENA Award is one of the most prestigious leadership awards in the region. It recognizes individuals who strive toward the highest levels of professional accomplishment, devote time and energy to their community, and actively assist women in realizing their full leadership potential.
Williams-McCorvey serves as a influential mentor for women in higher education, both in the classroom as an adjunct professor and through her leadership on executive search committees, where she advocates for equity and creates pipelines for female leadership.
“Receiving the ATHENA Award is a profound honor, not just for me, but for the community of women and students I serve,” said Williams-McCorvey. “My goal has always been to build environments where people feel seen, safe, and supported enough to reach their highest potential. To be recognized alongside such incredible leaders in the Hudson Valley is humbling, and it motivates me to continue opening doors for the next generation of women leaders.”
Williams-McCorvey, who stepped into the role of Vice President for Student Affairs in August 2025, has been a driving force for student success and inclusivity at the Mount. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Doctorate in Education from Fordham University, she oversees critical areas of campus life, including Residence Life, Student Health and Wellness, and Title IX compliance.
Her tenure has been defined by innovation. Williams-McCorvey was instrumental in the creation of the Mount’s PACT (Persist, Achieve, Connect, and Thrive) program. Recognizing the rising rates of anxiety among college students, she designed PACT to provide individualized support systems, helping students navigate the rigors of higher education. What began as a pilot for eight students has since expanded to support more than 40, including specialized tracks for student-athletes and students on the autism spectrum.
Beyond the campus gates, Williams-McCorvey’s dedication to the Hudson Valley community is extensive. For 15 years, she authored and administered the McKinney-Vento Homeless Grant, securing $100,000 annually to provide vital support for homeless individuals and families in the region. She also served as a consultant for the Mount’s Desmond Center for Community Engagement and Wellness, designing mental health programs to serve the uninsured and underserved in Newburgh.