The New England Culinary Institute (NECI) has announced the appointment of Dwight A. Cross as its new Director of Admissions.
A long-time resident of Montpelier, Cross joined NECI in September 2012 following his retirement from Vermont Technical College (VTC) in Randolph, where he spent 22 years in the Admissions office. After serving in various positions including Associate Director of Admissions and Director of Vermont Academy of Science and Technology, Cross ended his 22 year career at VTC serving as its Assistant Dean of Enrollment.
In his role as Admissions Director, Cross will supervise a team of five Admissions Counselors who work individually with incoming students to ensure they understand all aspects of the NECI educational experience. With a comprehensive Admissions program, Cross will work closely with Anne Black Cone, Director of Enrollment and Marketing, as well as members of the school’s Financial Aid Department.
NECI offers AOS and BA residency degrees in Culinary Arts, Baking & Pastry, and Hospitality & Restaurant Management, as well as certificate programs, online BA degrees and dual enrollment programs. Additionally, its Admissions Department works closely with military and veteran transitioners and career changers.
“With his vast experience and years of proven success in college admissions, Dwight brings a solid background and knowledge to support NECI’s aggressive admissions goals,” said NECI Founder and CEO Fran Voigt. “His ability to guide our hardworking admissions counselors, as well as his skill in helping potential students demonstrate their attitude and aptitude for success to the NECI Admissions Committee, will be a boon to our enrollments going forward.”
Cross served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve from 1986-1991, and was called to Active Duty during Operation Desert Storm. With a BA degree in History from Norwich University, he is currently working toward a Master of Arts degree in Counseling from Johnson State College. He has previously served as President of the Consortium of Vermont Colleges, and also served as its Professional Development Committee Chair. Among his many awards, Cross was named Vermont Counselor of the Year by the New England Association of College Admissions Counselors, and was the first ever recipient of VTC’s Employee of the Year award.
Founded in 1980, NECI is widely recognized for its innovative immersion style of education featuring small classes, hands-on learning, and personal attention. Its graduates are sought the world over for their level of skill and preparation