President Drew Matonak Announces Plans to Retire in 2018
June 29, 2016
Andrew J. Matonak, Ed.D., the sixth president of Hudson Valley Community College, today informed students, faculty and staff that he will retire on August 31, 2018 after 13 years of leadership at the college and a career in higher education spanning four decades. He shared his plans with the college's Board of Trustees at its June 28 meeting.
President Matonak, better known on campus and in the greater community simply as Drew, became president of Hudson Valley on April 18, 2005. His tenure thus far is marked by impressive growth and innovation in academic programming and student services, as well as the striking transformation of the college's 120-acre campus.
"Hudson Valley Community College is an incredibly special place, and it's been my privilege to serve this institution, its dedicated board, amazing faculty and staff for more than a decade now. I'm proud of our collective accomplishments that will have a lasting impact on our students, workforce and community partners. The college has advanced and changed for the good in many ways, but the commitment we share to our students' success and our region's progress remains constant. We are well positioned for the future, and sharing my retirement plans now provides ample time for a national search and our leadership transition at the college," said Drew Matonak.
"Drew has provided remarkable leadership for Hudson Valley through a period of incredible growth and dynamic change. We're extremely grateful for his years of dedication to the college and also for his commitment to partnership and service within the greater community. We're grateful for the time to conduct a deliberate and thoughtful search for the college's seventh president. As we begin our process, we're starting from a position of strength thanks to Drew's long-range planning and the many initiatives he began that will continue into the future," said Neil Kelleher, Chairman of the Hudson Valley Community College Board of Trustees.
Under President Matonak's leadership, the college introduced more than 25 new degree and certificate programs while significantly expanding online offerings and high school pipeline programs such as the Clean Technologies & Sustainable Industries Early College High School. In addition, President Matonak has overseen the expansion of progressive student support services including the recent creation of the Center for Academic Engagement, the Marvin Library Learning Commons and the Wellness Center.
President Matonak has guided a $200 million facilities master plan and the construction of a pedestrian-friendly, high technology campus with several new, state-of-the-art buildings including the $47.4 million Science Center; $13.5 million Training and Education Center for Semiconductor Manufacturing and Alternative and Renewable Technologies (TEC-SMART) in Malta; $9.4 million Administration Building; as well as the $4.5 million parking garage and $4.5 million Outdoor Athletic Complex to be complete in August 2016.
Another hallmark of President Matonak's tenure was United States President Obama's campus visit in 2009 to discuss the importance of community college economic development and workforce training initiatives similar to those developed at Hudson Valley. Recognizing the vital role Hudson Valley plays in economic and community development, President Matonak took on leadership positions with numerous organizations and boards, including the Capital Region Economic Development Council, the Capital Region Chamber, Center for Economic Growth, Saratoga Economic Development Council and Troy 2020 to name a few.
Prior to joining Hudson Valley, President Matonak served as president of Northwest Iowa Community College. He also served in leadership positions at Lakeland Community College in Kirtland, Ohio; Horry-Georgetown Technical College in Conway, South Carolina; University of Houston; Lee College in Baytown, Texas; and Eastern Iowa Community College District.
President Matonak earned an associate degree at Butler County Community College in Butler, Pennsylvania, an experience that shaped his personal and professional life. He continued his education at The College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio, where he earned a bachelor's degree in sociology, followed by a master's degree in student personnel administration from Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, and a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Houston in Texas.
"Beginning my higher education at a community college had a major influence on my career path. Capping my career at Hudson Valley, one of the most productive community colleges in the nation, is a fitting closing chapter. I look forward to enjoying more time with family during my retirement, but Hudson Valley Community College will always be in my heart."