HARRISBURG, Pa. – HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, is proud to announce that John J. “Ski” Sygielski, MBA, Ed.D., HACC’s president and CEO, received the 2025 Lifetime Leadership Award from Higher Education Innovation (HEI) on Sept. 30, 2025.
Chase Mang and Jorie Koelling of Packback nominated Dr. Ski for the award, writing in their nomination:
Dr. Ski “is an exceptional candidate for the HEI Award, thanks to his transformative leadership at HACC. He has consistently demonstrated entrepreneurial thinking through impressive financial stewardship, raising over $28 million for the HACC Foundation and significantly reducing the College's long-term debt by $55 million. This, combined with strategic cost-saving measures, highlights his business acumen and commitment to the institution's sustainability.
“Under Dr. Ski, HACC has embraced innovation. He championed the award-winning ‘HawkSOAR Flight Paths to Student Success’ initiative, nationally recognized for its data-driven approach to improving student outcomes. His vision also led to a partnership with Packback, an AI-powered discussion platform, enriching HACC's teaching and learning environment by fostering critical thinking and communication. This commitment to cutting-edge technology motivates faculty and staff to pursue innovative practices.
“Furthermore, Dr. Ski's development of 75 new academic and over 200 noncredit programs, aligned with workforce needs and seamless transfer agreements, showcases HACC's proactive market responsiveness. His application of ‘effectual thinking’ principles – leveraging existing resources, managing risk and building partnerships – positions HACC as a leader contributing significantly to higher education's future success.”
“True leadership is measured by the lives we touch and the futures we help shape. At HACC, we have embraced innovation, sustainability and student success as our guiding stars. Receiving this recognition is deeply humbling, because it reflects not just my journey, but the collective passion, resilience and vision of our entire HACC community. Together, we are proving that a HACC education can change lives, destinies and family trees,” Dr. Ski said.
Dr. Ski announced his retirement in 2024 and will remain in his role as president and CEO until June 30, 2026, or until his successor is hired - whichever date occurs first. To learn more about his impactful work, his professional successes and how you can contribute to the HACC Foundation in his honor, please visit hacc.edu/FarewellSki.
About HACC
HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, is the first and largest of Pennsylvania’s 15 community colleges. HACC offers approximately 100 career and transfer associate degree, certificate and diploma programs to approximately 12,000 students. Also, the College serves students at its Gettysburg, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon and York campuses; through virtual learning; and via workforce development and continuing education training. For more information on how HACC is uniquely YOURS, visit hacc.edu. Also, follow us on X (@HACC_info), follow us on Instagram (@HACC_edu), like us on Facebook (Facebook.com/HACC64) and use #HACCNews.
