RH Perry & Associates Seeking President for Hudson Valley Community College
November 6, 2024 – Hudson Valley Community College has retained RH Perry & Associates to lead in its search for a new president. Senior consultants Gena Glickman and Kevin Cavanagh are leading the assignment. The successful candidate will build upon the accomplishments of the college and lead the institution to greater heights as it continues to provide quality educational programs and services.
For this role a doctorate or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant field of study is required. The next president should have experience as a teacher, with a deep understanding of the needs and challenges of faculty and students. Experience in making administrative decisions based on data, collaborative input, and consideration of differing points of view that support teaching and learning is essential.
It is also expected that the next president has a deep understanding of the unique mission, challenges and opportunities of community colleges. This person will have a demonstrated history of experience and success in leading and managing opportunities including expectations and alignment of the organizational structure with its mission, goals and values. The ideal candidate will prioritize student achievement and retention, supporting initiatives that provide “wraparound services” and creating clear pathways for students to succeed academically, transfer, or enter the workforce.
In addition, RH Perry & Associates notes that the ideal candidate will maintain a highly visible presence both on campus and in the local community and within the State University of New York (SUNY) System, fostering strong relationships with regional stakeholders, including local schools, employers, and community organizations. The next president should have a history of building partnerships with industry and expanding opportunities for lifelong learning and career readiness and support the liberal arts as part of the educational experience.
Founded in 1953 to serve veterans of WWII and the Korean War, Hudson Valley is now one of the largest and most comprehensive community colleges in the SUNY system. Over 10,000 students from around the Capital Region and the world advance their education and lives through 85 degree and certificate programs, high school pipeline programs at 34 schools, hundreds of non-credit, skills-based workforce training courses and personal enrichment classes. The college is also a leader in distance learning, offering more than 23 academic programs and hundreds of individual courses completely online.
Established in 1974, RH Perry & Associates offers strong credentials and experience in academic executive search, having completed well over 1,000 searches in its history. Serving both two-year and four-year institutions, the firm’s higher education practice consists of senior-level executives with a well-balanced mix of college and university presidential and senior administrative experience and executive search expertise. Headquartered in Ashville, NC, RH Perry’s consultants maintain offices in Washington, D.C., Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington.
Related: RH Perry & Associates Recruits CFO for California State University Stanislaus
Dr. Glickman, retired president of Massasoit Community College and president emerita, Manchester Community College, has a breadth of experience in higher education, beginning as a career counselor and culminating in 12 years as a community college president. Her background encompasses a distinguished career of more than 40 years in public and private community colleges and universities, including experience leading a college through significant change with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr. Cavanagh has been a distinguished leader in the higher education industry for 28 years, serving as the chief enrollment officer at five institutions: Manhattan College, Iona University, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, The College of New Rochelle, and Bloomfield College. In these roles, he has managed a broad portfolio of administrative divisions, including admissions, financial aid, marketing, information technology, public relations, residential life, athletics, student health and wellness, and international studies.
Past Search
Following a competitive nationwide search, RH Perry & Associates recently placed Matthew J. Draud as the 13th president of Briar Cliff University. Leading the assignment were Sue DeWine, senior consultant, and Paul G. Doeg, president and chief operating officer. Briar Cliff University launched a nationwide presidential search in January 2024. Four finalists, including Dr. Draud, were invited to campus to interview with the presidential search committee, which consisted of Briar Cliff faculty, staff, students, and board members. Interim president Steven Freeman, a 1969 Briar Cliff alumnus, board chair emeritus, and retired business professional, will remain at Briar Cliff University and continue to serve as a presidential advisor to Dr. Draud to ensure a smooth and supportive transition.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Matthew Draud as the 13th president of Briar Cliff University,” said Steve Stouffer, board chair. “His extensive experience in academic leadership and his commitment to innovation make him the ideal choice to guide Briar Cliff into a promising future. We look forward to welcoming him to the Briar Cliff and Siouxland community.”
Related: RH Perry & Associates Assists New Mexico Highlands University with President Search
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
