HERKIMER, NY, October 8, 2026 — Herkimer County Community College has
appointed Christopher Hirschler, Ph.D., MCHES, to the position of Dean of Faculty.
Hirschler brings extensive higher education experience in academic leadership, faculty
development, curriculum, accreditation, assessment, advising, enrollment and student
success.
Most recently, Hirschler served as dean of the Health and Wellness Sciences Division at
Lorain County Community College in Elyria, Ohio. In that role, he oversaw
approximately 300 employees, more than 2,000 Health and Wellness Sciences majors
and 18 academic programs, including 16 accredited programs.
During his tenure at Lorain County Community College, Hirschler led an enrollment,
marketing and visibility strategy that resulted in approximately 20% enrollment growth
within the division. He also supported academic program reviews and accreditation
reaffirmations, strengthened community and industry partnerships, and advanced the
development and expansion of academic programs.
Prior to joining Lorain County Community College, Hirschler served as chair of the
Department of Health and Physical Education, faculty director of study abroad and
department advising coordinator at Monmouth University. He has also held teaching
positions at Monroe Community College, Cleveland State University, Excelsior
University, and Cuyahoga Community College.
Hirschler earned a Ph.D. in urban education with a specialization in learning and
development from Cleveland State University. He also holds a Master of Arts in liberal
studies with a concentration in health from SUNY Brockport, a Bachelor of Science in
liberal arts from Excelsior University and an Associate in Applied Science in liberal
studies with a concentration in business from Monroe Community College.
Photo: Christopher Hirschler, Ph.D., MCHES
###
About Herkimer County Community College: Located in central New York State, just off the NYS
Thruway exit 30, Herkimer County Community College is one of 30 community colleges in the State
University of New York (SUNY) system. Herkimer offers a quality and affordable educational
experience and is ranked among the top two-year colleges in the nation based on transfer and
graduation rates. Herkimer County Community College offers a variety of associate degree and
certificate programs in art, business, communication arts, criminal justice and law, education,
healthcare and service, liberal arts and sciences, and STEM, and is a leading provider of fully-online
degree programs. The student body of approximately 2,500 students hails from throughout the nation
and several foreign countries. With on-campus housing for more than 600 students, a nationally-
ranked athletics program, and a variety of student activities, clubs and events, Herkimer County
Community College students enjoy the complete college experience. Herkimer County Community
College is a fundamental contributor to the economic development of Herkimer County and the South-
Central Adirondack region. More information is available at http://www.herkimer.edu.
