President Bartley Retires

On Jan.1 the longest serving and one of the most influential community college presidents in Massachusetts, Dr. David Bartley, retired. This closes out another phase of a varied and highly distinguished career.

Bartley graduated from Holyoke Junior College in 1954. This true community based college would later become Holyoke Community College. He went on to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst for a B.A. in government. Later he returned to UMass for his M.Ed. and Ed.D.

Beginning his career as a teacher, Bartley taught history for five years in the Springfield public schools. Then, in 1963, he launched a legislative career by winning a seat in the state House of Representatives. In an astoundingly rapid rise, Bartley was elected Majority Leader in 1965 and then Speaker in 1969, serving until he left the legislature in 1975.

That was the year he was appointed President of Holyoke Community College. Dr. Bartley took over from its founder, Dr. George Frost, and became the only Massachusetts community college president to preside over his alma mater.

Holyoke Community College made tremendous strides during Bartley's tenure. Enrollments tripled. Degree offerings doubled. Con struction added a campus center in 1980, an athletic and recreation center in 2000 and a business center is planned to open in 2005. He also established the first community college foundation in the state.

Gov. Edward King tapped Dr. Bartley to serve as his Executive Secretary of Administration and Finance in 1982. This is one of the most powerful appointed positions in state government, at that time overseeing a budget of $7 billion. Gov. King has said that Bartley "helped so spectacularly!"

Because of his extensive government experience and his long service, President Bartley has been a leader among the community college presidents. Several current and former presidents have attested to the education he has provided them and the political influence he has used in behalf of community colleges.

From the Union standpoint Dr. Bartley has been a good friend. Former MCCC President (and current Treasurer), Phil Mahler has pointed out that "President Bartley and several other of the presidents, notably Andy Scibelli (STCC)... formed a joint committee with the MCCC to get the classification study funded. There was a real commitment there." "President Bartley's expertise in legislative matters was most valuable on this campaign, as well as his personal efforts. He gave us some advice at one point that was invaluable in getting the funding done in the summer of 2000 just before the legislature went out of session. Otherwise, who knows what would have happened."

Joe LeBlanc, MCCC Vice President said, "We are indeed losing a giant. David Bartley has contributed so much to the Commonwealth and Holyoke Community College. I wonder when it comes to naming a building after him if they have one big enough to do him and his life's work justice. I wish him well."

Bartley's unique combination of attributes and experience are unlikely to ever be duplicated. Yet these are precisely what community colleges in Massachusetts will need in their leaders. There will be a continuing challenge to find individuals who can rise to the task and build on the legacy of leaders like David Bartley.