HCC Names Katherine Douglas Interim VP of Academic and Student Affairs

Katherine Douglas

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) recently welcomed Katherine Douglas as interim vice president of Academic and Student Affairs.

Douglas brings more than four decades of experience as an educator, administrator, and advocate for student success. Her career has included executive roles such as interim president of SUNY Monroe Community College and president of SUNY Corning Community College in New York State, vice president of Academic Affairs at Sussex Community College in New Jersey, and associate dean of Behavioral Sciences at Greenfield Community College.

This is her second interim posting since retiring from Corning Community College in 2019. Her first day back at HCC was Aug. 4. She will serve as interim vice president until the permanent vice president’s position is filled.

Her HCC appointment marks a meaningful homecoming, as Douglas previously served as dean of the Division of Social Sciences from 2005 to 2008. From 2023 to July 2025, she also served on the HCC Foundation board of directors, stepping down to take the interim position as vice president. She is a three-time graduate of UMass Amherst, where she earned a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and doctorate in education.

“Her longstanding commitment to the community college mission, deep understanding of academic affairs, and focus on equity and access align closely with our core values,” HCC President George Timmons said. “We are thrilled to have Dr. Douglas return to the HCC community, and we look forward to her leadership as we continue to serve and empower our students.”