Dr. Hill: “I am really proud …”
POUGHKEEPSIE – Dr. Catherine Hill, who has been at the helm of the prestigious Vassar College in Poughkeepsie for the past 10 years, will be stepping down from the post at the end of her current term on June 30, 2017, the college Board of Trustees announced Tuesday.
Dr. Hill is credited with instituting a number of initiatives while at the school.
“Significantly increasing the socio-economic and racial diversity of the student body through our financial aid policies,” Hill said. “I am really proud of recruiting veterans to come to Vassar. We are in our third class of veterans. We just opened a wonderful new science building that I think is going to serve Vassar’s students and faculty well.”
Board Chairman William Plapinger had nothing but praise for her leadership, working in partnership with the board, faculty, students, staff, graduates and parents.
“She led the college through and out of the global financial crisis; she has been an unwavering national leader for socioeconomic diversity on campus and the admission of veterans; she has overseen major campus improvements including an extensive upgrade of science facilities; and she is a tireless advocate for Vassar and its needs, helping to raise for than half a billion dollars,” Paplinger said.
Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro said Hill’s “contributions have undoubtedly led to the continuation of Vassar’s rank amongst the nation’s top schools for higher education.”
A search process for a new president will be put in place this spring with that individual expected to begin July 2017. June 2017 was established by the board and Hill as part of her contract agreed upon in December 2012.
