The President of Holyoke Community College provides leadership in development and review of all academic programs and in the teaching and learning process. Further, the President works closely with faculty and academic deans in monitoring and growing the college’s academic offerings to assure high quality learning outcomes.
The HCC President works under the direct supervision of the President of the Massachusetts Board of Regional Community Colleges, who outlines the policies and reviews the performance and operation for effectiveness and conformance with the policies. The President also works closely with the HCC Board of Trustees in their fiduciary role to maintain a sustainable future for the college.
Reporting directly to the President are the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs; the Vice President for Administration and Finance; the Vice President for Institutional Advancement; the Executive Director of Human Resources; the Vice President of Business and Community Services; the Executive Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; an Executive Assistant; and an Executive Secretary.
Essential Job Functions
* Not intended to be an exhaustive list
Opportunity Overview
With the exceptional leadership of Dr. Christina Royal as President of Holyoke Community College since 2017, the college has made significant strides in the improvement of the internal culture, and the development of local, regional, and national partnerships. Further, Holyoke Community College has completed an intense strategic planning process. College stakeholders are pleased with the growth and direction of Holyoke Community College and seek a strong leader with exceptional interpersonal skills to take the faculty, staff, and students to the next phase of the college’s growth.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Antiracism & Student Success Initiatives
Students of color make up 44 percent of HCC’s credit enrollment, and the diversity of the college’s service area is increasing rapidly. HCC became an Hispanic Serving Institution in 2016 and is an institution where students self-identifying as Hispanic now make up 28% of the student population. Holyoke Community College has worked diligently within the LGBTQ+ communities and is a trans-affirming campus. In addition, HCC students, faculty, and staff face challenges associated with poverty on a daily basis. Holyoke Community College has placed a value on eliminating barriers for non-traditional students, like childcare, transportation, and food insecurities. The next President should expect to continue the path to developing a welcoming environment where success is possible for all students, faculty, and staff. Experience successfully serving in an institution with a similar service area is preferred for the next President.
Holyoke Community College has implemented programs to narrow the achievement gap for underrepresented students. Some programs include emergency funds for housing, transportation, and clothing insecurities, a child watch program, and a food pantry. The next President will be an innovative leader who has a track record of implementing successful student success, retention, and enrollment programs. The President also will have experience leading faculty, staff, and a leadership team to further increase academic performance and student success initiatives throughout the College’s academic offerings and support services.
Accreditation
Holyoke Community College will have a focus visit regarding assessment in the fall of 2023 from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). In 2025, NECHE will visit the College paying particular attention to its shared governance equity practices and enrollment decline. A President with experience in leading a college through accreditation focus visits is critical to the success of the College.
Unions & Collective Bargaining
HCC faculty and staff are represented by two collective bargaining units, including the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), which represents maintenance staff, administrative assistants, clerical staff, and campus police; and the Massachusetts Community College Council (MCCC), which represents full-time and adjunct faculty, and some professional staff. Experience in working in a union environment is highly desirable.
Financial Acumen & Resource Development
Currently, HCC is operating with a balanced budget, healthy financial reserves, and a strong endowment. However, multiple years of declining enrollment and budget cuts within the Commonwealth have put pressure on HCC’s finances. The College has managed this pressure well, and in order to have continued success, financial acumen and creativity are skills needed in HCC’s next leader. In addition, HCC seeks a leader with accomplishments in lobbying and fundraising, and grant development.
Relationship Building
HCC has been successful in establishing strong external partnerships in its service area and has one of the highest transfer rates (48%) in the country. The College’s various stakeholders expect the next President to further strengthen these. In addition, the next President will further develop Pre-K-12 relationships to increase the number of dual credit courses offered and programs to develop a skilled workforce.
Additionally, HCC seeks a leader who will push the boundaries with technology yet understand there is an important human element that must remain in the forefront. The next President must value relationships and innovate with technology to meet the current and future needs of the community.
Lastly, a healthy and communicative relationship with the HCC Board of Trustees, in particular the HCC Board Chair, has proven to be beneficial to the College. The next President will continue this practice that has existed during Dr. Royal’s Presidency. The Board of Trustees has become accustomed to frequent, yet appropriate in number, updates to the Chair of the Board. The entire Board of Trustees receives documents that detail HCC’s financial, enrollment, etc. status.
Skills/Experience/Training Required
Application Process
Please direct all confidential inquiries and nominations to the College’s search consultant:
Angela Provart, PhD
President
Pauly Group Inc.
3901 Wood Duck Dr. Suite E, Springfield, IL 62711
Phone: 217.241.5400
Email: aprovart@paulygroup.com
The HCC Presidential Search Committee will begin review of applications immediately. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, with Tuesday, February 21, 2023 as the priority deadline. All applications are confidential, and references will not be contacted without the expressed authorization of the applicant.
HCC Presidential Search Profile (pdf)
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