About President Kress
Anne M. Kress, Ph.D.
Dr. Anne M. Kress is President of Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), one of the largest community colleges in the nation, serving more than 75,000 students across six campuses. A champion for student success, she has over three decades of experience in higher education leadership.
Dr. Kress is actively engaged in policy and advocacy efforts. She is the chair of the American Council on Education; serves on the boards of the National Association of College University Business Officers, the Presidents Forum, and the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metro Area; and is a member of the Virginia Council of Presidents and the Business Higher Education Forum. She serves on the boards of several regional organizations, including the Capital Area Food Bank, Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, and the Northern Virginia Technology Council. She is also a member of the Economic Club of Washington, D.C. and M&T Bank's Greater Washington Directors' Advisory Council.
Dr. Kress has testified before Congress on issues impacting community colleges and participated as a negotiator in federal rulemaking on higher education policy. Her leadership was recognized with the 2024 Association of Community College Trustees Outstanding CEO Award for the Southern Region, and she has been named to lists of the Virginia Business 500; Washington Business Journal Power 100; Washingtonian Most Powerful Women; and 50 Most Influential Northern Virginians.
Dr. Kress earned bachelor's degrees in finance and English, a master's in English, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration—all from the University of Florida.
