WORCESTER, MA – June 1, 2026 – Dr. Luis Pedraja, president of Quinsigamond Community College, has announced his retirement, effective July 31, 2027. He will conclude a decade of leadership that included institutional growth and new initiatives focused on student success.
“We are deeply grateful for President Pedraja’s leadership and lasting contributions to QCC and the broader community,” QCC Board Chair Dr. Linda Maykel said. “His commitment to 100% student success has been unwavering.”
Pedraja cited the desire to spend more time with family and focus on several long‑planned writing projects as the primary reasons for his future departure.
“I am proud of the progress we have made together to expand access and strengthen pathways to student success,” Pedraja said. “While this was not an easy decision, I believe it is the right time for both me and QCC as the college prepares for its next chapter and begins work on its 2027–2030 Strategic Plan. I am confident that QCC will continue to grow and deepen its impact in the coming years.”
Since assuming the presidency in 2017, Pedraja led QCC through a period of significant advancement that included leading the college through the COVID‑19 pandemic, rapidly transitioning to remote learning while maintaining academic continuity, student services and workforce responsiveness.
During his tenure, QCC expanded its workforce and community partnerships to better align academic programs with regional labor market needs, and advanced equity and inclusion through the creation of an Access, Opportunity and Compliance department. The college also launched key student support initiatives, including the Student Success Center, First Generation Center, Welcome Center, the Auxilium Center for Entrepreneurship at QCC, and the HomePlate Food Pantry and Resource Center. At the same time, it invested in campus and digital infrastructure, expanded early college and transfer pathways and achieved Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) status.
Enrollment at QCC has reached its highest level since 2012, driven in part by expanded access to higher education through statewide initiatives like MassEducate and MassReconnect.
According to Maykel, in the coming weeks the Board of Trustees will begin the process of selecting a search firm to lead a national search for QCC’s next president. Pedraja will continue to serve through July 2027 and will remain actively engaged in supporting a smooth transition and the ongoing work of the college.