QCC President Luis Pedraja Announces Retirement Plans for 2027

QCC President Looks Back on a Career Focused on Student Success

“My North Star has always been student success.”

By-Hank Stolz

Worcester, MA- After years of leading Quinsigamond Community College through growth, stability, and transformation, President Dr. Luis Pedraja says the time is right to begin planning for the institution’s next chapter.

Speaking with Hank Stolz on Radio Worcester, Pedraja discussed his decision to retire in July 2027 and the factors that led him to announce his plans well in advance.

Rather than waiting for challenges to emerge, Pedraja said he believes leaders have a responsibility to leave organizations when they are strong and positioned for continued success.

“I really think that leaders need to think about what’s best not just for them, but also for the institution they serve,” Pedraja said. “That was one of the key priorities for me, thinking through it. What’s in the best interest of QCC and not just for me.”

The longtime educator said Quinsigamond Community College is currently enjoying significant momentum, making this an ideal time to begin preparing for a smooth leadership transition.

Under Pedraja’s leadership, QCC has experienced substantial campus improvements, increased financial stability, and renewed enrollment growth. While he takes pride in those accomplishments, he said the college’s greatest success can be found in the achievements of its students.

“Well, I think for me, my North Star has always been student success,” Pedraja said. “I’ve always been focused on the students succeeding and part of that was to retain them.”

Pedraja said that while physical improvements and financial strength are important, helping students achieve their educational goals has always been the driving force behind his work.

“The buildings are nice, the renovations, financial stability, but getting that enrollment stable and helping the students succeed and be able to accomplish what they set out to do in their dreams and then be able to graduate and go and contribute to the community. That’s really the reason I’m in it for. That’s what drives me.”

His retirement announcement provides the college with ample time to prepare for the future while continuing to build on the momentum established during his tenure.

As QCC looks toward the next generation of leadership, Pedraja says his focus remains exactly where it has always been: helping students succeed and strengthening the community through education.