Syracuse, N.Y. – Onondaga Community College President Kathleen “Casey” Crabill plans to retire in 2022 after nine years at the school.
The college’s board of trustees voted today to hire a firm to conduct a national search for its next president. Crabill confirmed her decision to retire at today’s board meeting.
Crabill, 65, is a lifelong educator who began her career teaching English. She served as a college president in California, Connecticut, and New Jersey before returning to New York and becoming OCC’s eighth president July 1, 2013. She replaced former OCC President Debbie Sydow.
During her tenure, Crabill cut the college’s expenses in the face of reduced state support. Since she’s been at OCC the school’s annual operating budget has shrunk from $78 million to its current level of $64.5 million.
Under Crabill, OCC reorganized the college’s degree and certificate programs into eight schools, each with a unique academic focus. During her tenure the school also started “OCC Advantage” which gives graduating high school students in partner school districts the opportunity to attend OCC tuition-free.
“Her wisdom and her passion for students of all ages have left an indelible mark on this campus and this community,” John P. Sindoni, chairman of the OCC board, said in a prepared statement.
James T. Mulder covers health and higher education. Have a news tip? Contact him at (315) 470-2245 or jmulder@syracuse.com