Incoming BCC President Dr. Hara Charlier Joins College July 1
Incoming BCC President Dr. Hara Charlier Joins College July 1
Community Honors Outgoing President Ellen Kennedy
BCC is pleased to announce the arrival of Dr. Hara D. Charlier as president of BCC
on July 1, 2026. Charlier, who served as president of Central Lakes College in Brainerd,
Minnesota since 2016, brings deep leadership experience rooted in expanding higher
education access and opportunity in rural communities.
As I make the transition from rural Minnesota to BCC and the amazing Berkshires community,
I could not be more excited to begin this next chapter. As soon as I learned about
the mission of BCC, which focuses on access for all, I knew this was the place for
me. I look forward to getting to know the faculty, the staff, and most importantly,
the students who make BCC the special place it is.
Dr. Hara Charlier
Under her leadership, Central Lakes College transformed the student experience to
advance equitable success, growing enrollment, modernizing facilities and the launch
of more than 20 new academic programs. Her philosophy centers on voice, relationships,
belonging, and student success. She holds a BS in Animal Science from Cornell University,
an MS in Microbiology from Miami University, and a PhD in Community College Leadership
from Old Dominion University.
Current President Ellen Kennedy is assuming a one-year position of interim president
of Cape Cod Community College on July 1, delaying her plan to retire.
In honor of President Kennedy's 14 years of extraordinary leadership, the College
held a community-wide celebration in early June. The celebration welcomed students,
alumni, employees, retirees, partners, donors and community members, who came together
to celebrate BCC, reflect on shared memories and recognize President Kennedy's leadership
and lasting impact.
Dr. Ellen Kennedy
