Jefferson College Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Jefferson College has 4 executives leading key functions including governance, district administration, and institutional leadership.

Committed to academic excellence and community development, Jefferson College provides diverse transfer programs and technical career training to empower students across the Missouri region through accessible education.

Leadership Roles at Jefferson College

  • President Board of Trustees - Margaret Passmore
  • District President, The Central (East) - Joseph Pappas
  • President - Dena McCaffrey
  • President - Raymond Cummiskey
  • Margaret Passmore - President Board of Trustees

    Margaret Passmore, the President Board of Trustees at Jefferson College, directs the governance framework and policy oversight for the institution. This leadership role involves maintaining fiscal accountability and ensuring alignment with the educational mission of the college. By chairing board meetings, Passmore facilitates strategic decision-making regarding campus infrastructure and long-term academic planning. The President Board of Trustees monitors institutional compliance with state regulations while fostering partnerships with local business leaders to enhance technical career programs. Margaret Passmore also evaluates the performance of executive leadership to guarantee operational efficiency across all departments. Through rigorous oversight of the college budget, the President Board of Trustees secures the financial stability necessary for student success. This position requires constant collaboration with the administration to address evolving needs within the Missouri educational landscape. Ultimately, the board ensures that the institution remains a cornerstone of community development and workforce readiness.
    Margaret Passmore

    Joseph Pappas - District President, The Central (East)

    Joseph Pappas, the District President, The Central (East) at Jefferson College, manages administrative operations and regional outreach initiatives. This role focuses on expanding access to transfer programs and customized business training throughout the central and eastern districts. By coordinating with faculty and staff, the District President, The Central (East) optimizes curriculum delivery to meet current industry demands. Joseph Pappas also oversees the integration of continuing education services, ensuring that local workforce needs receive priority attention. This leadership function involves managing complex budgets and allocating resources to support student-centered learning environments. Through active engagement with regional stakeholders, the District President, The Central (East) strengthens the institutional footprint and promotes academic growth. The position requires balancing immediate operational requirements with the broader strategic goals of the college. By fostering a culture of innovation, the administration drives improvements in student retention and graduation rates across the entire district.

    Dena McCaffrey - President

    Dena McCaffrey, the President at Jefferson College, architects the overarching vision and strategic direction for the entire institution. This executive role involves leading the college through complex academic transitions and enhancing the quality of technical career programs. By collaborating with the Board of Trustees, the President ensures that institutional policies support student achievement and community engagement. Dena McCaffrey also manages high-level partnerships with industry leaders to align educational offerings with regional workforce requirements. This leadership position requires overseeing the daily operations of all academic departments while maintaining a focus on fiscal sustainability. Through the implementation of innovative teaching methodologies, the President drives improvements in student outcomes and institutional reputation. The role involves representing the college at state-level educational forums to advocate for increased funding and resources. Ultimately, the President fosters an environment of excellence that prepares students for success in a competitive global economy.
    Dena McCaffrey

    Raymond Cummiskey - President

    Raymond Cummiskey, the President at Jefferson College, executes the strategic initiatives necessary to maintain the institution as a leader in higher education. This role focuses on the expansion of transfer programs and the development of specialized training modules for local businesses. By supervising the academic leadership team, the President ensures that all departments adhere to rigorous standards of excellence. Raymond Cummiskey also manages the allocation of institutional resources to support campus-wide infrastructure projects and technological upgrades. This leadership function involves navigating the complexities of higher education administration to improve student accessibility and success rates. Through consistent communication with faculty and staff, the President promotes a collaborative culture dedicated to lifelong learning. The position requires balancing the immediate needs of the student body with the long-term goals of the college. By prioritizing community-based education, the administration strengthens the economic vitality of the region and supports diverse career pathways.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Jefferson College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Jefferson College?
    Jefferson College is led by Margaret Passmore (President Board of Trustees), along with executives such as Joseph Pappas (District President, The Central (East)) and Dena McCaffrey (President).
    Who is part of Jefferson College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Jefferson College includes leaders such as Margaret Passmore (President Board of Trustees), Joseph Pappas (District President, The Central (East)), Dena McCaffrey (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Jefferson College have?
    Jefferson College has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Jefferson College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Jefferson College includes roles such as President Board of Trustees, District President, The Central (East), President, President.