Laurie Carra, Hilbert College Class of 1981

The Hilbert College Board of Trustees shares that President Michael Brophy has advised the Board that he will be stepping down from the Hilbert presidency at the end of his current contract term in June 2026. While Dr. Brophy is exploring other professional opportunities that may allow his family to move closer to their extended families, he remains committed to providing a smooth leadership transition for the College.

Now in his seventh year of service to Hilbert, Dr. Brophy has led the College through significant transformations and critical challenges. During his tenure, while many small private institutions have struggled to enroll students, the College actually increased enrollment by 30%, adding new degree programs, establishing an online division, and expanding its NCAA Division III athletic programs. Under Dr. Brophy’s leadership, the College’s longstanding mission of access has been expanded in our partnership with the Buffalo Public Schools Higher Educational Opportunity, Dual Enrollment, Say Yes Apprenticeship, and Liberty Partnership programs.  

Most significantly, Dr. Brophy’s stewardship of the acquisition of Valley College, creating a two-college consortium of more than 2,500 students located in New York, Ohio, and West Virginia, demonstrates a vision of stability and longevity for Hilbert.  With these anchors in place, Hilbert can now turn to future endeavors knowing that we are well positioned for success.

Dr. Brophy also shared: “It has been the greatest honor of my career to serve as Hilbert’s president. While we have reached many important milestones in the last seven years, my shoulder remains at the wheel with all Hilbert College community members as we further solidify our precious institution’s position in our sector.”

The College will begin its search for Hilbert’s next president later this year.  The Board of Trustees has begun forming a search committee representative of the campus community and key college stakeholders. 

Hilbert College and its Board will continue to work diligently to serve our students, staff, and the Western New York community.