News Hartwick College Names Cary Dresher as Dean of Students

Hartwick President Darren Reisberg has named Cary Dresher as the College’s new dean of students, effective immediately.  

Dresher, who has been serving as acting dean of students since June, will lead efforts to enhance the College’s signature 360-degree wrap-around student experience support. He will provide overall direction, administration and leadership of a student-centered team that includes health and wellness, residential life and student conduct, and student leadership and engagement. 

“Cary is keenly aware and appreciates Hartwick’s deep commitment to student success,” said President Darren Reisberg. “He brings an exceptional understanding of guiding and advocating students’ needs along with experience in retention and inclusive excellence. I know he will further Hartwick’s deep commitment to providing our students with the best possible experience.”

Dresher brings over 13 years of experience to the role, five of which have been at Hartwick. His track record of success at the College includes expanding the number of full-time counseling staff, working collaboratively to launch the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, and the SOAR mentoring program, and creating greater collaboration between the Office of Student Experience and colleagues across campus. Dresher also wrote the College’s tobacco and vaping policy that went into effect in January 2022, resulting in Hartwick becoming a smoke and tobacco-free campus.  

“I am honored to have been entrusted with this new role,” said Dresher. “I am committed to working with the Hartwick community to create a positive and supportive learning environment for all students.”

Before joining the Hartwick community, Dresher served in a variety of capacities at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, NY., including as dean of student living and learning, associate dean of the Off-Campus Commons, and assistant dean of the Student First-Year Experience & Parent Liaison. Before that, Dresher served as certification coordinator for the Association of Title IX Coordinators (ATIXA). He has also taught in the K-12 environment, including stints at the Emma Willard School in Troy, The Knox School in St. James, NY, and the Triton Regional High School in Byfield, MA. 

Dresher earned a doctorate in education from Northeastern University. He also holds a master’s degree from the University of Southern Maine and a bachelor’s degree from American University. His administrative certification was earned at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.