Columbia-Greene CC president to retire

Dr. Carlee Drummer, president of Columbia-Greene Community College in Hudson, N.Y., informed the Columbia-Greene Board of Trustees of her decision to retire, effective June 30, 2025, during the Board’s monthly meeting on December 16, 2024. Since arriving at the College in July 2019, Dr. Drummer has spearheaded massive changes to advance student success; diversity, equity, and inclusion; increase enrollment; and expand course offerings to meet employers’ immediate needs in the Twin Counties and beyond.

In spite of the global pandemic that upended operations for 18 months, the College inaugurated epic changes to the information technology system; rebranded the institution with a redesigned logo and easy-to-navigate website; opened the Building Construction Technology Center; launched a Center for Innovation, Teaching, and Learning; became a member of the prestigious Achieving the Dream national network; implemented significant changes to the curriculum and learning modalities; and brought in more than $5 million in grants and donations for student support and operations.

Perhaps, however, the most noteworthy outcome since 2019 is the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)’s reaccreditation report in 2023 that praised the College’s stellar progress by offering 13 commendations, three recommendations, and no requirements that would necessitate an interim visit before MSCHE’s next site visit in 2031 – a rarity in higher education.

When asked about her decision to retire, Dr. Drummer noted, “Determining to step down as the President of Columbia-Greene was quite difficult, as I have devoted my professional life to making the world a better place through education.” She expressed deep gratitude to the Board of the Trustees; Columbia and Greene Counties; the Columbia-Greene Community College Foundation Board; and the College’s Cabinet, administrators, faculty, and staff for their support during her tenure. She further stated, “I am most indebted, however, to the Columbia-Greene students who have inspired me every day to be a better President by making certain they have the best possible learning environment that will enable them to better their lives and the lives of their families. To that end, I am extremely proud that the Drummer Family Scholarship endowment established in 2020 will provide financial support in perpetuity for those in need.”

She also noted she would be remiss not to recognize the tireless encouragement and emotional support provided by her life partner and soul mate, Michael Drummer, during their 50 years of marriage. “Retirement will provide the opportunity for us at last to spend time together while our joie de vivre and energy remain undiminished.”

When asked to comment on Dr. Drummer’s pending departure, Peter O’Hara, Chairman of the Columbia-Greene Board of Trustees stated, “The Trustees deeply value Dr. Drummer’s leadership. Given the transformative achievements during the past six years, I am confident the next President will find the building blocks in place to move the College to its next level of excellence.”