PROFILE Cynthia E. Anderson

A closer look at the recipient of the 2004 ATHENA Award, presented annually to recognize an outstanding Mahoning Valley woman.
Residence: Youngstown
Occupation: Vice president of student affairs, Youngstown State University, the university's highest-ranking female executive. Responsibilities include enrollment management, student services, student life and alumni relations. She is also a professor in YSU's marketing department.
Education: University of Akron, doctorate degree in educational administration, 1990; Ohio State University, master's degree in education, 1976; Youngstown State University, bachelor's degree in education, 1973.
Professional achievements: Anderson established SOAR, a student orientation and registration program which has achieved an average participation rate of 97 percent since its inception. She helped to secure new and renewal national accreditation in both undergraduate and graduate degree programs at YSU, and 98 percent of YSU students are now enrolled in accredited programs.
She was presented YSU's University Leadership Merit Award in recognition of outstanding performance by an executive administrator, and the 2002 Innovator Award by the National Association for Promotion of Campus Activities.
Community service: She initiated the YSU/Youngstown City Schools K-16 Council, resulting in partnership activities which serve both YSU and the city of Youngstown. She initiated development of YSU's Center for Autistic Studies and developed the university's functional mission and goals statement.
Anderson has served as university liaison to the Youngstown Area Urban League and has been a university representative to the Ohio Association of Regional Campuses, an advisory group to the Ohio Board of Regents. Over the past decade she has been active with nearly 50 committees designed to strengthen the university and the Mahoning Valley.
Support for professional women: Although not required to teach as a university vice president, Anderson has maintained a classroom presence because of her commitment to the development of professionalism among YSU students. One nominator wrote that she habitually sends notes of recognition and thanks to recognize the accomplishments of fellow YSU staff members.
Other initiatives she led which are supportive of women include: the Office of Campus Recreation and Intramural Sports, which quadrupled participation in its first four years; Emerging Leadership, a student leadership program; and the Center for Student Progress, designed to facilitate student success and retention.