Press Release: Columbia-Greene Community College Appoints New Vice President For Student Success, Chief of Staff
Walsh: “Columbia-Greene is fortunate to have two leaders of this caliber to support our mission.”
HUDSON, N.Y. (Sept. 4, 2025) – Columbia-Greene Community College today announced the appointment of a new Vice President for Student success and Chief of Staff.
“Columbia-Greene Community College is fortunate, indeed, to have two leaders of their caliber and proven success respond to the invitation to advance the College’s mission through these roles at this time,” said Dr. Victoria Walsh, President of Columbia-Greene Community College. “Joel has been a tremendous leader in advancing our enrollment goals here at Columbia-Greene. Working closely with faculty, staff, and campus partners, she will create opportunities that help all students thrive in a student-centered learning environment.”
Joel Phelps, most recently the Dean for Enrollment Management, has been appointed Vice President of Student Success. In this role, she will provide strategic leadership and cross-department coordination in advancing student achievement, retention, and engagement across the College. She will oversee programs and services that support academic success, improve student outcomes, foster academic momentum, and promote the holistic development and support of every student. Vice President Phelps will advance excellence in the student experience from admission to graduation.
Prior to Columbia-Greene, Phelps served in various roles with Southern Vermont College, the College of St. Rose, and Hudson Valley Community College. Phelps holds both a B.S. and M.S. in Education from the College of St. Rose and an A.A.S. degree from Hudson Valley Community College.
Drew Ledoux, most recently serving as Dean of Students, has been appointed Chief of Staff and Special Assistant to the President for Strategic Initiatives. In this capacity, Ledoux will serve as a key partner to the President, guiding major projects, supporting shared governance, and advancing College priorities. As part of his responsibilities, he will represent the President’s Office with faculty, staff, students, and community partners, while also coordinating external relations, government and legal affairs, and SUNY initiatives.
Prior to Columbia-Greene, Ledoux served in a number of capacities at Maria College in Albany, rising from Director of Career Services to Associate Vice President and Associate Dean of Students. Ledoux holds a B.S. in English from American International College in Springfield, Mass. and a M.S. in Education / Higher Education Leadership and Administration from the College of St. Rose.
“Drew has been an outstanding leader here at Columbia-Greene and in his new role as chief of staff, Drew will help ensure strong communication across the institution, collaboration, and progress on initiatives that support the mission of the College and the success of our students,” Walsh remarked.
For more information about C-GCC, please visit columbiagreene.edu.
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About Columbia-Greene Community College: A campus of the State University of New York (SUNY), Columbia-Greene Community College (C-GCC) is a comprehensive, two-year institution offering a variety of transfer and career programs leading to the Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Applied Science, and Associate in Occupational Studies degrees, as well as micro credentials, one-year certificate programs, and specialized courses geared toward community interest.
For questions, contact Joe Bonilla at 518.813.4905 | joe@relentlessaware.com