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JCC Holds Inauguration of President Daniel J. Dupee,
II
Published: March 18, 2024 at
09:45 a.m.
By: Press Release from Jefferson Community College
Inauguration Celebration of Dr.
Daniel J. Dupee, II
Seventh President of Jefferson
Community College
 On Friday, March 15, 2024, Jefferson
Community College (JCC) celebrated the official inauguration of Dr. Daniel
J. Dupee, II, seventh president of Jefferson Community College.
Students, faculty and staff, state and local community leaders, academic
delegates from across the region, Fort Drum officials and the State
University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor, John B. King, Jr. participated in
the formal ceremony. Speakers representing the various constituents
offered congratulations and words of encouragement to Dr. Dupee and the
College. Dr. Dupee was presented a College medallion by Chancellor King that represents the
integrity and responsibility of the presidential office. The medallion is
engraved with the words Celebrating our Legacy, Building the Future
Together, honoring the College’s 62-year history of educational leadership
in the North Country and celebrating the opportunity for continued growth.
The ceremony was live streamed on the College’s website and is available
for viewing on the College’s YouTube channel.
An inauguration
is a formal installation of a new leader coming to office, however Dr.
Dupee began his tenure as College President in June 2023 following his
appointment by the SUNY Board of Trustees. Most recently, he served as
Jefferson’s Administrator-in-Charge and prior to that, as Executive Vice
President for Administration, Finance and Enrollment. Earlier in his
career, Dr. Dupee worked at National Grid and the Carrier Corporation in
the accounting and finance areas, and at Mexico Academy & Central School
as executive director of management services.
During his tenure
at Jefferson, Dr. Dupee has stood at the forefront of transformation. He
spearheaded the addition of a multi-purpose turf field, served as the
College’s inaugural Chief Diversity Officer, and played a pivotal role in
developing the College’s Diversity Plan. He secured $25 million in
financing for the construction of the residence hall and managed a $14
million project to renovate the Gregor Building and build the Deans
Collaborative Learning Center. Dr. Dupee’s priority to build strategic partnerships
to expand access to education and meet workforce demands enabled JCC to
offer a surgical technology program through Mohawk Valley Community College
to area students in fall 2023.
His strong
commitment to campus and community has included service to the General
Brown Central School District, Jefferson County Historical Society, NYS
Community College Business Officers Association, Jefferson’s Faculty
Student Association and College Foundation, the Center for Community
Studies, and beyond. Currently, he serves on the Board of Directors for the
North Country Family Health Center, Advocate Drum, the Jefferson-Lewis
Workforce Development Board, and is one of only four SUNY presidents selected
to work with SUNY System Administration to develop targeted community
college enrollment initiatives.
During the
ceremony, several speakers offered congratulations and well-wishes
including Taylor M. LaClair, Student Trustee, Jack N. Donato ’87, Professor
of Computer Science and president of the Faculty Association of JCC,
William L. McMahon ’01, lab technician, School of STEM and Health
Professions, and president of the Educational Support Professionals
Association, Michelle L. Capone ’95, president of JCC Foundation Board of
Directors, Stephen J. Todd, District Superintendent, Jefferson-Lewis BOCES,
BG Matthew W. Braman, Deputy Commanding General-Support, 10th Mountain
Division (L.I.) and Fort Drum, Dr. Carole A. McCoy, the College’s fifth
president, William W. Johnson, Chair, Jefferson County Board of
Legislators, David J. Males, Chair, JCC Board of Trustees, and John B.
King, Jr., SUNY Chancellor. The master of ceremonies was Jerilyn E.
Fairman, Provost, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs.
The National Anthem was performed by vocalist SGT Delany McCarthy, 42R
(Army Musician) serving with the 10th Mountain Division Band. A special
musical performance was given by Jefferson students Emmanuel S.A. Garrick,
playing the steel pan, and Zachary M. Smith, playing the piano/keyboard.
Chancellor King
said, “What today represents is the marriage of a very special man to a
crucial role, leading a wonderful college. Dan’s roots in this community
will be a huge asset to his presidency of this community college. When the
questions arise – ‘Where do the students need to thrive?’ or ‘What unusual
challenges do local students face?’, he won’t be guessing the answers. He
knows.”
Legislator
Johnson remarked, “Having witnessed Dr. Dupee’s remarkable journey which
began in our beloved North Country, it is truly inspiring to see him
achieve this significant milestone in his career. As a community
college graduate himself, Dr. Dupee understands the transformative power of
education and the vital role that community colleges play in driving
economic development in our community. As we embark on this new chapter
under the leadership of Dr. Dupee, I have no doubt that the legacy of
Jefferson Community College as the “jewel of the North Country” will be
further strengthened.”
During his
remarks, Trustee Males stated “During the Presidential selection process
there was no question on what Dr. Daniel Dupee was going to give Jefferson
Community College and our community: Dedication, Commitment, Respect,
and Integrity. He understands that this institution is a direct reflection
of the community it serves. Dr. Dupee represents all that is good
about our institution and this community.”
During the
ceremony, Dr. Dupee announced the establishment of the Community Impact
Fund for Career Education. “Our landscape is shifting, and we must not only
adapt but also lead the way in educating our students for the careers of
the future,” said President Dupee. “Our commitment to education remains
steadfast, but the way we deliver it and the skills we equip our students
with must align with the demands of the 21st century.”
The purpose of
the Community Impact Fund is to provide Jefferson the ability to quickly
and easily stand-up industry-specific training programs to meet the
employment needs of our community as well as provide tuition support to the
students enrolling in these courses. Dr. Dupee, said, “Together, we will
build a future that is not just strong but extraordinary—a future that
educates our students for the ever-changing world, inspires our students to
accomplish great things, and empowers our students to thrive, strengthening
our entire community and the world.” In partnership with the
Jefferson Foundation, a campaign to raise funds for the Community Impact
Fund will take place over the next two months.
In May, the JCC
Foundation will host a reception at Windmill Acres in Watertown to
celebrate Dr. Dupee’s inauguration and the success of the Community Impact
Fund campaign.
President Dupee
holds a Doctorate in Education from Northeastern University, a certificate
of advanced study in educational leadership from Le Moyne College, both
master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Columbia College, and an associate
degree from Onondaga Community College. He completed the League for
Innovation Executive Leadership Institute in 2019, the SUNY Executive
Leadership program in 2013, and the Jefferson Leadership Institute in 2012.
A North Country native, Dr. Dupee is a graduate of Watertown High School.
Photo Caption:
On Friday, March
15, 2024, Jefferson Community College (JCC) celebrated the official
inauguration of Dr. Daniel J. Dupee, II, seventh president of Jefferson
Community College. (l-r) Dr. John B. King, Jr., SUNY Chancellor, Dr. Daniel
J. Dupee, II, President, David J. Males, Chair, JCC Board of
Trustees.
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