Michael S. Brophy Named Eighth President of Hudson Valley Community College

June 3, 2025

The State University of New York Board of Trustees today approved Michael S. Brophy, Ph.D. as the eighth president of Hudson Valley Community College. He will begin this new role on August 1.

Michael Brophy, Ph.D. Biography

Dr. Brophy is originally from Greene County and began his academic journey and professional career in New York’s Capital Region. He brings more than 35 years of experience in higher education to Hudson Valley and currently serves as president of Hilbert College in Buffalo, NY. During his tenure at Hilbert, Dr. Brophy increased the school's enrollment by 30%, enrolling the largest first-year class in the college's history, increased non-degree enrollment by more than 200%, eliminated the school's historic operating deficit, and maintained tuition rates below the national average.

Throughout his career he has served at a number of collegiate institutions, including as President for Benedictine University and Marymount California University, Dean and Executive Officer of the University of Wisconsin Baraboo campus, Associate Provost at Long Island University, and Dean of Enrollment at SUNY's Canton campus. A Fulbright recipient, Dr. Brophy has taught English, Film, Cuban Arts and Culture, Higher Education, Leadership and Freshman Seminar classes, with teaching appointments at Long Island University, the University of Wisconsin Colleges, Marymount California University, Russell Sage College, and Benedictine University.

Dr. Brophy earned a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a Master of Fine Arts in Writing from Long Island University, and a Master of Arts in English, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Music, from The College of Saint Rose. Dr. Brophy and his wife, Tara, have three grown children and two grandchildren.

Dr. Brophy was selected as president of Hudson Valley following a national search that began in fall 2024 with the appointment of a 24-member presidential search committee and hiring of the executive search firm RH Perry. He participated in numerous open meetings with members of the campus community and college stakeholders in February, following interviews with the presidential search committee comprised of students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, board members and local leaders.

The SUNY Board of Trustees said, “SUNY’s community colleges are engines of student success and upward mobility and play a vital role in our state’s economic growth and workforce development. We are grateful to the search committee at Hudson Valley for bringing a strong candidate to move their campus forward at this exciting moment for New York’s community colleges.”

“There is a place at SUNY for every New Yorker, and with increasing levels of State investment, our community colleges are providing in-demand academic programs and robust supports to give New Yorkers everything they need to succeed in earning their higher education,” SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said. “My congratulations to the Hudson Valley community on today’s appointment.”

Neil Kelleher, Chair of the Board of Trustees and Presidential Search Committee, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Brophy as the next president of Hudson Valley Community College. With his extensive experience in higher education and a clear understanding of Hudson Valley's essential role in the region, Dr. Brophy is well prepared to lead the college into its next chapter. As a recognized leader in student support, workforce development and academic excellence, Hudson Valley is poised to build on its strong foundation and expand programs and services that meet the evolving needs of our students and the regional economy. I believe I speak for the entire HVCC family by saying I am confident the college will continue to grow its impact, guided by Dr. Brophy’s deep commitment to ensuring opportunity for all students, regardless of their background, as they pursue their educational and career goals.”

“I am deeply honored to be entrusted with the leadership of Hudson Valley Community College which is an institution widely recognized for creating opportunity, empowering students and driving regional workforce development,” said Dr. Brophy. “Returning to the Capital Region makes this appointment especially meaningful. I am sincerely grateful to the SUNY Board of Trustees, led by Chairman Merryl Tisch, Chancellor John King, Hudson Valley’s Board of Trustees, and Board Chairman Neil Kelleher for the trust they have placed in me. I look forward to working collaboratively with our students, faculty, staff, and our many partners in education, workforce, and the community, to ensure the college’s continued growth and success.”