Presidential Search
Earlier this year, Dr. John Cook announced his retirement to the STCC community. While presidential transitions can sometimes be unexpected and disruptive, we are fortunate that this announcement has afforded the Board ample time to convene a search committee, engage a search firm, and proceed with a thoughtful and comprehensive process that will conclude with the announcement of a new President.
Dr. Cook has led STCC through a number of challenges as well as extraordinary achievement. Among those were successfully navigating the COVID pandemic, significant infrastructure improvements, including the establishment of the Rubenzahl Student Learning Commons and the launch in the Richard E. Neal Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, expanding academic offerings and seeing enrollments on the rise again. This search aims to identify someone who can build on those successes and continue putting STCC on the forefront as an institution and community resource.
Message from the Chairs of the Board of Trustees & the Presidential Search Committee
Dear STCC Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni, and Friends:
Appointing a leader of an important and historic institution such as Springfield Technical Community College is something that we, along with our fellow Trustees, take on with the urgency and import the moment requires. We have established an ____________ timeline that is designed to allow for a complex process to unfold, while still reaching our goal of appointing/electing a new President by ____________, 2026. We are committed to ensuring that the presidential search process is transparent, inclusive, and comprehensive.
We will be seeking a new President who reflects the values and aspirations of our community and is not only equipped to navigate through present challenges and opportunities, but, more importantly, has the vision, leadership capacity, and skills to lead our college into the future. Thus, your voice is an essential part of this search. Throughout the process, there will be opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and community members to share your perspectives; this input will help shape the qualities and experiences we seek in our next President.
We envision three distinct ways we can capture your input - through the Presidential Search Committee, through campus conversations to build a position profile, and near the end of the process, when finalists come to the campus for in-person interviews.
We will share updates on our progress through this website. You may also connect with the Presidential Search Committee via email at presidentialsearch@stcc.edu if you have questions, concerns, or comments about the search process.
Whatever your history or relationship with STCC, this search is being carried out on your behalf and, together, we will ensure a smooth transition and a strong future.
Sincerely,
Michael R. Knapik,
Chair, Board of Trustees
Vice President, Government & Community Relations
Baystate Health
Dr. William A. Dávila,
Chair, Presidential Search Committee
Vice President, Diversion, Shelter, & Housing
Center for Human Development
To be developed with search firm.
The Presidential Search Committee will play a crucial role in screening, evaluating, and recommending qualified candidates for the presidency. Our goal is to ensure that the search process is comprehensive and exhaustive with the utmost transparency and inclusivity. This approach will help us identify a leader who embodies the vision and leadership qualities to move the college forward in the tradition of excellence and innovation ____________________________.
In establishing a search committee, the Executive Committee of the Board, with the delegated authority of the full Board of Trustees, will seek nominations that are representative of the students, faculty, staff, and academic offerings of the institution. This includes current students, alumni, faculty and staff, leadership, governance, and community partners. We also hope to have a committee that reflects the rich and diverse makeup of the college and the community we are a part of.
Committee Members
William A. Dávila, Ed.D., MSW, LICSW
Trustee & Committee Chairperson
Chairperson of the Internal and External Affairs Committee
Secretary of the Board of Trustees
Vice President of Diversion, Shelter, & Housing
Center for Human Development
Michael R. Knapik, [credentials??]
Trustee & Chairperson of the Board of Trustees
Vice President of Government & Community Relations
Baystate Health System
Elizabeth A. Oleksak-Sposito, R.N., B.S.N.
Trustee & Vice Chairperson of the Board of Trustees
__________________ (Retired)
Full Committee List Coming Soon
A detailed timeline is to be announced.
- Call for Search Committee Members
Materials
Meeting details will be posted here.
Contact
If you have questions about Springfield Technical Community College’s presidential search, please contact PresidentialSearch@stcc.edu.