Angela Blair grew up in Schenectady and first got to know the Kenney Community Center as a seventh grader participating in the Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP), which provides academic support and enrichment to middle and high school students.
Now Blair, who has served as assistant director of the Community Center for the past five years, is the new director, overseeing STEP and a number of other student-led community outreach programs.
She replaces Gretchel Hathaway Tyson, who recently was named senior director for Campus Diversity and Affirmative Action.
“I feel blessed to have come full circle – I started out as a STEP participant and now I have the privilege of heading the program,” Blair said. “I hope to expand on the foundation Dr. Tyson built by increasing the number of children that the Kenney Center is able to touch through what I hope will be increased funding and increased student commitment.”
In addition to STEP, which helps prepare students for pre-professional degree programs in scientific, technical and health-related fields, Blair will oversee the Homework and Skills Development, Junior Science and America Reads programs.
She also will be responsbile for Studying Arithmetic in Literature (SAIL), Union Community Action Reaching Everyone (UCARE) and the Obenzinger Scholars Program.
“I absolutely love this work,” Blair said. “Being surrounded by dedicated student volunteers, bright kids, grateful families and an awesome VISTA volunteer makes it so enjoyable.”
Blair received her B.A. in Spanish from Regis College in 2003. She is currently completing work on her M.B.A. from Union Graduate College.