Dr. Dean McCurdy Appointed as the 10th President of Colby-Sawyer College

In a unanimous decision, the Board of Trustees at Colby-Sawyer College has officially appointed Dr. Dean G. McCurdy as the institution’s new president. This decision marks an important moment for the college, as McCurdy steps into the role as its 10th president, succeeding Susan Stuebner, who held the position from 2016 to 2024. Laura Sykes, who has been fulfilling the duties of interim president since July, expressed her enthusiasm about McCurdy’s appointment, stating that his background is well-suited to navigate the challenges currently faced by higher education institutions.

Dr. McCurdy, previously the provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Ivy Tech Community College, expressed elation at receiving this opportunity. He underscored that his extensive experience in higher education aligns well with Colby-Sawyer's mission and values. McCurdy noted, "The college's history of excellence in teaching and providing experiential learning for all students aligns with what is most effective in supporting student success."

With a career spanning several higher education institutions, McCurdy brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise. He previously served as a field manager at Bowdoin College's Coastal Studies Center, and he was a tenured professor and department chair at Albion College. In addition, as associate vice president for instruction at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, he established a partnership that connected education with regional healthcare providers. His leadership at Ivy Tech’s Kokomo location resulted in record fundraising efforts and successful campus renovations, highlighting his ability to manage and grow educational institutions effectively.

An ecological scientist by training, McCurdy's research contributions include 20 peer-reviewed scientific papers focused on marine life across regions such as Maine, Nova Scotia, and South America. His academic acumen is complemented by a strategic mindset, as noted by Hilary Williams, dean of the School of Arts & Sciences at Colby-Sawyer. She described McCurdy as visionary and innovative, emphasizing that he inspires enthusiasm for higher education among peers and students alike.

According to Williams, McCurdy has demonstrated a proven ability to enhance enrollment numbers, foster community ties, and cultivate employer partnerships. His dedication to liberal education and experiential learning is particularly relevant as educational institutions adapt to evolving workforce needs. "I found my interview sessions with Dean to be so inspirational," she remarked, highlighting McCurdy’s capacity for driving positive change.

The Colby-Sawyer College community looks forward to welcoming Dr. McCurdy as he embarks on this new journey, leading the institution into a promising future. His vision and leadership style are expected to strengthen Colby-Sawyer’s commitment to excellence in education and student success. As stakeholders and faculty await his strategic initiatives, there is a shared anticipation for the innovative approaches McCurdy will bring to enhance the college's mission.

For more insights into his vision, readers can visit the Colby-Sawyer website, which features a Q&A session with McCurdy and comments from his colleagues. The academic community is optimistic about the momentum that Dr. McCurdy's leadership will generate in the coming years.