Herkimer College president to retire next year

HERKIMER, N.Y. — Herkimer County Community College President Cathleen C. McColgin announced she will retire effective Aug. 31, 2023, after serving since June 2015 as the college’s fourth president.

During her seven-plus year tenure, McColgin oversaw the development of several new degree programs including health professions, electrical technology, supply-chain management, and communication and media associate, according to a Herkimer College news release. The college also launched police basic training and emergency management certificate programs and a supply-chain management micro-credential program.

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

She saw the college through the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a successful Middle States reaccreditation process and the development of the college’s new “Building on Our Legacy; Investing in the Future” five-year strategic plan.

“Dr. McColgin has been a tireless advocate for community colleges and especially for Herkimer College,” Isabella Crandall, chair of the college’s board of trustees, said in the release. “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.”

The college also added men’s golf and esports to its catalog of intercollegiate teams. During her time at the college, the Generals won national championships in baseball, men’s basketball, men’s soccer, track and field, and cross country.

“I am so proud to have worked with the dedicated faculty and staff at Herkimer College,” McColgin said. “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.”

McColgin serves as president of the New York Community College Presidents 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 and serves as an evaluator for the Middle States Commission in Higher Education.

She has served on numerous boards and committees in the Mohawk Valley and currently serves as VP of the board of directors for the YWCA of the Mohawk Valley. McColgin 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.