After Shirley M. Collado, former president of Ithaca College, departed her position, the college has established a new scholarship that will aim to give tuition assistance to first-generation students in her name.
In a December 2021 announcement, David H. Lissy ’87, chair of the Ithaca College Board of Trustees, and Vice Chair Jim Nolan ’77 announced the Dr. Shirley M. Collado and A. Van Jordan Endowed Scholarship, in honor of Collado and her husband, A. Van Jordan. The statement also announced that Collado will be receiving the Latin honor President Emerita — a Latin honors distinction awarded when one leaves an institution that allows them to retain the title of their position.
The college’s previous presidents, Peggy Ryan Williams and Tom Rochon, were both awarded President Emerita. The reasoning in the announcement was for Collado’s leadership of the college during the pandemic and her implementation of Ithaca Forever, the strategic plan that aims to restructure the college to fit changing demographics.
“We have greatly appreciated her help and support during this period of transition, and we know that she will excel in continuing her life’s work of supporting college access and success for deserving students,” the email said.
Collado served as president for just over four years, the shortest tenure of all nine of the college’s presidents. She announced her resignation July 8 and stepped down Aug. 30. Collado’s resignation took place just months after she approved the Academic Program Prioritization (APP) process, which involved the elimination of 116 full-time equivalent (FTE) faculty positions. Concerns regarding the lack of transparency surrounding the process led to multiple protests throughout the spring semester.
After leaving the college, Collado became the president and chief executive officer of College Track, a college completion program that aims to break barriers for first-generation students.
“As a first-generation student herself, she has championed efforts to recruit, retain and support these valued members of our campus community,” the email said. “The board is proud to contribute to Dr. Collado’s legacy in this meaningful way.”
