Dr. Rubén Barato Named Vice President of Student Affairs

November 4, 2025

Hudson Valley Community College’s Board of Trustees has appointed Rubén Barato, Ph.D. as Vice President of Student Affairs, effective January 1. His appointment was approved at the Board’s October 28 meeting following a comprehensive national search.

Dr. Barato currently serves as Campus Dean of Student Affairs and Chief Student Affairs Officer at CT State Community College–Norwalk in Norwalk, Connecticut. He brings extensive experience in student services and enrollment management, having previously held leadership roles at Massasoit Community College in Brockton, Massachusetts, and SUNY Westchester Community College in Valhalla, New York, where he served for more than two decades. Earlier in his career, Dr. Barato held administrative positions at New York University. He has also served as an adjunct professor at Baruch College, Long Island University, Manhattanville College, and Westchester Community College.

In his new role at Hudson Valley, he will oversee a wide variety of student support and enrollment management offices, including Admissions, Athletics, the Center for Access and Assistive Technology, Center for Careers and Transfer, Cultural Affairs, the Educational Opportunity Program, Financial Aid, Judicial Affairs, New Student Orientation, Registrar, Student Activities and the Counseling and Wellness Center.

As vice president, he will also serve as president and chairperson of the Faculty Student Association (FSA) of Hudson Valley Community College, Inc. Board of Directors. The FSA is a not-for-profit organization that operates the Viking Child Care Center and the college bookstore and oversees the college’s dining and vending services.

Dr. Barato earned his Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration and M.A. in Counseling and Guidance from New York University, and holds a B.A. in Psychology from Kean University.

“I look forward to welcoming Dr. Barato to Hudson Valley Community College this January as he becomes Vice President of Student Affairs,” said Hudson Valley Community College President Dr. Michael Brophy. “His background in higher education leadership will bring new perspective and experience to the college as we work together to serve our students and greater community.”