President
Milwaukee Area Technical College | Milwaukee
Anthony Cruz began his tenure as president of Milwaukee Area Technical College in July 2024. He is responsible for day-to-day administration, management and oversight of all college operations and for developing business and community partnerships. MATC has over 30,000 students, employs over 1,500 people and offers more than 180 programs. The college generates roughly $1.4 billion in annual economic activity, and 92% of its graduates work in Wisconsin. Previously, Cruz was president of the Kendall Campus of Miami Dade College in Florida, vice chancellor of student affairs at St. Louis Community College and vice president of enrollment management and student affairs at Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio.
Education: Bachelor’s, Florida International University; master’s, Florida State University; doctorate, Florida International University
What would you like to change about Wisconsin: “Wisconsin will be even better when we reduce racial/ethnic achievement gaps in higher education, and we are committed to this important work.”
The future of your industry: “Key elements of the future of higher education include the need for more badges and short-term credentials to meet workforce needs. MATC offers dozens of badges and is preparing to launch a badge application to allow students to more easily access them.”
What would you do if you could choose another career: “Sports broadcaster.”
Your secret talent: “I know how to play the trumpet.”
