Worcester College President To Retire After 10 Years

WORCESTER, MA — The president of a community college in Worcester announced he will retire next year after a decade of leading the institution.

Quinsigamond Community College President Luis Pedraja announced he will step down effective July 31, 2027, citing a desire to spend more time with family and focus on long-planned writing projects. The QCC Board of Trustees will begin selecting a search firm in the coming weeks to lead a national search for the college’s next president.

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“We are deeply grateful for President Pedraja’s leadership and lasting contributions to QCC and the broader community,” QCC Board Chair Linda Maykel said. “His commitment to 100% student success has been unwavering.”

Pedraja became QCC president in 2017. His tenure included leading the college through the COVID-19 pandemic, when QCC shifted quickly to remote learning while maintaining academic continuity, student services and workforce responsiveness.

“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.”

During Pedraja’s presidency, QCC expanded workforce and community partnerships, created an Access, Opportunity and Compliance department and launched several student support initiatives. Those included the Student Success Center, First Generation Center, Welcome Center, Auxilium Center for Entrepreneurship at QCC and HomePlate Food Pantry and Resource Center.

The college also invested in campus and digital infrastructure, expanded early college and transfer pathways and achieved Hispanic-Serving Institution status.

QCC enrollment has reached its highest level since 2012, driven in part by statewide higher-education access programs, including MassEducate and MassReconnect, the school said.

Pedraja will continue to serve through July 2027 and will remain involved in supporting the transition, according to the college.

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