A Message from the President: Terri Grates Day, PhD

As we close out 2025, I want to pause and say thank you. In just my first four months as president, the welcome, support, and encouragement I have received from across Herkimer County and the greater Mohawk Valley have been genuine and deeply appreciated. I am grateful not only for the confidence placed in me, but for the continued belief in Herkimer County Community College and its role in this region.

One thing that has become clear is that progress here does not happen alone. It happens when education, business, government, and community leaders come together with a shared sense of responsibility. That spirit of collaboration is real, and I have seen it firsthand in conversations, partnerships, and everyday interactions.

I have also been reminded of the generosity of the people in our community. Whether through Mohawk Valley Gives, Gram Lorraine, Operation Candy Cane, or other efforts that often happen quietly and without recognition, people here show up for one another. That generosity reflects the values of our region and reinforces why institutions like a community college matter. We are part of a place that cares deeply about its neighbors.

At the College, we have been intentional about reembracing our original name, Herkimer County Community College. That decision reflects who we are and what we stand for. We are proud to be a county college, accountable to the people and communities of Herkimer County. We are equally proud to be a community college, open, accessible, and responsive to learners of all ages, employers, and families throughout the region.

Our focus this year of being meaningful by design has helped clarify priorities. We are strengthening our role as a workforce and economic partner, improving the student experience, and reinforcing trust with the community. Major public investments in campus facilities are nearing completion, creating spaces that better serve students and the broader community.

In 2026, the College will celebrate its 60th anniversary. That milestone offers a chance to honor six decades of impact while looking ahead. To mark the occasion, we will launch 60 Acts of Service in Herkimer County throughout the year. These projects will bring students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners together in practical ways that give back and reflect the values on which the College was built.

Across the county, there is momentum. Continued investment in infrastructure, thoughtful economic development, and a growing emphasis on accountability are setting the groundwork for long-term opportunity. These efforts matter because they support businesses, strengthen the workforce, and create pathways for future generations.

As a first-generation college student who grew up with limited means, I see education and economic development as deeply personal. When we get them right, they open doors, expand opportunity, and change lives. That perspective guides my leadership and strengthens my optimism about what is possible here.

Looking ahead to 2026, the opportunities are real, but so is the work. Continued collaboration around workforce development, community-centered initiatives, and programs that support county residents will be essential. That includes career pathways aligned with regional employers, expanded partnerships that connect education to opportunity, and services that help remove barriers so more individuals can learn, work, and thrive right here in the Mohawk Valley.

I look forward to thoughtful conversation, supporting the people and ideas shaping our future, and working together with the many partners and neighbors who continue to show up, give back, and invest in this region.

With continued collaboration and shared accountability, I am confident we can build an even stronger Herkimer County and greater Mohawk Valley in the year ahead.

Best wishes for a healthy, successful, and meaningful new year.

Herkimer Proud,

Terri Grates Day, PhD
President