Madeline Pumariega

Madeline Pumariega is the first woman appointed to lead Miami Dade College (MDC), one of the nation’s largest higher education institutions, and an alumna of the College. A trailblazer in academia, her two decades at MDC reflect a lifelong commitment to academics and service excellence, culminating as Wolfson Campus president. She later became the first female and first Hispanic chancellor of the Florida College System, advancing access, affordability, and measurable student outcomes across 28 colleges serving 800,000 students. She also served as executive vice president and provost of Tallahassee Community College, strengthening academic affairs, student success, and workforce development. Beyond higher education, Pumariega led Take Stock in Children, a statewide nonprofit that promotes economic mobility by helping students complete high school and transition to college and careers. As MDC’s president, she has championed a strategic plan focused on reimagining student success, accelerating academic excellence and innovation, fueling the talent needs of a global economy, strengthening a culture of care, and securing the College’s future. She is building deep partnerships with employers to align academic programs with in-demand skills and prepare students for the future of work. Pumariega also serves on the Florida Prepaid College Foundation Board and the Orange Bowl Committee and is Chair of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce.