NH College & University Council Hires New President/CEO

Mike Vlacich (right), new president and CEO of NHCUC, receiving a 25 for the Future citation from Sean Mahoney (left), former publisher of Business NH Magazine, for his contributions to the state. Photo: BNH

After a wide-reaching national search among an array of candidates, the New Hampshire College & University Council (NHCUC) in Concord hired Mike Vlacich to succeed retiring president and CEO Tom Horgan, effective June 1^st of this year.

Founded in 1966, the NHCUC is a nonprofit consortium of 21 public and private institutions of higher education in the state which aim to improve quality and affordability. Some of the organization's main goals are to coordinate initiatives among admission, library, career and academic offices; promote greater awareness of higher education in NH; and provide forums for discussion of issues in higher education.

“The NHCUC provides an impressive and unique platform for collaboration between public and private colleges along with business and political leadership that I believe creates opportunity for students, communities and businesses and to protect the well-being of our state’s future,” says Vlacich.  “I am honored and excited to get started.”

A graduate of the University of New Hampshire in Durham, Vlacich has 15 years of experience in federal and state government positions working for NH Governors and U.S. Senators, including John Lynch, Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan.  He most recently worked as the NH state director for Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign and interim state director for Maggie Hassan's senate campaign. He was previously a member of the board of trustees for the University System of New Hampshire and also worked as the director of the NH Division of Economic Development, both in Concord.

“[Vlacich] is a product of New Hampshire education and is clearly passionate about the important role both our private and public institutions play in supporting a vibrant economy,” says Todd Leach, chancellor of the University System of New Hampshire and chair of the NHCUC. He adds that Vlacich has "exemplary experience and a strong history of success working in complex environments that rely on relationships and collaboration."

Lucille Jordan, president of Nashua Community College, says Vlacich expressed interest in “doing more to highlight the uniqueness of each individual campus, all while working collaboratively to better connect our schools with business and political leaders to maximize resources to benefit our students.” 

NHCUC recently completed a three year operational strategic plan, which include goals to improve collaboration with the business community and recruitment of students to NH colleges and universities. “NHCUC is in capable hands,” says Horgan, outgoing president and CEO.  “I have high hopes for the continued growth and success of this organization, and I know [Vlacich] will be successful.”