In the News: Columbia-Greene Community College President Victoria Walsh Dedicated to Empowering her Community – Outlook 2026
February 17, 2026
In an interview with The Daily Gazette, Victoria Walsh, president of Columbia-Greene Community College, outlines her vision for adapting the institution to the changing needs of its rural community. After stepping into the presidency in July 2025, Walsh describes the transition as a “natural progression” and emphasizes the transformative role of education, stating that it is “more than training” and is fundamentally about “empowering people to take jobs and careers that they want to better their life with.”
Walsh highlights current challenges in higher education, including demographic decline and shifting student engagement, noting that “higher education is a difficult business to be in right now.” With a growing population of adult learners, she stresses the importance of aligning programs with emerging technologies and workforce demands, particularly in healthcare and artificial intelligence. She also acknowledges that many students face barriers such as food insecurity, housing instability, and childcare needs that increasingly shape their educational journeys.
To address these issues, the college has implemented a five-part sustainability plan focused on resource alignment, program expansion, and student success. Key initiatives include launching a successful licensed practical nurse program, expanding nursing education, and establishing a Center for Innovation, Teaching, and Learning to modernize the curriculum. Walsh reinforces the institution’s mission by asserting that “community colleges are the bedrock of workforce development and education.” She concludes by centering her leadership on student achievement, explaining that “everything we do is about them and for them” and that her work is ultimately about “creating success for the students in our community.”
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Walsh, S. (2026, February 17). Columbia-Greene Community College president Victoria Walsh dedicated to empowering her community. The Daily Gazette.