As has become a January custom, the Jefferson College Board of Trustees recently voted to add a year to President Dena McCaffrey’s contract.
The board voted 5-0 during a Jan. 12 closed meeting to extend her contract as the college president through the 2028-2029 school year, which ends June 30, 2029. Board member Steve Meinberg was absent from the meeting.
McCaffrey, the college’s first female president and eighth overall, officially became the president July 1, 2020, but had been selected to replace her predecessor, Ray Cummiskey, in February 2019.
In July of that year, as president-elect, she began shadowing Cummiskey to learn the position prior to taking over upon his retirement.
As president-elect, she was given a two-year contract and was paid a $145,000 annual salary. In her first year as president, her salary increased to $170,000.
Her current salary is $230,100.
Her new salary under the contract extension will be determined later, closer to the time the board approves the college’s fiscal year 2027 budget in the spring, she said.
“I am honored to continue serving the college and deeply appreciate the board’s confidence in my leadership,” McCaffrey said. “It is an honor to work alongside talented and dedicated faculty and staff. I remain committed to advancing student success, workforce development and community impact. I look forward to building on our progress together in the years ahead.”
Margie Passmore, the board president, said McCaffrey has earned the confidence of the trustees.
“The board is pleased to extend Dr. McCaffrey’s contact,” Passmore said. “She continues to exceed the board’s expectations in moving Jefferson College forward under her leadership.”
Passmore said Jefferson College has flourished under McCaffrey’s guidance.
“Some examples would be the Vet Tech program. Also the Fine Arts building renovation. Also, growing our programs and partnerships with businesses on various projects,” Passmore said.
The construction projects included a new $3,022,000 state-of-the art veterinary technology facility and a $6.4 million renovation project at the Fine Arts building renovation that is winding down. Both structures are on the Hillsboro campus.
“The Fine Arts building renovation is almost finished,” Passmore said. “Students are in it. There’s still work being done. We’re looking at having a grand opening in March to show the renovations.”
McCaffrey, 55, of Arnold has worked for Jefferson College since 2007 and was dean of Career and Technical Education prior to her being selected to succeed Cummiskey.