Jefferson Holds Inauguration of President Dr. Daniel J. Dupee, II

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.