HARRISBURG, Pa. - On April 7, 2026, the Board of Trustees of HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, named Daniel W. Lufkin, Ed.D., as the College’s eighth president.

Lufkin will begin his role as president of Pennsylvania’s first and largest community college on June 3, 2026.

Lufkin said, “I am honored to be named the 8th president of HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College and look forward to working with the Board of Trustees to support our faculty, staff, and community in helping students achieve their goals and connect to meaningful careers. Central Pennsylvania is a special place to live and work, and my family and I are excited to become part of the community and contribute to this important work.”

Lufkin has dedicated more than 20 years to higher education, serving in a variety of leadership roles focused on student success, workforce development and institutional growth. In April 2021, he was named president of the South Campus at Tarrant County College (TCC) in Fort Worth, Texas, where he led initiatives to expand access, strengthen academic and workforce programs and improve student outcomes. He began his career as an elementary school teacher in Arizona and has continued teaching throughout his career, serving as an adjunct instructor. Prior to joining TCC, Lufkin served as president of Paul D. Camp Community College in Virginia, vice president for student affairs at Thomas Nelson Community College (now Virginia Peninsula Community College) and held progressive leadership roles at GateWay Community College in Phoenix, Arizona.

In his roles, Lufkin led collegewide efforts focusing on recruitment, retention and completion, resulting in measurable increases in student enrollment and a 29% growth in awards, certificates and degrees. He played a key role in developing and expanding high-demand academic and workforce programs, including healthcare, aviation, construction and advanced manufacturing, while strengthening pathways from high school to career. He serves on the Executive Board of the Tarrant County Workforce Solutions Board and previously served on the Virginia Board of Workforce Development, where he contributed to aligning education with regional and state workforce needs. His work reflects a strong commitment to building partnerships with industry, community organizations and K-12 systems to create meaningful opportunities for students and the communities the college serves.

Lufkin enjoys staying active through hiking and playing basketball and values spending time with his wife and their children.

To assist with a smooth transition process, John J. "Ski" Sygielski, MBA, Ed.D., the longest-serving president in HACC’s history, will transition to an advisor to Lufkin on June 3, 2026. Sygielski will serve in this capacity until July 3, 2026.

Sygielski said, “Serving as HACC’s president and CEO for nearly 15 years has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life. Together, with extraordinary colleagues, dedicated partners and steadfast supporters, we have transformed thousands of lives, destinies and family trees across Central Pennsylvania. I carry deep gratitude for everyone who has championed our students and this remarkable College along the way.

"As HACC turns the page to its next chapter, I am filled with optimism and confidence in what lies ahead. I look forward to supporting Dr. Lufkin as he leads the College in advancing opportunities for the next generation of learners, ensuring HACC continues to be a powerful engine of access, innovation and student success.”

In August 2024, Sygielski announced his plans to retire from the College. To learn about a few of Sygielski’s successes as president and CEO, please visit this webpage.

For additional details on the presidential search, please visit this webpage.

To download an image of HACC’s eighth president, please use this link. 

All media requests related to HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, and the announcement of the College’s eighth president must be submitted using this online form.

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 distance education; 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.