LONG ISLAND CITY — LaGuardia Community College President Gail Mellow has been tapped for a new homeland security panel.
Mellow will serve on the new council of college leaders who will advise the federal government on issues ranging from international students to campus security and emergency preparedness.
Mellow, who has written many articles about the issues facing higher education, said she was "honored" to be named to the Homeland Security Academic Council by U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano.
"Community colleges are on the frontlines of providing quality and affordable education to millions of Americans," Mellow said.
Napolitano said in a statement that Mellow's "extensive experience and expertise will make her a valuable asset to the council."
The council, which will meet for the first time in Washington, D.C., on March 20, will also discuss cover issues ranging from academic research to faculty exchanges.
Mellow is considered a national expert on community colleges. She became president of LaGuardia in 2000, and co-wrote the 2008 book "Minding the Dream: The Process and Practice of the American Community College."
