Dr. Peter A. Spina
Monroe Community College (MCC) is honoring the life of Dr. Peter A. Spina, the College’s longest-serving president, whose leadership, vision, and dedication helped shape MCC into the institution it is today. His passing is deeply felt across the community, yet his lasting impact continues to guide the college and reflects the values he championed throughout his career. Spina’s legacy endures – a life and career that have inspired countless students, colleagues, and community members.
Peter was a high school and college baseball phenom, ultimately becoming a star pitcher at University at Albany, where he received regional and national recognition. Peter, often referred to as “Lefty,” set multiple pitching records, some of which remained intact 60 years later. He even held an NCAA record for striking out 21 batters. Peter was recruited by the Boston Red Sox, but an injury prevented him from pursuing a professional baseball career.
In 1981, Peter was named President of MCC. Known to many as “Doc,” Peter led the College through a period of remarkable growth—doubling enrollment and establishing MCC as one of the premier community colleges in the nation.
He was known as a pioneer in education, establishing the MCC Foundation in 1983—one of the first and quickly one of the best foundations in the country.
He went on to launch the 2+2 program at MCC in 1985, an on-campus childcare center in 1991, a Downtown Campus in 1992, an Applied Technologies Center in 1997, and MCC’s first online classes in 1997.
Peter played a key role in elevating the MCC Athletic Program to national prominence. From 1988 to 1993, he served as Presidential Liaison to the National Junior College Athletic Association, where he was appointed by the American Association of Community Colleges to the executive committee to provide presidential guidance on complex athletic matters.
During his 18-year career at the College, Peter implemented impactful innovations to meet the needs of the Greater Rochester community while upholding his promise that MCC would be a college for the students. Thanks to his leadership, MCC achieved induction into the League for Innovation in the Community College, the most prestigious organization of community colleges in the nation.
In recognition of his transformative leadership and lasting impact on MCC, Peter received numerous honors. He was awarded the Thomas Peters Leadership Award and named one of the top 50 transformational leaders in American community colleges. In 1998, he was recognized as Outstanding CEO by the Association of Community College Trustees and was elected Commissioner of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. The following year, he became the first-ever honorary lifetime member of the American Association of Community Colleges.
In the early 2000s, Peter was recruited by the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce to lead High Technology of Rochester, Inc., a consortium that established and managed a technology business incubator, bringing his expertise in economic development and technology to the region. He later returned to academic leadership, serving as president at several institutions.
After nearly five decades in higher education, Peter retired to enjoy golf and a more leisurely life.
Peter’s leadership in the field of education shaped not only the institutions he served but the lives of countless students. He did much more than drive policy and oversee programs; he devoted himself to people. He listened, encouraged, challenged and uplifted, all with his signature humor and quick wit. In doing so, he transformed a campus into a community and a community into a family. He believed education was not merely about earning a degree but about enriching lives. His legacy is not just found in buildings or titles but in the countless lives changed for the better because of his kindness, his conviction and his unwavering dedication to service. He will be remembered not just today but for generations to come.
Peter A. Spina passed away peacefully on November 25, 2025. At his request, there will be no formal service in his memory. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Monroe Community College Foundation, 1000 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14623 in his memory.