Hudson Valley Community College names Michael Brophy as President

The State University of New York Board of Trustees has approved Michael Brophy as the eighth president of Hudson Valley Community College. He will begin the role on August 1.

Brophy, a Greene County-native, was selected as president following a nationwide search that began in fall 2024. Brophy participated in several open meetings with campus community members and stakeholders in February after interviews with the presidential search committee, which was made up of students, faculty, staff, alumni, local leaders and more.

HVCC’s previous president, Roger Ramsammy, was placed on administrative leave in May 2024 following a staff complaint, and former Vice President of Student Affairs Louis Coplin was selected as interim president. The SUNY Board of Trustees voted to fire Ramsammy the following June.

Brophy has spent more than 35 years of experience in higher education. He currently serves as the president of Hilbert College in Buffalo, where he has reportedly increased non-degree enrollment by over 200%, eliminated the school’s historic operating deficit, kept tuition rates below the national average and enrolled the largest first-year class in the college’s history.

“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,” Brophy said. “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.”

Brophy has also previously served in leadership positions at Benedictine University, Marymount California University, Long Island University, SUNY Canton and the University of Wisconsin Baraboo campus. He has a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, two master’s degrees, and a bachelor’s degree in music from the College of Saint Rose.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Brophy as the next president of Hudson Valley Community College,” said Neil Kelleher, chair of the board of trustees and the presidential search committee. “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.”