Dr. Michael Buccilli is the director of advising and holistic student supports. In this role, he collaborates with colleges to develop, assess, and refine strategies that enhance student persistence, retention, and equitable attainment of postsecondary credentials. Driven by the belief that every student — regardless of their background — can earn a postsecondary credential and secure a family-sustaining wage, Dr. Buccilli’s work is focused on student success and equity.
With over two decades of experience in education, he has held leadership roles across academic and student affairs, enrollment management, and academic advising at the campus, system, and state levels. A hallmark of his career is his ability to design and implement innovative programs that deliver measurable results, while leveraging partnerships and resources to drive long-term success and sustainability.
Dr. Buccilli’s experience spans all levels of student support, from entry-level case management to work as an associate vice president, and includes leading projects ranging from small-scale, grant-funded pilots to large, state-wide initiatives. His expertise in academic advising, social work, and counseling has enabled him to break down institutional silos and create integrated systems that support the whole student from admission through completion.
Before joining ATD, Dr. Buccilli held two key state-level positions: first as Guided Pathways manager at Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, and later as associate vice president for student success management at CT State Community College. In these roles, he led the development and implementation of a holistic case management advising model that supported over 60,000 students across 12 campuses. The Guided Pathways (GP) advising program earned national recognition for its outcomes and positive impact on historically marginalized and underserved students.
Earlier in his career, Dr. Buccilli served as director of advising and student success and director of career services and veterans affairs at Gateway Community College, as well as director of employment and training at the Women and Families Center, Inc.
Education:
Ed.D. (Educational Leadership and Policy) | Central Connecticut State University
M.S.W. (Management and Nonprofit Administration) | Southern Connecticut State University
B.S.W. (Social Work) | University of Vermont
Past Experience:
Associate Vice President | CT State Community College
Guided Pathways Manager | Connecticut State Colleges and Universities
Director of Counseling and Student Success | Gateway Community College
Director of Career Services and Veterans Affairs | Gateway Community College
Director of Employment and Training | Women and Families Center, Inc.