Meet Michael C.

Electrical Construction and Maintenance graduate

Michael Catalano, Ed.D., has spent nearly three decades helping others build purposeful futures — sometimes through conversations as a school counselor, other times through hands-on electrical work, and often through a deliberate combination of both. A two-time alumnus of Hudson Valley Community College, Catalano credits the institution with shaping not only his professional path, but also the leadership philosophy that defines his work today.

A school counselor at Saugerties Senior High School for 27 years, Catalano was recently recognized by his peers as the 2025 New York State School Counselor of the Year. The distinction reflects decades of student advocacy, career development leadership and community engagement — work grounded in the foundation he first developed at Hudson Valley.

“My Hudson Valley experience gave me the confidence and clarity to move forward with purpose,” he said.

Catalano first enrolled at Hudson Valley in the 1990s, choosing the college for its accessibility and proximity to home. At that stage in his life, he was focused on building direction and momentum.

“Like many students early in their journey, I was determined to prove what I was capable of,” he said. “Hudson Valley helped me build both skill and confidence.”

After enrolling in the Liberal Arts program, he quickly recognized the strength of the college’s academic support systems. Professor Maureen Hood had a lasting impact during his initial tenure. Through her English Literature and Short Story courses, Catalano experienced a level of rigor and expectation that sharpened both his thinking and communication.

“She challenged students to become the strongest versions of themselves,” Catalano said. “Her leadership shaped how I think about teaching, mentoring, and expectations.”

The Liberal Arts curriculum strengthened his analytical thinking, communication skills, and professional discipline — competencies he relies on daily as a counselor, mentor and statewide educational leader. That foundation propelled him to continue advancing his education.

Over the next several years, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Technology Education from SUNY Oswego, a master’s degree in School Counseling from Russell Sage College, a master’s degree in Education Administration and Policy Studies from the University at Albany and a Doctor of Education in Child and Youth Studies from Nova Southeastern University.

In 2005, well established in his counseling career, a conversation with one of his students who needed assistance installing a ceiling fan revealed a broader community need — one that would eventually lead him back to Hudson Valley to strategically deepen and formalize his technical expertise.

Recognizing that need, he made the strategic decision to launch Catalano Electric, a residential and commercial electrical business serving the community.

“I decided to formalize and expand my skill set,” Catalano recalled. “That started with a commercial wiring course at Hudson Valley.”

One course led to another. Over the span of three years — while maintaining his full-time position at Saugerties High School and operating Catalano Electric part time — Catalano completed evening coursework and earned a second associate degree from Hudson Valley in Electrical Construction and Maintenance in 2020.

Though the content differed from his first academic experience, he describes his return to Hudson Valley as equally formative. He credits professors John Coyne, Daniel Honovic and their colleagues with establishing an exceptionally high standard of instructional excellence, technical rigor and professional mentorship — standards that continue to influence his leadership and professional practice.

Catalano now plays a leadership role in Ulster County Habitat for Humanity initiatives, guiding Ulster County BOCES Electrical Construction and Maintenance students (11th and 12th graders) in wiring 10 homes from beginning to end. The partnership provides students with authentic, real-world responsibility while directly serving families in need. The nonprofit organization is advancing plans to build 15 additional homes in Saugerties and across Ulster County — expanding both community impact and career-connected learning opportunities.

Together, his academic and technical journeys shaped a philosophy that guides his work with students: there is no single path to success.

“I’m a strong advocate for both liberal arts and technical education,” he said. “They are equally important, and both deserve recognition and respect.”

Catalano remains connected to Hudson Valley, serving on the college’s Electrical Construction and Maintenance Advisory Team. He values the opportunity to contribute to the preparation of future professionals and to uphold the standards of excellence that helped shape his own career.

“It’s an honor to help strengthen the department alongside educators who inspired my journey and continue to model excellence,” he said.