Hamburg, NY (WBEN) Former Hamburg Schools Superintendent Michael Cornell has been named interim president of Hilbert College. This after Dr. Michael Brophy announced he will depart the school this summer to become president of Hudson Valley Community College.
"Mike is an esteemed executive who is committed to education and the development of our leaders of tomorrow," said Hilbert College Board Chair Laurie Carra. "He brings extraordinary leadership skills, is a proven builder of high-performing teams and has a deep commitment to our Franciscan values."
Cornell joins a Hilbert leadership team that recently added Heather Montague as chief financial officer. Montague brings more than 20 years of higher education experience in finance and administration at the State University of New York's two flagship universities, the University at Buffalo and Stony Brook University.
Together, they will oversee Hilbert's continued growth at its Hamburg campus, its Hilbert Global online program and at Valley College, which the nonprofit Franciscan Services acquired in 2023. Cornell also will serve as Interim CEO of Franciscan Services. Since 2019, the entire enterprise has grown from 600 students to 2,500, with revenue increasing from $14 million to $53 million during that same period.
In its next phase, Hilbert looks to take innovative steps to improve student services, bolster faculty support, and deepen community connections.
"Hilbert has incredible momentum that positions us perfectly to meet student needs, now and for years to come," said Cornell. "We will focus like a laser on our strategic direction, and approach all of it with the joy and optimism that our Franciscan mission requires."
Cornell is the former president of the Erie-Niagara School Superintendents Association, a longtime member of Hilbert's Presidential Advisory Council, and the retired superintendent of Hamburg Central Schools. Hilbert says Cornell demonstrated a collaborative and innovative leadership approach. "Because of his leadership, the Hamburg Schools are an example of educational excellence driven by a strong strategic vision," adds Hilbert.
Hilbert starts August 1.
