Herkimer, NY — Herkimer County Community College President Cathleen C. McColgin has announced her retirement after serving as the College’s fourth president since June 2015. McColgin’s retirement will be effective August 31, 2023.

Dr. McColgin said, “I am so proud to have worked with the dedicated faculty and staff at Herkimer College. Together we have realized so many accomplishments. While Herkimer College will always hold a special place in my heart, I am looking forward to the next chapter in my life and spending time with my husband and family.

During McColgin’s seven plus years as president, several new programs have been developed including Health Professions, Electrical Technology, Supply Chain Management, and Communication and Media associate degree programs; Pre-Employment Police Basic Training and Emergency Management certificate programs; and a Supply Chain Management micro-credential program.

McColgin also led the multi-million dollar construction project of an electrical technology smart grid lab in partnership with the New York Power Authority. Recent student success initiatives have included the Commit 2 Complete and BookMarket programs, a General’s Cupboard food pantry, and several new mental health and wellness services.

McColgin has been a staunch supporter of the Generals Athletics program, attending as many competitions as possible. Under her leadership, the Generals won national championships in baseball, men’s basketball, men’s soccer, track and field, and cross country. Additionally, the College added men’s golf and esports to its growing catalog of intercollegiate athletic teams.

McColgin led the College through the unprecedented, challenging COVID-19 pandemic, responding to the ever-changing information and guidance in a careful, compassionate, and hands-on manner. Every decision made was guided by her commitment to continuing to provide an excellent education and student support, while ensuring the health and safety of the campus community.

McColgin led the College through a successful Middle States reaccreditation process and development of it’s a new five-year strategic plan, Building on Our Legacy; Investing in the Future.

Herkimer College Board of Trustees Chairwoman Isabella Crandall said, “Dr. McColgin has been a tireless advocate for community colleges and especially for Herkimer College. She has led Herkimer through very challenging times including a worldwide pandemic, and she is leaving the College positioned for growth in the future. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I thank Dr. McColgin for her outstanding leadership, service, and commitment to Herkimer College and wish her all the best in her retirement.”

Dr. McColgin serves as president of the New York Community College Presidents (NYCCAP) and is a member of the President’s Advisory Council for the National Junior College Athletic Association Board of Regents. She is a member of the Higher Education Research and Development Institute, a national advisory board comprised of community college presidents; and serves as an evaluator for the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

McColgin also has served on numerous boards and committees in the Mohawk Valley. She currently serves as vice president of the Board of Directors for the YWCA of the Mohawk Valley and is a member of SUNY Polytechnic Institute’s College of Health Science Advisory Board, the Regional Advisory Board of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Utica Region, the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties Board of Trustees, and the Mohawk Valley EDGE Board of Directors.

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About Herkimer County Community College: Located in central New York State, just off the NYS Thruway exit 30, Herkimer College is one of 30 community colleges in the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Herkimer offers a quality and affordable educational experience and is ranked among the top two-year colleges in the nation based on transfer and graduation rates. Herkimer College offers a variety of associate degree and certificate programs in art, business, communication arts, criminal justice and law, education, healthcare and service, liberal arts and sciences, and STEM, and is a leading provider of fully-online degree programs. The student body of approximately 2,500 students hails from throughout the nation and several foreign countries. With on-campus housing for more than 600 students, a nationally-ranked athletics program, and a variety of student activities, clubs and events, Herkimer College students enjoy the complete college experience. Herkimer College is a fundamental contributor to the economic development of Herkimer County and the South Central Adirondack region. More information is available at www.herkimer.edu.