Hudson Valley Community College Installs Dr. Michael S. Brophy as Eighth President
October 13, 2026
Hudson Valley Community College installed Dr. Michael S. Brophy as the institution’s eighth president during an inauguration ceremony Tuesday, Oct. 13, at the McDonough Sports Complex Field House, marking a new chapter in the college’s history.
The ceremony brought together members of the Hudson Valley Community College community, representatives from The State University of New York (SUNY), Capital Region leaders, elected officials and other guests. The program featured an academic procession; greetings from Board of Trustees Chair Neil Kelleher, Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin, Student Senate President and Trustee Leanna Hamel, and Academic Senate Chair Dr. Jodi Dorrough; reflections from Dr. Kristine Duffy, president emerita of SUNY Adirondack; remarks from SUNY Chancellor Dr. John B. King Jr.; and an address and piano performance by Dr. Brophy, followed by a celebration luncheon.
Dr. Brophy assumed the presidency on Aug. 1, 2025, bringing more than 35 years of higher education leadership to Hudson Valley. He previously served as president of Hilbert College, Benedictine University and Marymount California University after beginning his academic journey and professional career in New York’s Capital Region. A native of Greene County, Dr. Brophy earned a bachelor’s degree in music and a master’s degree in English from The College of Saint Rose, an MFA in writing from Long Island University and a Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy analysis from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
"For more than 70 years, Hudson Valley Community College has been providing opportunities for upward mobility and student success to the surrounding community. I am proud to join the campus community to celebrate President Michael Brophy's leadership that builds on this incredible legacy," SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said. "I extend my sincerest congratulations and look forward to continuing to support HVCC as President Brophy empowers students in their pursuit of life-changing academic opportunities."
During his first year at Hudson Valley, Dr. Brophy has led the college through continued growth while advancing initiatives focused on student success, workforce development, institutional leadership, community partnerships, facilities and shared governance. Under his leadership, the college recently recorded its fifth consecutive year of enrollment growth.
Dr. Brophy has prioritized efforts to help students stay on track and graduate. The college has strengthened student services and expanded access to programs such as SUNY’s Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP), which now serves more than 300 Hudson Valley students.
Dr. Brophy also has strengthened the college’s leadership structure and approach to shared governance, overseeing the recruitment of new leaders in key areas including academic affairs, student affairs, finance and administration, admissions, facilities and the Capital District Educational Opportunity Center. He also established the President’s Advisory Council, creating a formal forum for communication, transparency and shared governance that brings together members of the entire college community to provide feedback and discuss institutional priorities.
Major facilities initiatives also have moved forward under Dr. Brophy’s leadership. The college finalized its facilities master plan and celebrated key milestones for the Applied Technology Education Center, a 125,000-square-foot facility that will expand training opportunities in high-demand fields such as advanced manufacturing and skilled trades. ATEC is scheduled to open to faculty and students beginning in the Spring 2028 semester.
In Albany, the Hudson Valley Community College Foundation purchased the Massry Center for the Arts, a facility that will extend Hudson Valley’s educational and cultural mission while serving as a resource for the broader Capital Region. The acquisition was made possible through a $1 million pledge from the Massry family.
As part of his focus on strengthening Hudson Valley’s connection to the region, Dr. Brophy has also made strides in expanding the college’s workforce development initiatives through programs and partnerships with local employers. He led the development of a comprehensive workforce development study examining the needs of Capital Region employers and opportunities for the college to further align its academic and workforce programs with those needs.
“Dr. Brophy has brought a clear vision and strong sense of purpose to Hudson Valley Community College,” Chair Kelleher said. “We have seen that leadership reflected in the progress the college has made over the past year, and we are excited to build on that momentum as Hudson Valley continues to grow and expand opportunities for our students and the communities we serve.”
The first year of Dr. Brophy’s presidency has laid the groundwork for continued collaboration across the college and the region, with a focus on ensuring Hudson Valley remains responsive to the needs of its students, employees and community partners.
“It is an honor to serve as president of Hudson Valley Community College, and I am grateful to the faculty, staff, students, trustees and partners who have welcomed me home and helped move the college forward over the past year,” Dr. Brophy said. “I look forward to what we can accomplish together as we continue to strengthen Hudson Valley, create new opportunities for our students and deepen our impact across the Capital Region.”