Dr. Michael I. Schafer, Mohawk Valley Community College’s longest-serving president, recently passed away at his home in Naples, Florida. 

Schafer was appointed president of Mohawk Valley Community College in 1983 and retired in 2007. During his tenure, MVCC strengthened its academic offerings with innovative and enduring programs like English as a Second Language and a unique human donor lab to teach anatomy and physiology. The College’s campuses expanded under his leadership with extensive renovations at both MVCC’s Rome and Utica campuses, including the addition of the Bellamy residence hall, Science and Technology Building, and Wilcox Hall — which houses the Dr. Michael I. Schafer Theater named in his honor. MVCC’s Hawk Athletics also rose to national prominence during his tenure.

“Mike was a strong advocate for MVCC and community colleges in general,” said longtime MVCC Trustee David Mathis, who was on the Board when Schafer was hired. “Under his leadership, MVCC was able to strengthen and expand workforce development programs like Nursing and Airframe & Powerplant while maintaining high-quality transfer programs as well.”  

Current MVCC President Dr. Randall VanWagoner said, “Mike was very helpful to me when I transitioned here. I remember him saying that he was leaving the College in the best financial position in all his years — that was right on the cusp of the Great Recession and allowed us to thrive during those tumultuous years that followed. He was very proud of what MVCC means to this community and the role it plays in helping the area thrive.”